General Information: Indian Food
by Waxbag
Main staples here are chapatti or nan (unleavened bread), rice, dhal (lentils), paneer (unfermented cheese), curd (yogurt), and vegetables. Thali, a local favorite, is a combination of these staples. Available veggies consist of cabbage, onions, potatoes, cauliflower, peas, ochre, mushrooms, spinach, and eggplant and seem to always be overcooked in a heavy sauce. The main sauces are masala (an onion paste puree base with a combo of spices) and curry (with chilies, cumin, curry and other spices). Some places give you the choice of how spicy you want your order but others do not. Indians eat with their fingers so utensils are optional. Local breakfast usually includes a parantha (pancake with a spicy filling of potato, cheese, or vegetables) however we usually opted for more continental-style breakfasts of porridge (oatmeal), eggs, and toast. People drink chai (Indian spiced milk tea) all...