There is a saying in the ancient Vedic texts, “You are what you eat”. In fact, food also goes a long way in the determining of consciousnesses or our state of mind. Food in India is categorized based on rasas and doshas. Certain foods can be the grounds for varying ailments, causing the misbalance of life airs while other foods can correct these doshas. Food alone was used as a medicinal property in bygone times, both in the treatment of external and internal wounds. Food is a science and art in itself. Indian food is the oldest of all nationalities, tracing back to thousands of years of time honored recipes; with its ubiquitous presence felt everywhere due to its growing popularity.

Here are some fun facts that are bound to surprise you: 

1. Gulab jamun is not a dish that is exclusive to India. Infact, there is a very similar dish that involves the dipping of  flour balls in syrup prevalent in the Mediterranean regions. It went by the name, “Luqumat al Quadi”. A bit of a  tongue twister that one.
2. Samosas are known to have existed in the Middle East as well. Dhal chawal and dhal bhaat is said to have  actually originated from Nepal. Actually India encompassed many of our neighboring countries, atleast from the  perspective of our great religious epics. Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, to name a few.
3. Jalebis, astonishing as it, is said to have its roots in the Middle East, donning a rather unique name, “Zalebi”
4. Coffee and tea, neither of these drinks was known to India before the entry of British to India. It was only after British colonization, that chai, so to speak became a household name.
5. Chicken tikka masala was originally invented in a restaurant in Scotland by Indian migrants. So no, this recipe was definitely not fashioned in India.
6. India is the largest producer of spices in the world, earning the reputation of “The land of spices”. Spice and India go hand in hand.
7. India also grows a variety of rice crops like white, brown, red, sticky and black. In fact, India and China are said to be the only countries in the whole world that grows this crop.
8. There is a certain chili by the name of “bhot jolokia” that grows in the North Eastern part of the country. This is said to be the hottest chili in the world, a record breaking 400 times hotter than Tobasco sauce!
9. India is home to hundreds of desserts, more so than anywhere else in the world.
10. Our ancient Indian kitchens had equipment that would be considered like vintage pieces that should be in a  museum. The olden day’s kitchen was open in the courtyard.
11. Indian flatbreads like Naan and Kulcha was brought by the Mughals. Roti and naan is now cooked in automatic machines like Rotimatic. The rotimatic reviews give an extensive analysis on the product’s features and operational facilities.
12. Tomato, chilies and potatoes were apparently brought by the Portuguese. No one really knows if that’s really     true.