10 Savory Foods You Need To Try In New Delhi, India Before You Die – Arabian Sea
Port of Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Located on the southwestern shores of India, Port of Mangalore is an all-weather port and the 9th biggest in the country. This port is based on activities that support agricultural products, handling India‘s coffee and cashew nuts exports. It is also the terminal of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited.
Port of Mangalore serves the hinterland of Kartanaka state and other nearby areas including the Yamuna River Port of New Delhi. Yamuna River Port is a tributary of the Ganges River and it passes through the heart of this city.
About the Arabian Sea
Located in the northern region of the Indian Ocean, this body of water is bordered by Somalia and the Arabian peninsula on the west, Iran and Pakistan to the north and India by the east. Sometimes it is known as the Sea of Oman and has been an important trade route since the 3rd century B.C.
It has been named after the Arab traders who controlled the area during the 9th century A.D. to the late Medieval period. Countries that have a coastline along the Arabian Sea are India, the Maldives, Pakistan, Oman, Yemen and Somalia. Considered as one of the largest seas in the world, this is an important area for international shipping as it has a link via the Suez Canal due to its proximity to the Red Sea (Indian Ocean).
An Overview on New Delhi
New Delhi is an area of larger Delhi City along the National Capital Territory of India. While it is the capital of the country, it is just a portion of Delhi. It has been through a lot of civilizations since 6 B.C. hence it was destroyed several times and rebuilt again every time it is governed by a new empire.
Regarded as the heartbeat of the nation, this city has been ruled by Delhi Sultanate to Mughals and then the British. Sometimes it’s called “Lutyen’s Delhi” as it was designed by the British architects- Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens. When King George V of the UK visited India in 1911, he announced the capital to be moved from Calcutta to Delhi and in 1931 it was inaugurated as the country’s capital.
A city of diverse population and multi-cultural beliefs, during India‘s independence from British rule in 1947 thousands of Hindu and Sikh refugees fled from Muslim Pakistan and landed in Delhi. As a result, it emerged as the 2nd most populated city in the world and naturally a polluted one as well. However, New Delhi is the regional seat of world organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO.
In July, 2012 aboard the M/T Adafera, we anchored at Delhi’s Yamuna River Port for oil discharging. At New Delhi area, it is not only the country’s capital but the destination of food connoisseurs as well. It is popular with a diversity of foods and dishes. Indeed a one stop area of various cuisines to spice up your taste buds, here are 10 savory foods you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die. Just make sure you are not hungry while reading this article.
1. Biryani
Ubiquitous in restaurants and a savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die, biryani is an aromatic serving in a mouth-watering mix of basmati rice, chunks of meat (chicken, lamb or beef) and of course spices. The best version which I’ve tried is dum biryani which is slow-cooked in a sealed pot.
2. Butter chicken
A savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die, butter chicken is a tandoori chicken basically but with a butter sauce. A story goes that a cook accidentally poured the left-over tandoori chicken on a cream and butter mix. The blend of curry, cream, butter and tomatoes was a sensational hit and the butter chicken recipe was conceived.
3. Kebabs
A famous street dish brought to the country by Afghan conquerors, it truly is a savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die. Kebabs are grilled chunks of meat or fish marinated with tangy Indian spices and other secret ingredients.
4. Paranthas
Regarded as the queen of the breakfast table in Delhi homes, paranthas is a flatbread similar to a pancake. A savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die, paranthas is sometimes stuffed or just plain. It’s best paired with butter, pickles or curd.
5. Momos
A Tibetan inspired cuisine, momos are actually tasty dumplings that come with a fiery red sauce. Another favorite street fare and a savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die.
6. Jalebi
A savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die, a jalebi is made from fermented butter then fried in ghee ( a kind of lard in India). It’s shaped into pretzel-sized rings and soaked in hot, sugary syrup. Served hot at streets in Delhi, jalebi is so crisp and chewy when eaten.
7. Chaat
Another tasty snack and a savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die. This is a fried dough with a tangy sauce. It comes in varieties of bhel puri (puffed rice, vegetables and tamarind sauce), papri (with a youghurt sauce) or aloo (potato mix). A must-try when you visit New Delhi.
8. Kulfi
The Indian ice cream which originated from the Punjab region. Kulfi is a caramelized condensed milk with dried fruits mixture then chilled. A savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die, pista kulfi or the pistachio flavor is mostly the favorite of tourists. The bits of crushed nuts (sometimes fruits) with the thick texture of cream is heaven to dessert lovers.
9. Lassi
A savory food you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die, lassi is a traditional yoghurt drink that comes in various flavors. This is important for you to have a glass of it when you’re in Delhi. It cools down the fiery taste that built up in your mouth after tasting all those tangy dishes. The carein (milk protein) in the lassi curbs the spice and aids in cooling your mouth down, so it’s flavorful and functional.
10. Chai
It’s the Indian tea which sums up the 10 savory foods you need to try in New Delhi, India before you die. This is prepared by adding hot water and ginger to the tea. Bhojan ka aanand len! (Happy eating.)
I hope this article will be of help when you wish to visit New Delhi someday. The food culture of this city is a generous mix of diverse influences which you should not hesitate to try. Let the food lover in you indulge in these magical cuisines when you’re exploring the city as you will only experience them once in a lifetime. Apare din ka aanand len. (Enjoy your day.)
Reference: Wikipedia