Biriyani to Dal-bhat: 7 popular dishes that are not actually Indian
7 Indian dishes that aren't actually Indian: From Dal-Bhat to Samosa and Biryani, these dishes are popular in India but originated elsewhere. Let's explore their origins and how they made their way to India
| Published : Jun 01 2025, 03:55 PM
1 Min read
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Biryani is incredibly loved in India. But it was born in Persia (Iran) and came to India with the Mughals. Over time, it developed unique regional variations.
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The name sounds Indian, but this dish was created in a Glasgow restaurant in 1971. A chef added gravy to dry chicken tikka to make it tastier, and the rest is history.
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Dal-Bhat is a staple in many Indian meals. In Bihar and Northeast India, it's a daily meal. But it's originally from Nepal, where it's a traditional dish.
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Gulab Jamun is a must-have at Indian celebrations. But it came from the Mediterranean region, inspired by a dish called 'Luqmat al-Qadi'.
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Jalebi looks Indian, but it originated in Central Asia and Persia as 'Zulabiya'. Its taste and appearance changed after arriving in India.
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Tandoori Naan has an interesting history. This bread was made in Iran and Central Asia and came to India with the Mughals. Now, it's a restaurant favorite.
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Samosa, the perfect chai companion, came from the Middle East. It was known as 'Sambusak' and gained a new identity in India with potato filling and spices.
