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Dietary customs around India is as variant as the cultures around India. From the southern state of Kerala to the northern tip of Kashmir, India's food styles are as variant and vibrant as the people of India. However, among all this diversity, a pattern emerges. You will easily notice that Rice and grain products are the staple food, the backbone, of Indian cuisine.
In Northern India, you will meet people that are lighter in skin color with the staple food based on bread, roti or pita-bread-like food. They also make curry that is more variant in herbs and Dal is a major product that can be found in Northern cooking. The people of Northern India are from the Aryan tribe so they have influences from Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East. Since the Europeans, their impact is also apparent with the creation of new dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala which is actually a British invention in India. In north India, you will encounter the most variety of vegetarian cooking mixed with seasoned nuts, meats and dairy products that will make you come back for more. Even PETA cannot beat north India in making people vegetarians, thats how good north Indian food is. North India is also the home of "naans" and Samosas.
In Southern India, the classic dish is based purely on Rice with curry. The curry is noted for its spicy flavor. The food style of Southern India was directly from the Dravidian heritage which was influenced at some areas by Aryan culture. Before Christianity came to India in the early 52 AD, Kerala was strictly vegetarian - as regulated by Hinduism. However, after the visit of St. Thomas, Christianity was quick to spread throughout Kerala and thus the diet of Kerala evolved to include meat as well. Some of the favorites include Rabbit Stew, Bulls & Buffalo meat curry, venison and other great edible foods. Today, much of Southern India still remains the same with Rice as their staple food with heavy vegetarian outlook and diary products (rice cooked with butter). Some famous foods include Idlis, dosas, Sambhar and Vada. South India is also famous for their bananna and jackfruit chips, which visitors love. Briyanis, pickles, pappadams and the spicy curry seasonings are not to be missed.
In Western India, it is more similar to Northern India with a very Roti based diet. A lot of their food also includes egg products or vegetables stuffed in a Roti bread and made with spices. Much like a egg role without the frying, oil and nasty taste. But as with Northern India,
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