Discover Indian cuisine in Camberwell Junction
Renowned for its variety of spices, Indian food is one of the most aromatic and vibrant cuisines in the world.
While Indian cuisine is known for its rich spices and flavours, it is also heavily influenced by its historical rule, religion, culture, and traditions.
Thick and creamy curries, spiced vegetables, cooling lassies, and charred naan are popular fare in Indian cuisine, but the flavours depend heavily on which region they come from.
Chillies and turmeric hail largely from the Rajasthan, Kashmir and Gujarat regions of India, while peppers, cardamom and cloves are harvested mainly in the south.
That’s why the eastern regions are famous for chilli curries, while seafood and coconut are prominent ingredients in the west.
When it comes to the rest of the country, the northern regions are famous for their tandoori and korma recipes, the south are known for their hot and spicy dishes, and the central regions take inspiration from the surrounding areas.
Indian cuisine is also influenced by Hinduism, as the largest practiced religion in the country.
While the Hindu diet doesn’t prohibit eating meat, many people practice vegetarianism and incorporate products derived from animals like milk, however this depends on regional traditions.
Trade and colonialism also introduced new ingredients such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peanuts to the Indian subcontinent.
During British colonial rule, Indian cuisine was blended with western food, leading to new dishes like kedgeree, which is a rice and lentil meal for breakfast, and mulligatawny soup.
Indian cooking has influenced cuisines from around the world over the years as well, so much so that some believe chicken tikka masala was invented in the UK.
Next time you plan to take a night off cooking, why not try lamb rogan josh, palak chicken, masala dal and some tasty samosas.
Find Indian cuisine in Camberwell Junction
Indulge your senses with the fresh flavours and fragrant aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Middle Eastern cuisine features a kaleidoscope of different cooking traditions, originating from different parts of the region.
Arab, Afghan, Iranian, and Israeli cuisines fall into the category, as well as Assyrian, Azerbaijani and Armenian cooking styles.
Georgian, Kurdish, Cypriot, and Turkish foods are also part of this broad offering.
The different cooking styles within Middle Eastern cuisine share some common ingredients, including olive oil, pita bread, lamb, poultry, haloumi, chickpeas, and other grains.
Herbs and spices like garlic, sumac, parsley, and mint feature heavily in Middle Eastern cooking, not to mention sweeter items like honey, figs, and dates.
The region is said to be home to the fertile crescent, where wheat was first cultivated, followed by barley, lentils, and other local foods.
Sitting at the centre of Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Caucasus, Middle Eastern cooking has been influenced by trade and wars throughout the ages.
For example, the region is believed to have discovered turmeric and other spices from India, as well as dumplings from the Mongols.
Hospitality is at the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its impressive feasts with tender meats, spiced salads, and colourful mezes, which are small plates of flavoursome dips and sides.
Today, hummus, falafel, tabouleh, and shawarma are popular Middle Eastern foods that are found across the globe.
But if you’re looking for something more traditional, try Kabuli Palau, which is an Afghan rice dish with carrots, sultanas, almonds, and either lamb, beef, or chicken.
Alternatively, try some mantoo steamed dumplings, filled with lamb, onion and spices, or koroutti yoghurt soup.
Find Middle Eastern cuisine in Camberwell Junction
Even though it has a history that dates back more than 9000 years, Mexican cuisine is still enjoyed across the world today.
Mexican cooking is heavily influenced by beans and corn, but it’s the flavours of chilli, coriander and lime that make this cuisine so fun and fresh.
Mexican cuisine is believed to have originated with the Maya people thousands of years ago, but this style has changed over time as different ingredients were incorporated into their cooking.
The Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire in the 16th century is believed to have introduced a wider selection of ingredients to their diet, particularly meat, poultry, dairy and rice.
Today, Mexican cooking has reached the far corners of the globe, especially the USA-style version of the cuisine commonly called Tex Mex.
In fact, traditional Mexican cuisine is so important that it joined UNESCO’s representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2010.
In Mexico, the cuisine varies from region to region, influenced by the different climates, geographies and communities.
For example, popular dishes in central Mexico include braised or roasted pork dishes known as carnitas and pozole, which is a pre-Columbian era meat stew.
Recipes in the north of Mexico feature a lot of beef, goat and ostrich, while dishes in south-eastern Mexico have a Caribbean influence, with popular fish recipes and spicy chicken and vegetable dishes.
Mole, which is a traditional sauce pronounced ‘mol-eh’, is one of the most popular Mexican foods for festivals and special occasions.
If you’re looking to try some Mexican or Tex Mex dishes, grab yourself some tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, and elote, which is a grilled corn dish and popular Mexican street food.
For an extra kick, enjoy your Mexican fare with tequila or a margarita.