How Italian Food Paved its Way to India

Go to any multi-cuisine restaurant in India- chances are you will see a number of Italian dishes on the menu. Indeed there will be a pasta dish, a risotto, lasagne, and what not. There is no denying that from a small food outlet to a 5-star family restaurant in Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, or any other city, every restaurant offers Italian dishes to customers. Pizzas seem to have become a requisite, salads are dressed with vinegar or olive oil in Italian style, and Italian seasonings are found in every kitchen.

Only a few years ago, such interest in Italian food was unthinkable. At that time, if you would have asked Indians about Italian food ousting other cuisines like this, they would have regarded this unusual. Today it is impossible to imagine a multi-cuisine restaurant without Italian food on its menu. But, what exactly made the food find its way to India?

• A prime reason for the liking towards Italian food is its similarity in the bases. Both Indian and Italian cuisines have carbohydrates (rice or wheat here; pasta and rice there). Both are seasoned with spices and flavoured with sauces (gravies here; sauces there).
• Next in line is the love for travel. People have started travelling abroad and thus get exposure to Italian cuisine.
• Another prominent reason for popularity is its informal and relaxed style of cooking. Only a few have time and patience for preparing an elaborate meal like French dishes. Adding to this, cuisine like French places protein in the centre and carbs on the side.
• Italian food has a wide range of vegetarian options, which makes it popular among a majority of the population of India. And well, of course, as the popular notion among the hotelier or food professionals, unless a restaurant can attract vegetarians, it has a little hope of success.
• Little Italy chains have come to India in the early 90s, and they began the trend of new flavours. For instance, initially, some of the top 10 restaurants in Jaipur today were just a small food outlet. Today, they have expanded greatly and are serving full Italian meal now.

There is no doubt that Italian food is one of the most beloved cuisines. It is that one cuisine that has occupied the throne for being the most in-demand food of all the time. The arrival of Italian food in India is a journey filled with endurance and will inspire a whole new appreciation for other cuisines.