Himanshi
Most popular cuisines in the world bring people together and cross cultural boundaries. Some of the many culinary traditions stand out because they are loved and influential everywhere. These cuisines range from India’s flavourful Chicken tikka masala to Italy’s cheesy pizzas. In this discussion, we will look at some of the most popular cuisines in the world and discover what makes them so special and well-loved.
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Seven Most Popular Cuisines In The World
Indian cuisines
Indian cuisines are known to be diverse and vibrant. Currently, Indian cuisines are famous and can be seen across the globe. The foods are famous not just for their unique taste but also for their preparation methods. Due to the varying soil types and geographical variations, the staple diets vary in every different region of India.
As there are regions of plains, the staple diet there is seen to include wheat due to the extreme fertility of the soil, whereas the regions around Punjab state of India can be seen as filled with sugarcanes. With legumes, lentils, exclusive fruits, vegetables and coconut production, there is barely anything that Indian food doesn’t contain or cultivate. Moreover, there are also some varieties of fruits and vegetables that we can see exclusively in India.
Further, there are also a number of species and herbs that are used in Indian cooking and the export of these spices is famous across the globe. If we look into the history and the origin of a few of the Indian foods, one needs to pay attention to the vast colonial history of India. The colonialism and the regime of different countries and people in India have shaped its food culture in a certain way.
The Islamic invasion of India introduced fruits such as melons, plums, and apricots; the kebabs and some of the biryanis were also a part of that new food list, which was added later.
Must try: Palak Paneer, Matan Rogan Josh, Naan, Chana Masala, Butter Chicken and Fish curry
Thai Cuisines
The history and the origin of Thai cuisine go beyond the simple cooking of it in contemporary times. It has evolved over decades into an art form. The Thai Royal Food was said to have originated in the Ayutthaya dynasty in 1351-1767 CE. Thai Cuisine has been influenced by many nations, a few of them including India and China as well.
The ingredients are influenced by the Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the methods of cooking and often preserving food have been influenced by China. The food is traditionally prepared through selected methods. These methods include stewing, baking, and grilling, but over the course of decades, new methods and techniques have been introduced, such as frying.
The Portuguese diplomatic expedition also had an impact on Thai food as they brought Western influence to this place. One of the most prominent ingredients in Thai food is the Chilli pepper, which is believed to have a Western impact dating back to the 16th to 17th century.
Must try: Thai Chicken Satay, Pad Thai, Thai Fillet of Fish Baked in Banana Leaves, and Thai Mini Shrimp Lettuce Wraps ·
Mexican cuisines
Mexican cuisine has a long history, going back thousands of years. It comes from a mix of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking and Spanish food traditions brought during the colonial period. The ancient Aztecs, Mayans, and other native peoples used main ingredients like corn, beans, chilli peppers, and tomatoes. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they added new ingredients such as rice, wheat, and various meats.
However, there are regional variations in the Mexican cuisines; they are divided broadly into three main categories. These restaurants are North Mexico, which is known for varying meat dishes; South Mexico, which is popular due to its richness in Indigenous ingredients and sauces; and Coastal areas, which are well known for mouth-watering seafood such as fish tacos and shrimp cocktails.
This blend created the diverse and tasty Mexican food we know today, with dishes like tacos, enchiladas, mole, and tamales. There are some staple ingredients and aromatics that are seen in the cooking of Mexican food. These ingredients include corn, beans, chilli peppers, tomatoes and cilantro.
Must try: Enchiladas, Mole, Tamales, Pozole, and Tacos
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Japanese Cuisines
The Japanese cuisines and food are seen as more than just diets. They are also an important and prominent part of their culture. One might be able to notice easily that the Japanese cuisines are vibrant and separated into small dishes. This dining style is said to have originated in the Kamakura Period.
It is believed that it was adopted from the typical Chinese style, which serves food in a certain way. Being a nation filled with islands, they have a diet rich in Rice and Fish. One more influence of China on eating habits can be seen in the use of Chopsticks. The custom of using chopsticks is believed to have been observed and derived from China, and it grew significantly in Japan in a short time period.
Later, it was in the mid-1800s that Japanese cuisine changed again, and a few things were also introduced. One such thing was Whiskey, and it was only around the 20th century that they started brewing it as well. It was with the help of trade routes that Japan had access to a range of ingredients.
Must try: Sushi, Ramen, Unagi, Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Sukiyaki.
Chinese Cuisines
Chinese cuisine is known to be one of the oldest cuisines in the world. It is also one of the most diverse cuisines compared to any other cuisines in the world. Chinese cuisine is divided broadly into four categories. These categories are fruits, vegetables, meats and grains. There are only a few traces of dairy and dairy products in them.
However, the alternatives for dairy products can be seen widely that fulfil their protein requirements, such as Tofu and soy milk. It has also been influenced by other food items throughout Asia and has successfully influenced many countries into adopting their eating habits as well. The foreign cuisines were absorbed into the Chinese diet through their trade and curiosity to expand.
One more feature that makes Chinese cuisine popular is the merging of herbal medicines with their food while cooking to make a balanced meal. The food in China is also shaped according to the demands of the elites. It is a popular belief in China that eating good food together develops unity and brings togetherness among family members and close friends.
Lastly, Chinese cuisines are rather popularised by regional variations and differ due to geographical differences.
Must try: Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Peking Roast Duck, Mapo Tofu, Chow Mein, Chinese Hot Pot, Spring Rolls, and Wonton Soup.
French Cuisines
French cuisine is considered the most prestigious and respectable in the world due to its simplicity, uniqueness and fresh, simple and rich flavours. In 1951, Francois Pierre La Varenne published his first French book titled Le Cusinier Francois. In 1799, it further helped to spread the study of cooking. French cuisine started developing in the late 19th century by George August as coffee, which is now referred to as hot cuisine.
Over the years, various social-political moments and groups of great chefs came together to make this unique style of French cooking. The Renaissance era was marked as a very crucial movement for French cuisine. Friendship and cooks were exposed to new techniques and engaged in cooking methods and flavours from the country across.
In is a popular tale that the mid-15th century, Catherine, the medicine, moved to France from Italy to marry future king Henry Second, and with her, she brought educated cooks, which helped the French cuisine to start.
Must try: Bouillabaisse, Tarte Tatin, French onion soup, Escargot, Chocolate soufflé, Crêpes, and Salade Niçoise.
Italian Cuisines
Italian cuisine consists of many different food traditions, each one of them is known with its own association with something special. One such example that we can observe is that of Sicily, which is famous for seafood, whereas Tuscany is known for its rather simple meals. It is well-known that people from other countries love Italian food too.
One classic example of this is dishes like pizza and pasta, which are very popular in places like America. Italian cooking uses specific ingredients such as tomatoes, eggplants, pasta, cured meats, and cheese. Their tasty desserts are also a great to enjoy at the end of the delicious meal. Italian cuisines have influenced many countries, and people everywhere enjoy it.
They often add their own local ingredients to Italian cuisines, making them unique. The main thing to know about Italian cooking is that real Italian dishes use only a few ingredients. These ingredients must be very fresh and high quality. It is believed that if an ingredient isn’t good enough, Italians will either find a better one or not make the dish at all.
Each ingredient needs to stand out because there are only a few in the recipe. Furthermore, they always use fresh ingredients. Italian food culture emphasises using fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than complicated cooking methods.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the popular cuisines that we have discussed around the world give us different tastes, ingredients, and cultural backgrounds. Whether it’s the cosy feeling of Italian pasta, the strong flavours of Indian curry, or the careful making of Japanese sushi, these food traditions make our meals better and help us feel close to different cultures. By enjoying and exploring these foods, one can honour and appreciate the diverse history of cooking worldwide, and we come together happily through our shared love of food.
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