Sacred Foods of India (2024)

India, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, is also home to many religions: Hinduism, Judaism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, Bahai, Buddhism, and more. While the beliefs of these religions vary, they have one thing in common: each has their own sacred foods. A temple in northern India, for example, is famous for its Chappan Bhog, a meal of 56 courses offered during special prayers. Whether part of religious festivals, traditions, or rituals, or served during services at holy places or at home, sacred foods represent an important—and delicious—segment of India’s culinary world.

Join food and travel writer Monica Bhide as she leads you through the temples, mosques, and gurudwaras of India’s most prominent religions by way of their sacred foods. Then enjoy a buffet reception prepared by Indique in Cleveland Park and featuring some of the foods discussed in the program (see the full menu below).

Bhide is author of three cookbooks on Indian cuisine. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, and many other publications, and she has been heard on NPR’s Kitchen Window.

Buffet Menu by Indique

Saboodana Vada (sago, potatoes, peanuts, green chili)

Kanchipuram Idli (rice, lentils, cashew, pepper corns, cumin)

Shami Kebab (lamb, lentils, spices)

Aval with Fresh Coconut (beaten rice, or “poha”)

*******

Chicken Korma (chicken, onions, cashew, spices)

Chukandar Adrak Sabzi (beetroot, ginger, garlic, turmeric)

Langer Ki Dal (black gram dal, ginger, garlic, garam masala)

Navarattan Curry (nine different vegetables, nuts, spices)

Kaalan (Kerala specialty of yogurt, coconut, raw plantain)

Sarson Ka Saag (Punjab specialty of mustard greens, ginger, garlic, green chilies, spices)

Puliyodharai (Tamilnadu specialty of rice, tamarind, spices)

Pulao (Basmati rice pilaf)

Tawa Paratha (multilayered whole-wheat flat bread)

Poori (puffed whole-wheat bread)

********

Panchamirtham (bananas, brown sugar, honey, dates, ghee, raisins, saffron)

Seviyan (vermicelli, sugar, ghee, cardamom, almonds, pistachio, saffron)

Parupe Payasam (lentils, jaggery, cardamom, coconut milk)

Mango Lassi

Other Connections

In Hindu culture, eating is a ritual: a sacrifice to the Supreme, unified by the recognition that process (cooking), object (food), and individual are all inextricably connected. Columnist Deepa S. Iyer reflects on the role that food and its rituals play in her life as a Hindu.

Sacred Foods of India (2024)

FAQs

What food is sacred in India? ›

Tickets
  • Saboodana Vada (sago, potatoes, peanuts, green chili)
  • Kanchipuram Idli (rice, lentils, cashew, pepper corns, cumin)
  • Shami Kebab (lamb, lentils, spices)
  • Aval with Fresh Coconut (beaten rice, or “poha”)
  • Chicken Korma (chicken, onions, cashew, spices)
  • Chukandar Adrak Sabzi (beetroot, ginger, garlic, turmeric)

What is the importance of sacred food? ›

By relishing the sacred food of Krishna prasadam, it purifies our heart and protects us from falling into illusion. In this way, the devotee imbibes the spiritual potency of Lord Krishna and becomes cleansed of sinful reactions by eating food that is first offered in sacrifice to God.

Why is India famous for its food? ›

Indian food is renowned for its unique and unforgettable taste. The secret to the fantastic taste of Indian food lies in the abundant spices and herbs used in cooking. The flavours in Indian food typically include a combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury.

What is sacred in India? ›

As the cow is a sacred animal for Hindus, all products derived from it are highly valued.

What is India's national food? ›

The national dish of India is Khichdi, a traditional Indian dish made by cooking rice and lentils together. Khichdi is a versatile and nutritious meal enjoyed across India, representing simplicity, unity in diversity, and a connection to traditional Indian cuisine.

What is the #1 Indian dish? ›

1. Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) Butter chicken is mouth-watering, tender chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), but may be grilled, roasted or pan-fried in less authentic preparations.

What is a sacred food? ›

Sacred food as offering is a concept within anthropology regarding the study of food as it relates to religious ritual. Many religions have prescriptions about the correct preparation and cooking of food, besides the taboos about forbidden subjects.

What is the sacred food of the gods? ›

In the ancient Greek myths, ambrosia (/æmˈbroʊziə, -ʒə/, Ancient Greek: ἀμβροσία 'immortality') is the food or drink of the Greek gods, and is often depicted as conferring longevity or immortality upon whoever consumed it.

Why is food important in Hinduism? ›

Food is considered to be a source of the body's chemistry, which affects one's consciousness and emotions. Thus, expression of the soul depends on the body, which depends on the food. A proper diet is considered vital for spiritual development in Hinduism.

What is the importance of Indian food? ›

Some of the most notable health benefits of Indian food include: Rich in antioxidants: Many Indian spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, are high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damaging free radicals.

Why is Indian food so amazing? ›

One of the Reasons to eat Indian cuisine is for the spices. It's more than the heat of the food; the combination of spices such as poaching apricots or making the tandoori marinade for chicken brings a whole new meaning to delicious dining. Also, watch out for the sweet on the sour taste that you'll definitely love.

What makes Indian food special? ›

This is because Indian Cuisine mixes ingredients that have completely different flavors. While a typical Western meal will contain flavors that closely match each other, Indian dishes mix ingredients that don't overlap in flavor, at all. Instead, they must share their space in the dish.

What is India's national dish? ›

Most countries designate a particular dish as their 'national dish. ' Often, this dish brings together the culture's values and self-image. However, in some countries, this seemingly easy task is quite complicated. While there is no said 'national dish' for India, Khichdi is often suggested.

What is the food of gods in India? ›

The combination of yogurt and honey is known as the "food of the gods". History behind it: In 500 BCE it is considered the food of the gods. Later mixture of honey, yogurt, ghee, milk and sugar was famous til the date.

What is good luck food in India? ›

Fish – In some cultures, fish is thought to be good luck as it's silver appearance signifies riches to be received in the new year. Mango – Because it is round and sweet, mango symbolises prosperity and is especially good luck when eaten alongside other succulent, circular ingredients like jaggery and coconut.

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