Punjabis | Differences between North and South Indian Food

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Punjabis: 10 differences between North and South Indian Food

India is a very diverse country and has multiple different cultures that differ in language, traditions and of course cuisine.

India has a lot of variety in terms of cooking and different parts of India, such as North, South, East, and West all use different methods and ingredients to cook.

Let’s look at the 10 major differences between the Northern and Southern food; along with a way to tell them apart.

1. The staple crop in North India is wheat, so most dishes are based around this crop. This crop is mainly used to make naans, parathas, rotis, chapattis, etc.

2. The food can be both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian. North India grows a variety of fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, and spices, which are all prominently found in different dishes.

3. The base of North Indian foods includes onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. The breads that are influenced by the Arabs include tandoori rotis and naans.

4. North Indian food heavily relies on curries, spices, ghee, and oil. Though plain white rice is also a part of the cuisine, it is more commonly made into pulaos (pilafs) or biryanis.

5. Spices and ingredients that are used include coriander, cumin, dry red chilies, turmeric, chili powder, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, garam masala, aniseed/fennel, etc. North Indian curries use heavy cream and yogurt for bases and are moderately spicy.

6. Sothern Indians dishes most commonly include rice and coconut in their dishes, as rice is the staple crop in South India. Coconut is used to make various kinds of chutneys, and curries.

7. A mix of rice and lentils are used to make the most popular food of the South; dosas and idlis.

8. Seafood dishes are also commonly found in the South.

9. Southern dishes can also be vegetarian and non-vegetarian. South Indian dishes are much spicier than northern dishes.

10. Key Difference: North Indian cuisine has been heavily influenced by the Arabs and Persians and the dishes are much heavier and creamier. South Indian dishes are heavily influenced by rice and coconut and the dishes have higher water content.