Epic Food Habits of Different Indian States You Must Know

India is an epic land of vibrant culture, diverse geography, fascinating heritage, and soothing weather. It offers a variety of delicious dishes that each of us loves to enjoy. Different parts of the country have a diverse food culture that follows unique eating habits, for example Bengalis love fish in every meal, Punjabis are addicted to ghee and Gujarati love sweets in every meal. All these food experiments and customs of Indian states pamper our taste buds and create an epic place in our hearts. By studying Indian food habits, one can learn about the culture of various states and UTs in India.

For Indians, food is an emotion. Whatever our mood, good food can heal. We embrace food and its vast world, which is deep and full of variety. Indian food culture has it all: traditional cuisine, Chinese fusion, Mughlai transfer, Awadhi food, continental food and many more. We also have nutritious foods, junk food, and combinations of them.

Major Indian States/UTs and Their Food Traditions

Food habits are highly influenced by weather, geography, culture, religious value of the place, easy availability of food ingredients and many more. These eating habits develop the culinary culture of a particular region, state and university. You can observe different eating habits of people from different places.

Kerala – Uses of Seafood

The south-western state of India Kerala has both sea water and rich farmland. Here you can enjoy both types of food including vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In the state of Kerala, you can observe dietary patterns that include shellfish, coconut, rice, etc. Additionally, Kerala grows vegetables like bitter gourd, plantains, tapioca, taro, and elephant foot kayam which can be found in various delicious cuisines of the state. To taste and observe these Kerala food habits, don’t forget to try Keralite food on the train while traveling to the southern state.

Rajasthan – Dessert for Every Meal

The royal state in northern India is known for its long-lasting food. The cooking practices here are less water and fresh vegetables. Dessert takes a special place while serving food and represents the food habits of Rajasthan. Almost every meal in the state is served with desserts. Malpua, Rasgulla, Gheriya, and Balusahi are the famous sweets of Rajasthan. Besides, snacks like Bikaneri Bhujiya and Pyaaj Kachori are served with tea. Vegetarian food is preferred in Rajasthan. Although non-vegetarian dishes made from red meat are also famous.

Punjab – Use of Butter

Punjabis like to use butter in their food. Mughlai dishes influence most Punjabi cuisines. Paneer Butter Masala, Butter Naan, Sarson ka saag, and Makki di roti are famous Punjabi dishes. Apart from this, Lassi after a meal is one of the most popular eating habits in Punjab. The country produces wheat, rice, and dairy products. You can observe these food ingredients in almost every Punjabi meal.

Assam – Not Spicy Food

The southeastern state of Assam is known for its pure natural beauty and culture. Here you can find authentic Indian dishes and food influenced by neighboring countries like China, Nepal, etc. Assamese food habits favor non-spicy dishes. Moreover, Assamese food culture includes rice and fish curry as staples. Besides meals from the States, you can also find lentils, vegetables, meat, and desserts there.

Maharashtra – Pao Foods

Food habits of Maharashtra mainly include dishes like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav and others. These dishes are usually served with spicy chutney and green mirchi. In the morning they like to eat the famous fast food Vada pav for breakfast. It is a popular street food in Mumbai. Although Vada Pav or Pav dishes are not only in Maharashtra. The state has a variety of delicious Marathi delicacies like Puran Poli, Modak, and Shrikhand and you must try.

Andhra Pradesh – Spicy Food

Food habits of Andhra Pradesh follow both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The coastal region of the state offers delicious seafood like prawns and fish and the interior serves traditional Andhra vegetarian dishes with banana leaves like Pulihora Poppadoms, Pesaratu, Sambar, Rasam, Payasam etc. The taste of food in this state is full of spices. You must experience it when you travel to Andhra Pradesh or pass through it during your train journey. E-sourcing services help you get delicious Andhra food for the train.

Tamil Nadu – Traditional Food Culture

The southern state of Tamil Nadu is known for its diverse cuisine and diverse food culture. Here you can observe traditional culinary methods of cooking, serving, and eating. Here, people usually sit on the ground with all the family members to eat and the food is served on a banana leaf. They also follow healthy eating habits, such as washing hands before eating and cooking. As the state has a good production of coconuts, you can see its influence on the food habits of Tamil Nadu like serving coconut curd with Dosa, Idly etc.

Gujarat – Delicious Vegetarian Food

You must have seen Gujarati’s good manners portrayed in Indian TV serials and Bollywood cinema. It describes Gujarat as a state of appetite. Phapada, Jalebi, and Dhokla are synonymous with Gujarati food habits. Very! The state is a foodie and usually serves vegetarian food, but the food is not limited to Dhokla or Jalebi. Gujarati cuisine is beyond that. Amdavadi pulao, sev tameta, and Undhiyo are some of the must-have Gujarati dishes.

Himachal Pradesh: A Diverse Culinary Spectrum

Himachal Pradesh is a hill state. It has a rich culture, language, traditions, art, and a wide range of cuisines with delicious flavors and aromas. Interestingly, the country uses less vegetables as food ingredients in food preparation. In Himachal Pradesh, a popular sattvic dish, ‘Dham’ is made with only lentils and dairy products. In addition, the cuisines of Himachal Pradesh were dominated by red meat and white bread.

Ladakh – Distinct Food Culture

Ladakh is a Union Territory located in the region of the westernmost mountain ranges of Karakoram and the Himalayas. It has different eating habits than the rest of the country. Its food culture is influenced by Tibetan food. Momos, Thukpa, thenthuk, and skyu are examples of Tibetan food. The enjoyment of locally produced vegetables such as beetroot, potatoes, squash, barley, and beans is also reflected in Ladakhi dietary habits. Additionally, non-vegetarian dishes like yak meat, mutton, and chicken are also popular in winter.

Telangana – Food full of flavors

You must have had the world-famous Biryani. Its taste is incomparable to any food. You must know that the cuisine originates from the state capital. Telangana is known for its delicious food habits. The state uses whole spices, sesame seeds, peanuts, desiccated coconut, red chilies, asafoetida, etc. Some popular dishes include Hyderabadi du Biryani, GI tag Haleem, and Pacchi Pulusu. If you want to enjoy Telangana food while traveling on Indian Railways, you can order authentic Biryani on the train.

Jammu and Kashmir: A Haven for Non-Vegetarians

Known as heaven on earth, Jammu and Kashmir is a breathtaking place in India with beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and mountain peaks. UT is located in the northern part of the country and has a temperate climate, a paradise for foodies and travelers. However, the food habits of Jammu Kashmir are more towards non-vegetarians. Lamb dishes, fish recipes and lamb are very popular. In addition, UT also offers dishes that appease a vegetarian’s taste buds. It offers delicious Dum Olav and Lyodur Tschama for people who prefer vegan and vegetarian food.

Puducherry – The Center of French Food

Eating habits in Puducherry are strongly influenced by French culture and traditions. Here you will find a variety of French dishes, French restaurants, French food habits for serving and eating French cuisine, and much more. In addition, UT is a beautiful tourist destination. You must visit to enjoy the French cuisine and the beauty of the place.

What is your eating habit? What do you mean by that?

In general, food habit refers to how a person, group, society, country or nation prepares, serves, and eats food. This is a huge field that varies from person to person, group to state, and country to country. These customs also improve and change under the influence of different groups of people, nations, and countries.

Here are some common eating habits in India that you should follow.

• In general, Indians eat with the right hand and consider the left hand unclean.
• Serving salt, curd, salad, and Aachar is common in India with main courses.
• Washing hands after and before eating. This is actually one of the healthy eating habits.
• North Indian dishes include extra butter and spices. The main ingredient in South Indian food is rice.
• Check the days before consuming non-vegetarian food.
• Start the day with tea or coffee and dessert with or after a meal.
• Sharing food to show care for a loved one.
• Walking after a meal.

How Can I Observe Different Types of Food Habits?

You can try different foods, live among several social groups, and be attentive to learn about different eating habits. You can even travel with Indian Railways. Because on the train you can try different cuisines and meet many people from different classes, places, and states. You can use Travelkhana’s self-service platform to order food on the train.

With the train food app or website, you can order food by entering your ticket PNR number, selecting your favorite food, and ordering. Travelkhana offers a variety of food on the train including Marathi food, Bihar food, Gujarati food, South Indian food, North Indian food, and many more.

What Types of Food Habits Are Observed on Trains?

People belonging to different religions, classes, and ethnic groups travel together on the train. You see a mixed food culture. You will find people who follow Jainism, vegetarianism, veganism, etc. During your train journey, you may also find people who follow some of what you consider bad eating habits, and then some that you consider good eating habits.

In addition, people can be seen on trains getting healthy and hygienic food on train or buying food from nearby food stalls. Local food mostly does not follow food safety principles. Ordering food from catering services is therefore a healthy way of eating, which ensures hygienic food on the train.