A guide on what to expect and what not to expect in Indian
restaurants for the foodies abroad.
Though I
strongly believe in the thought ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ and I do
enjoy the local flavors of diverse cuisines in this foreign land- the tongue,
eyes and stomach can never stop their craving for Indian food. Residing in
foreign soil for more than a year now, the excitement and happiness to look
around for Indian restaurants continues to stay strong. Though my interest
towards cooking inspires me to stay close to the roots of Indian cuisine, it
cannot replace the joy of enjoying a ready meal in a relaxing ambiance. With
this thought in mind, as me and my husband hunt around for Indian restaurants
and fast-food joints, the joy of experiencing diverse flavors of home country, while
being miles away add to the overall appeal of the food.
With increasing demand for Indian cuisine,
several style of restaurants have made home in the United States. From
authentic South Indian delicacies to true North Indian varieties, from popular
street food dishes to interesting sweets and desserts, Indian cuisine has made
its way into the hearts of people around. One peculiar aspect of these restaurants
that always grabs my attention is their perfect balance between taste and surrounding.
While serving authentic Indian food with its unique touch of spices,
ingredients, preparation and recipes, these restaurants perform an excellent
task of blending it well with the ambiance of the foreign surrounding.
Relishing Indian
cuisine, while being abroad bring back wonderful memories of the home soil.
Though enjoying such Indian food in a restaurant may be an affair of a few
minutes or hours, the experience and ambiance showers a lot more. The
experience certainly seems heart-warming and welcoming, while I admire the same
joy back home. The excitement of spotting a favorite dish on the menu card or
happiness of searching a restaurant that serves the same style of favorite food
truly brings a big, board smile on the face of every NRI!
Sharing these
experiences with family and friends or showing off the happiness of enjoying
authentic Indian cuisine in the foreign land soon turns into a matter of pride,
as it acts as a means to be closer to the Indian residing deep within. Though
these restaurants toil to offer the best possible pure taste with their true
preparation, there are several chances of disappointment along the way. Hoping
to relish the same taste, yet residing miles away can lead to some troubles as
the mind and tongue are still programmed for the flavors from home soil. During
times like these, I realize the contribution of water, soil, climate, local
harvest and environment in offering the final masterpiece. Though one may mimic
these conditions in every possible way, the freshness of air and tanginess of local
spice shall certainly differ.
Besides filling
the stomach with delicious food and pampering the tongue with its authentic
taste, Indian cuisine always drives me over the lane of nostalgia. Though these
restaurants are famous among Indians longing to get a feel of the home land;
some of these are equally famous among local folks, too. Offering them a sneak
peek view of the Indian land, such restaurants can attract them to experience
the real feel of the country.
Such is the magic of
relishing Indian cuisine on the foreign land. While this aspect of Indian
cuisine and food may have been taken for granted while residing back home, it
has truly occupied the center-stage miles away.
Though
I and my husband love the opportunity to explore Indian cuisine, we always
experience a fixed circle of emotions. Starting with interest and excitement,
moving towards appreciation, proceeding towards deep observation, analysis and
discussion and finally ending the conservation with wonders of taste back home,
this order of events is bound to repeat after every adventure. After gaining
valuable feedback and suggestions from our friends around, when we look forward
to the experience of relishing this Indian food, we are almost sure of the
repetition of these events.
As a guide for my fellow NRIs or as a learning
tutorial for all those about to make this land their second home, let me frame certain
useful points of advice. Though individual experiences and encounters differ
for each one, the blogger in me cannot stop herself from doing the obvious-
talking, writing, talking and some more writing. While I share these
experiences with you, enjoy every single piece of information – whether you are
a prospective NRI who can note these for future reference, or an existing
member of the club who can relate with it, whether you are RI (residential
Indian ;) who can draw humor with occasional wish to offer sympathy or a person
confused to decide which club to enter into, sit back and enjoy this gift of
words!
1.
Looks can be deceptive:
While
name of a restaurant may tempt the patriot in you, or its online description
and reviews may bring out the Indian in you, it may not necessarily turn out to
be as expected. Though looks and ambiance may reflect our country in every way,
it may just prove as a deceptive magnet for the Indian foodie in you.
2.
Enter at your own risk:
Now,
though your friends, colleagues and neighbors may give you a patriotic speech
about the true taste and authentic flavors of food served in an Indian
restaurant, do not forget about the diverse varieties within the Indian cuisine
and complexities within various cultures. So while south, north, west and east
of Indian cuisine shall differ by all means, enter at your own risk to
experience the spread as described.
3.
Keep comparisons and analysis at bay:
An
aspect that we learned the hard way, comparing Indian food with the one served
at home can lead to nothing besides disappointment. Though Indian restaurants
abroad toil to offer the best experience to its patrons with close resemblance
to ingredients, taste, flavors and presentation, it is absolutely inappropriate
to compare them with Indian restaurants in India. By handling several
contrasting factors along the way, they truly bear the brunt of expectations.
While
settling in a foreign land, yet offering a cuisine that can appeal to all, this
transaction certainly calls for more hard work and consistent efforts. Enjoying
their offered menu without any preconceived ideas and judgments can enhance the
overall dining experience. As the only means that can connect an NRI back to
the home ground, they certainly deserve the credit, respect and gratitude.
4. Relish your meal with a pinch of salt!
Though
we may not bother much about the ingredients, style, pairing and presentation
of food, while relishing a meal in a restaurant in India, all these
observations and analysis come out effortlessly, while at a restaurant abroad. As
patriotism and love for the country reaches its peak at such places, it is necessary
to savor the taste with a pinch of salt. Disappointment due to over-analysis or
impossible expectations from the restaurant staff will only add to the pile of
sorrow.
5.
Adaption is the rule for survival
While
Indian restaurants make efforts to survive and flourish in a foreign environment,
they have to adopt certain variations and changes. By adapting themselves to
the needs, demands, expectations and customs of local land, they may be forced
to drift away from an authentic taste. Be it involvement of local vegetables or
change in source of spices, be it change in the presentation or inclusion of
side dishes, adjusting to the local demands is the need of the hour.
Hope these guidelines can entertain and guide
at the same time. As we continue our adventures and experiences, I hope to add
some more content in the future!
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