History
Spices
Popular Dishes
Origins
Indian Cuisine Trivia
100

This ancient civilization, dating back over 5000 years, saw the early cultivation of spices like turmeric and black pepper.

What is the Indus Valley Civilization?

100

This bright yellow spice has anti-inflammatory properties and a warm, earthy flavor.

What is turmeric?

100

This fragrant rice dish is cooked with spices and meat or vegetables, originating from Mughal cuisine.

What is biryani?

100

This flatbread has roots tracing back to ancient Persia and became popular in India with the Mughal Empire.

What is naan?

100

Indian cuisine is known for its flavorful use of these ingredients, stored in a special container called a masala dabba.

What are spices?

200

During this period, the spice trade boomed, making Indian spices famous worldwide.

What is the Middle Ages?

200

This spice has a nutty and aromatic flavor and is used whole or ground for a warm taste.

What is cumin?

200

This dish consists of cubes of Indian cottage cheese marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled.

What is paneer tikka?

200

This spicy curry originated in the Indian state of Goa and was influenced by Portuguese cuisine.

What is vindaloo?

200

This cooking vessel, traditionally made of clay, is used to roast meats and bake breads like naan.

What is a tandoor?

300

This empire, ruling much of India from the 16th to 18th century, introduced new dishes like biryani and kebabs.

What is the Mughal Empire?

300

This spice has a sweet and floral taste and is used in both sweet and savory dishes.

What is cardamom?

300

This chicken dish is marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a clay oven called a tandoor.

What is tandoor chicken?

300

This popular chicken dish was created in Delhi in the 1950s by chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant.

What is butter chicken (or murgh makhani)?

300

This dairy product is used to marinate meats in many Indian dishes and is a key ingredient in dishes like butter chicken.

What is yogurt?

400

These people arrived in India in the late 15th century, introducing new ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, and chilies.

Who are European traders and colonizers?

400

These seeds are pungent and tangy, often tempered in hot oil to release flavor.

What are mustard seeds?

400

This vegetarian dish is made with potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

What is aloo gobi?

400

This snack originated in the Middle East and Central Asia, introduced to India between the 13th and 14th centuries.

What is samosa?

400

This vegetarian-friendly protein source is made from curdled milk and is used in dishes like paneer tikka.

What is paneer (or Indian cottage cheese)?

500

This late 20th and early 21st-century phenomenon led to the fusion of Indian food with global cuisines.

What is globalization?

500

This circular, stainless steel container with multiple compartments is used to store essential spices in Indian households.

What is masala dabba?

500

This popular Indian dessert consists of deep-fried dough balls soaked in fragrant sugar syrup.

What is gulab jamun?

500

This tea has roots in ancient Ayurvedic practices, with its modern version becoming popular during the British colonial period.

What is masala chai?

500

The history of Indian cuisine spans this many years, shaped by the land and resources available to the people.

What is 5000 years?