When anyone thinks about visiting India they think about food. Indians are known as foodies because India is a country that offers a number of lip-smacking dishes. Not just Indians but people from around the world admire the Indian cuisine and also, the delicious street food that India offers.

Indian street food tradition has a history associated with it, so do the popular dishes that are found in the country. But not many people know that Indian favourite delicacies that attract a lot of visitors are not actually Indian.

In this post, we are going to reveal some most popular Indian delicacies that are not Indian, indeed.

1. Tea/chai

via: Easy Health Options

Every Indian starts his day with a hot cup of “chai”, but did you know it is one thing that is so not Indian? Yes, your favourite “chai” is originally from China it was grown in India during British rule.

2. Samosa

via: Little India

This one is the best snack partner of Chai. And to our surprise, even this lip-smacking snack isn’t originally from India. It originates from the Middle East.

3. Chicken Tikka

via: Cookstr

Now here comes a shocker. In 2001 UK’s minister claimed it to be “a true British National Dish” because of its utmost popularity in the UK. It actually originates from Scotland.

4. Rajma

via: Archana’s Kitchen

I ended up so hurt when I found out that Rajma was brought from Mexico. But we still call it our dish because we made it an epic combination of “Rajama –Chawal”.

5. Naan

via: Archana’s Kitchen

So a lot of Punjabis can be disappointed or disagree that Naan is not their invention but Persians’.

6. Jalebi

via: OnePlatter

It might break your heart, but even Jalebi has a foreign origin. It is actually formed of Persian origin.

7. Falooda

via: The Indian Claypot

This yummy cool desert, that no Indian can resist, is not Indian. It too traces its origin from Persia. We really owe Persians a big time!

8. Biryani

via: We Are Gurgaon

Its name only makes our mouth salivate. Well, it’s time to bow down to the Persians for it is believed even Biryani finds its origin in Persia. We are so glad that it happened.

Over the years, Japanese food has evolved from being an acquired taste to a widely appreciated and popular cuisine. This may also the reason why Japanese restaurants continue to appear in different parts of the world, even in the midst of the warm desert of the United Arab Emirates.

Aside from being a crowd favourite, authentic Japanese food has also become quite popular among couples. Their multi-layered-yet-simple meals offer a unique experience that is best enjoyed with your significant other.

If you’re planning to bring your date to a Japanese restaurant, these delectable dishes will definitely help you leave a good impression:

1. Sushi and Sashimi

via: This One vs That One

Nothing says Japanese quite better than these platter-served helpings of pure Oriental goodness. Typically made with raw seafood and rice, sushi has become popular across the globe, even in the Western hemisphere. In fact, Americans have even crafted their own version of this mouthwatering appetizer known as the “California roll”.

Authentic Japanese sushi comes in several different variants based on the seafood enveloped inside it. If you’re looking to impress, you should offer your date sushi made from salmon roe, tuna, seabass, yellowtail, snow crab, salmon, or scallop.

Sashimi, on the other hand, is a version of sushi that removes the rice from the equation. Since it is basically small portions of raw fish meat, sashimi is best served fresh. Dip it in wasabi-spiced soy sauce before offering it to your date; do remember to go light since wasabi is as hot can ever be.

2. Gyoza

via: Taste

Gyoza is a form of pan-fried dumpling originally made by the Chinese but has since been improved by the unique Japanese palate. It has a crunchy exterior and is considered a great appetizer for a Japanese full-course meal. Inside, you’ll find a rich mixture of shredded cabbage, chives, garlic and ground pork, with all the savoury juices intact.

3. Shabu Shabu

via: Okinawanderer

Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish mainly composed of boiled vegetables and an assortment of meat that is sliced thinly. It is known as a great sukiyaki alternative, especially if you’re still getting used to the richness of Japanese cuisine, because of its lighter broth.

Some restaurants serve shabu-shabu with additional ingredients like seaweed, mushroom, cabbage, and onions, with a cup of rice on the side.

4. Miso Soup

via: Cook with Campbell’s

Your Japanese cuisine date wouldn’t be complete without a comforting bowl of miso soup. This light and soothing broth contain a combination of silken tofu, miso paste, dashi stock (made from fish and kelp), seaweed, and some additional toppings like spring onions and meat. This soup also comes in a vegetarian variant, with the dashi stock replaced with vegetable stock and the meat with tofu.

5. Japanese Vegetable Curry

via: Twitter

While the term “curry” is more popularly associated with Indian cuisine, the Japanese are also known to be expert curry chefs. However, unlike the original lamb curry created by the British or the different meaty curries of the Indians, Japanese curry is made from vegetables.

Japanese vegetable curry often contains tofu, carrots, taro, and zucchini and is sometimes paired with fried garlic and mushroom. This particular type of curry is often mixed up to accommodate vegetables that are in season and can provide more vitamins, minerals, and protein to diners.

6. Japanese Noodles

via: Nankaseimen

Another signature dish that is commonly associated with Japanese cuisine involves noodles. In Japanese culture, ramen reigns supreme. This dish made from Chinese-style noodles has become quite popular because it is inexpensive but tasty and is readily available to eat no matter where you are.

Of course, Japanese noodles aren’t limited to just ramen. You and your date should also try the Nagasaki prefecture pride— Sara udon or the so-called “plate noodles” with fried vegetables, seafood, or meat toppings. Or better yet, try a bite or two each of the following:

• Tensoba (wheat noodles and tempura dish)
• Yaki Udon (stir-fried thick white udon noodles in soy sauce)
• Yakisoba (stir-fried wheat noodles in oyster sauce)

7. Grilled Fish and Meat

via: Le Creuset

If you’re a big fan of steaks but already tried everything in your favourite steakhouse’s menu, it may be high time that you try Japanese grilled dishes.

Rather than limiting your date to the classic red meat steak, you should try a scrumptious helping of grilled sea bass and spicy yakitori (grilled chicken) that is crispy outside and juicy on the inside.

Go Japanese to Impress Your Date

Japanese cuisine offers you a wide variety of meals to choose from. From classic native dishes to various fusions of the original, you can never go wrong with this cuisine, especially if you’re putting your best foot forward in a quest to make a good impression with someone you like.

Author Bio

Jenene Bronwin Batts is the Senior Marketing Coordinator at Saadiyat Beach Club. She oversees website maintenance, PR requests, marketing initiatives and all general guests’ enquiries for the company’s destinations, including KOI Restaurant & Lounge and Boa Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi.

Holi is known to be the festival of colours and joy. Gujiya, which is a popular traditional sweet filled with sweet fillings and lots of dry fruits with a sugar syrup toppings on it. This is the most loved sweets among all the age groups. Instead of trying out those boring traditional Mawa Gujiyas, try something interesting and different variations of Gujiyas that you might have never heard of before.

In this article, we have listed 8 unique types of Gujiyas that you should not miss this Holi season.

1. Rabdi Gujiya

via: BetterButter

Well, this is absolutely an amazing way to make your Gujiyas with a slight twist instead of using traditional Mawa. Mixing Mawa fillings with Rabdi will further enhance the taste of Gujiyas.

To make it more binding and tastier, you may also add cardamom or elaichi along with powdered nuts and dried fruits. Serving Rabdi filled gujiyas will surely win the hearts of your guests visiting your house.

2. Gulkand or Rose Petal Gujiya

via: Annapurna

Give your Gujiyas a rosy flavour twist by adding a Gulkand or rose petal fillings in it. Gulkand is also used in paan and a number of Indian desserts to add the heady rose flavour to them.

3. Dark Chocolate Gujiya

via: Merisaheli

Sweets sound incomplete without chocolates. How about adding some dark melted chocolate in those sweet pockets of deliciousness this Holi? Sound’s amazing right? This gujiya is specially meant for those who are never tired of eating chocolates.

4. Desi Coconut Gujiya

via: Free Press Journal

Add some desiccated coconut to your Gujiyas to give them a slight twist this holi. The crunchy coconut filling will enhance the flavour of Gujiyas. If you further want to make this variation better, try using sweetened ground coconut with flakes of mixed nuts.

5. Apple Gujiya

via: Aishwarya Eats

Who doesn’t like fruits, especially apples? You can give your Gujiya a healthy twist by filling it with some chopped apples along with the usual spices, dry fruits and khoya mixture. If you don’t like apples, then you may also use any fruit of your choice like pineapples or pears.

6. Figs or Anjeer Gujiya

via: Meri Saheli

Fig or Anjeer is another classic fruit that you can use in your gujiyas to make your filling. Anjeer is also a storehouse of calcium and can make your gujiya more nutritious by mixing them with some dry fruits.

7. Halwa Gujiya

via: YouTube

Halwa is one of all time favourite desserts of Indian families. Be it suji halwa, gajar halwa or moong dal halwa. You can give your gujiyas an interesting approach by filling them with the halwa of your choice.

8. Fresh Fruit Gujiya

via: Tangylife

Yes, you’ve heard right, Gujiyas can also be made by using chopped fruits of your choice like apple, pears or pineapples in its filling. Although it sounds a bit weird, but yet it is a tempting combination that you should try this Holi season.