People all across the world have long had a sweet spot for Indian cuisine. Due to an inflow of creative chefs and a rise in the popularity of international cuisines, Indian cuisine is experiencing a resurgence in New Jersey. This article will explore the current Indian food trends in New Jersey, such as plant-based meals’ popularity, fusion cuisine’s emergence, and the appreciation of regional specialities.
Flavour fusion: a meeting of east and west
Blending traditional Indian flavours with Western cooking methods and ingredients is a hot trend in New Jersey’s Indian restaurants. This trend has inspired new and exciting cuisine. Some examples:
- Dish of Tandoori Tacos:
Can you taste the fresh salsa and mint chutney? Now imagine those tacos stuffed with tender pieces of tandoori chicken or paneer. Tandoori tacos are a fantastic representation of the delicious potential of combining Indian and Mexican cooking styles. These tacos’ smoky, spicy, and tangy flavours are perfectly balanced and will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Curry Pizzas:
The world’s most popular pizza in New Jersey has been given an Indian twist. Spicy curries like butter chicken and tikka masala are now a popular topping choice for pizza, giving a new flavour profile to the traditional Italian dish. Indian curries, which typically feature a creamy tomato-based sauce, pair exceptionally well with the cheesy goodness of pizza.
- “Sushi Samosas”:
New Jersey has given a new face to the beloved triangular pastries known as samosas, traditionally filled with spiced potatoes or meat. Step inside the world of sushi samosas, where Indian fillings are wrapped in seaweed and sushi rice. These tasty morsels feature an artistic harmony of different textures and flavours.
- Masala Burgers:
Masala burgers are a spicy take on the American fast food classic, the burger. These flavourful burgers kick from a blend of Indian spices and herbs. Many people in New Jersey order them as a go-to comfort food because they come with crispy fries and Indian-inspired condiments.
Vegetarianism and veganism: the rise of the plant-based movement
Many Indian eateries in New Jersey are adjusting their menus to include options for vegetarians and vegans in response to rising demand. Vegetarians and vegans will find much to love in traditional Indian cuisine thanks to its long history of vegetarian dishes. Here are some recent events of note:
- Vegan butter chicken:
Butter chicken, typically prepared with tender chicken and thick cream, has been modified to be suitable for vegans. Plant-based proteins like tofu and seitan have come to the forefront, as they provide the same luscious flavours as their animal-based predecessors but without the use of any animal products whatsoever.
- Jackfruit Biryani:
Jackfruit is the new star ingredient in fragrant and flavourful biryani. The meaty texture of this tropical fruit makes it a suitable substitute for meat in biryani. The result is a meal sure to please meat eaters, vegans, and vegetarians alike.
- Dosas made with lentils:
Gluten-free versions of dosas, crispy South Indian crepes made from rice and lentil batter, are now available. New Jersey’s chefs are trying out dosas made with gluten-free lentil flours also high in protein and flavour.
- Vegetable kebabs galore:
Kebabs, a classic of Indian cuisine, now come with a vegan option. Vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, and bell peppers are now commonly marinated and grilled to make delicious kebabs served with chutneys and sauces. They’re a tasty swap for the standard meat kebab.
Regional delights: a tour of India’s diverse cuisine
Indian food is as varied as the country, with regional variations in ingredients and preparations. Diners in New Jersey can now experience a taste of India without leaving the state, thanks to the growing popularity of regional specialities. Some notable local features include:
- Varieties of dosa from south India:
The rice and lentil batter crepes called dosas are a staple of South Indian cuisine. In New Jersey, you can get everything from masala dosa (stuffed with potatoes, spices, and a fried egg) to paper dosa (extremely thin and crunchy).
- Bengali Sweets:
Indian restaurants in New Jersey serve a variety of delicious Bengali desserts, such as rasgulla, Sandesh, and mishti doi (sweet yoghurt).
- Punjabi Street Food:
Favourites like chaat, samosas, and chole bhature from Punjabi Street food are popular in New Jersey, bringing a taste of North India’s vibrant flavours to the Garden State.
- Vada Pav from Maharashtra:
The vada pav, or “Indian burger,” consists of a spicy potato fritter sandwiched between two buns. This snack has spread beyond the boundaries of India, though its roots are in the state of Maharashtra.
Pairing drinks with handmade cocktails
There are a growing number of Indian restaurants in New Jersey that offer speciality cocktails and other drinks to complement the cuisine’s bold and varied flavours. These beverages have been carefully selected to complement the food. Some current tendencies are as follows:
- Spiced Cocktails:
The popularity of cocktails flavoured with Indian spices like cardamom, saffron, and ginger is rising because of the richness and complexity they bring to the drink list.
- Lassi Variations
Mango rose and avocado are newer additions to the traditional Indian lassi (yoghurt-based drink) flavour palette.
- Wine and Beer Pairings:
Beer and wine go wonderfully with Indian food. Some restaurants have created lists designed to pair with specific dishes, such as tandoori meats and robust red wines or lagers and spicy curries.
Providers of food for delivery via the internet
Many New Jersey Indian restaurants have begun offering online ordering and delivery services in response to shifts in customer preferences, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers can now order their go-to Indian takeaway right from the comfort of their own homes.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s Indian restaurants are enjoying a renaissance as a result of factors like the acceptance of fusion cuisine, which combines East and West flavours, the rise of plant-based options, increased interest in regional specialities, inventive alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage pairings, and the simplicity of online ordering and delivery. New Jersey foodies inclined to try new and exciting cuisines have made Indian cuisine a staple in their hearts. Now is the ideal time to try one of the many top-notch Indian restaurants in the state of New Jersey, known for best culinary innovation whether you’ve always loved Indian food or you’ve only recently realised how delicious it is.
