We Indians love our food, especially the snacks and delicacies that are part of our Indian cuisine. However, did you know that some dishes that have become a part of our country’s cuisine originated in some far-off lands?

Let’s look at foods that are Indian but not ‘originated in India’. Some of these just might break your heart…

Chai (Tea)

Did you know that it was the British who brought chai to India? The Chinese used to consume it as a medicinal drink, but the British soon discovered its delightful properties. Wanting to break China’s monopoly over tea, they taught the cultivation techniques to the tribal communities in the North-East and offered incentives to the British interested in cultivating tea in India. India is one of the world’s biggest producers and consumers of tea.

Rajma

Usually prepared in a spicy gravy after soaking the beans overnight, Rajma chawal is a staple dish in the North Indian households and commonly served with steamed rice. However, the delicious rajma was only created when Portugal brought kidney beans from Central Mexico to India. Even the preparation method of the bean is similar to the ones found in Mexican cuisine!

Jalebi

This delicious sweet dish was brought to us by the Muslim traders from Persia, where it had a slightly different taste and texture. It was in India that the jalebi got its distinct form - crispness, colour and sticky sweetness. Today, jalebi is a popular dish in the dessert course and eaten on special occasions and festivals across the country.

Samosa

This popular spiced potatoes-filled fried snack is available in nearly all parts of our large country with many regional variations. Interestingly, it has originated from the Middle East, where the fillings included meat, nuts and spices! Originally known as ‘sambosa’, it was introduced to Indians by traders from Central Asia in the 14th century.

Do you know of any other Indian dishes that were brought to the country from around the world? Let us know in the comments!