Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (2024)

We wanted to know more about these ancient cuisines that are loved the world over

Manila is truly a melting pot of cultures and flavours, our shores bearing witness to the arrivals of past conquerors and adventurers. Their galleons bore the fruits of their travels and explorations, and to this day, our cuisine is reflective of our rich history and constant evolution. Filipinos are clearly smitten with everything Japanese, and both pancit and paella are so ingrained in our local food culture that they are just as Filipino as they are Chinese and Spanish, respectively. However, there are two exotic cuisines that have always been present in our local dining scene that deserve just as much love, if not more—Indian and Persian food.

Aromatic, complex, and distinct, these are the flavours that fueled empires and fed the flames of romantic legends. There are many restaurants in Metro Manila that serve a combination of both, sometimes we confuse certain dishes to belong to the other. There really are many similarities, considering that India and the Persian empire have quite a history together. India’s spices were highly coveted by Arab traders; in exchange, India received many goods that greatly influenced its culinary tradition. Mughal conquerors, who occupied India between the early 1500s and late 1600s, infused Indian cuisine with Persian flavours and practices. Still, they are two very distinct cuisines with rich histories and flavours that are all their own. Curious? Read on to learn more.

See also: Kinilaw And Kilawin: What’s the Difference?

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (1)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (2)

Above Indian and Persian cuisines are notably similar (Photo: Andy Hay / Unsplash)

Indian and Persian cuisines are notably similar (Photo: Andy Hay / Unsplash)

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Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (3)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (4)

What are their dominant flavors?

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (5)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (6)

Above Saffron is characteristic of Persian cuisine (Photo: Mohammad Amiri / Unsplash)

While we may notice that there are many similarities and influences between Indian and Persian cuisines, they are also very distinct in terms of flavours. Indian food, for instance, despite its many regional iterations, is defined by its use of complex combinations of spices. It is common for Indian spice mixes to go upward of five combinations, sometimes combining ten or more. Garam masala is a popular spice mix that contains cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, plus other regional spices or according to personal taste.

On the other hand, Persian cuisine is dominated by the heady aromas of saffron which is their most prized and coveted spice, as well as desserts fragrantly scented with rosewater. In an article for Epicurious, Sarah Kagan called it the “original mother cuisine,” describing the food of the imperial courts as “perfumed stews flavoured with cinnamon, mint, and pomegranates; elaborate stuffed fruits and vegetables; and tender roasted meats".

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Pork is noticeably absent in both cuisines

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (9)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (10)

Above Persian Food Victoria Shes / Unsplash

Persian Food Victoria Shes / Unsplash

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Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (11)
Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (12)

Indians have some diet restrictions due to the large population of Muslims and Hindus. Accordingly, they avoid eating pork and beef but instead prefer mutton, lamb, goat, and chicken for their meat dishes. Indian food also includes a lot of vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, peas, lentils, rice, and yoghurt, considering that one-third of the population is vegetarian as dictated by their Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist faiths. In addition, Hindu followers abstain from eating beef because cattle is considered a sacred animal.

See also: Architectural Marvels: 7 Marvellous Icons To See In India

In predominantly Muslim Iran—which is what Persia is now called since 1935—pork is considered unclean and is avoided at all costs, including all its by-products and ingredients that contain it. For their long-simmering stews or kebabs grilled over coals, Persians prefer beef, lamb, or chicken.

See also: 9 Food Skewers From Around The World

Indian food is arguably spicier

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (13)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (14)

Above Spices are common in both cuisines, but can be differentiated by the types of spices used and other ingredients added (Photo: Tamil Shutter Dreams / Unsplash)

Spices are common in both cuisines, but can be differentiated by the types of spices used and other ingredients added (Photo: Tamil Shutter Dreams / Unsplash)

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Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (15)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (16)

The curries and tandoor meats of India are arguably some of the spiciest dishes in the world. Aside from the complex spice mixes that already contribute to the heat level of the dish, chili pepper or powder is used generously in most regional cuisines. As for Persian cuisine, their cooks tend to stay away from spicy chilis, opting for the more herbaceous and fruity flavour profiles for their stews and rice dishes. The common ingredients that are used in preparing various Persian delicacies include fruits (pomegranate, apricots, prunes), nuts (almonds, walnuts and pistachios), herbs (dill, parsley, coriander, mint), beans, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, and lime.

See also: 5 French Mother Sauces that Define the Beloved European Cuisine

Carbs are essential

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (17)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (18)

Above Biryani, a popular Indian rice dish (Photo: Shreyak Singh / Unsplash)

Biryani, a popular Indian rice dish (Photo: Shreyak Singh / Unsplash)

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Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (19)

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (20)

In both Indian and Persian cuisines, bread and rice are staples of every meal. Rich curries and flavorful daals are scooped up with Indian bread like naan or paratha. Pita bread acts like a wrap that can hold grilled meat kebabs, raw onions, tomatoes, and yoghurt for the Persian snack called shawarma. For small plates of marinated olives, keema, or baba ganoush, the flat bread is ripped in pieces just big enough to act as a spoon to scoop up the tasty bites and dips.

See also: What To Eat: Popular Rice Dishes Around The World

Long grain rice is involved in many elaborate dishes in both cultures, which pair well with stews and curries with thinner sauces. In Southern India, the curries are more tropical using coconut milk and kaffir leaves, and there are more lentil dishes that match so well with rice. Biryani, which is a popular Indian mixed rice-and-meat dish, is very similar to the Persian lubia polo in its complex cooking techniques that are utilized by Persian cooks to conjure maximum flavour.

After this brief introduction, there is nothing left to do but to try these intriguing flavours. For Indian food, restaurants like Royal Indian Curry House and Mantra Bistro demonstrate their fine takes on the classics. And for those who are ready to move on from shawarmas: Hossein’s can give a taste of the best that Persian food can offer, while Kite Kebab Bar serves out flavorful grilled meats in a more casual setting.

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Topics

Indian Persian Food Cuisine Vocabulary

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? (2024)

FAQs

Do You Know the Differences Between Indian and Persian Food? ›

Indian food is arguably spicier

What kind of food do Persians eat? ›

Major staples of Iranian food that are usually eaten with every meal include rice, various herbs, cheese, a variety of flat breads, and some type of meat (usually poultry, beef, lamb, or fish). Stew over rice is by far the most popular dish, and the constitution of these vary by region.

What is different about Indian food? ›

Indian food is known worldwide for its unique combinations of flavours. This is mostly because of the spices that Indians use in their cooking. Indian curries, chutneys and bread occupy a special place in every food connoisseur's mind (and taste buds, might we add).

What are the similarities between Indian and Arab food? ›

The most common spices used in cooking that have been exchanged over the centuries between the two cultures are turmeric, cumin, cardamom, saffron, coriander, ginger, curry, garam masala, cinnamon, star anise, and chili. Take for example kabsa, a dish that consists of rice and chicken and originates from Saudi Arabia.

What is the difference between Indian and Turkish food? ›

Turkish meals have tomato paste and/or fresh tomatoes in the meals with the basis of olive oil. Indian meals have a similar tomato base, but on top of it, there is milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, or perhaps yogurt in them, depending on the household.

What is the difference between Indian and Persian food? ›

Indian food is arguably spicier

The common ingredients that are used in preparing various Persian delicacies include fruits (pomegranate, apricots, prunes), nuts (almonds, walnuts and pistachios), herbs (dill, parsley, coriander, mint), beans, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, and lime.

What is Persian food similar to? ›

One of the main similarities between Persian and Indian cuisine is the use of spices and herbs to create bold and aromatic flavors. Both cuisines use spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon to add depth and complexity to their dishes.

What type of food is in Indian culture? ›

What are the five food groups?
  • Fruit and vegetables.
  • Starchy food.
  • Dairy.
  • Protein.
  • Fat.

Is curry a Middle Eastern food? ›

Curries, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East to India, have been a staple of eastern cuisine for centuries. As one can see today, it has spread from its early origins to find a place on countless dining tables around the globe and is enjoyed by people of all ethnicities and nationalities the world over.

What is the relationship between Arab and Indian? ›

India has traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations with the Arab world. These relations date back to ancient times – traders, scholars and diplomats would often traverse the Arabian Sea and the land routes linking India to West Asia and the Arab peninsula, transferring knowledge and merchandise.

Which country has similar food to India? ›

Sri Lanka is an ethnically diverse island to the south of India. A majority of its population descended from Northern India, so these nations have deep demographic and cultural ties. The liberal use of spices and coconut milk is reminiscent of Indian cooking. Rice and curry are common ingredients in both their diets.

Why is Indian food so different? ›

India is a melting pot of different cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its food. For example, North Indian recipes feature rich sauces and flavorful curries often served with yogurt or bread. Dishes such as Chana masala and tandoori chicken are usually cooked in a clay oven.

Is Turkey and India similar? ›

Indian and Turkish cultures value hospitality, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms. The people of both countries are known for their friendly nature, and they go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. India and Turkey share many similarities, making them unique and beautiful cultures.

Why does Turkish food taste so good? ›

With the rich abundance of fresh vegetables, fruit, livestock and fish, Turkish cuisine can afford to always choose the best products with which to cook with. This, combined with centuries of different empires and ethnicities contributing their own touches to dishes, results in a fabulous, tasty cuisine.

What is the best food for Persians? ›

By mimicking the diet your cat's ancestors would have hunted and eaten in the wild, we use the whole prey animals, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone. This provides the best food for your Persian cat and gives them everything they need in order to stay happy, healthy, and strong.

What is the national dish of Persia? ›

Chelow kabab or Chelo kabab is the national dish of Iran. The meal is simple, consisting of steamed, saffron rice and kabab, of which there are several distinct Persian varieties. This dish is served throughout Iran today, but was traditionally associated with the northern part of the country.

Do Persians eat a lot of meat? ›

Pistachios, saffron, and pomegranates are native to Iran and are a cornerstone of Persian food, flavoring everything from rice dishes to desserts. While Iranians don't eat a great deal of red meat, lamb and chicken are often on the menu but balanced by other flavors.

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