Bangalore is a melting pot of different ethnicities, attracting people from diverse origins. It is not just home to people from various parts of India, but also to a significant number of individuals from around the world. The residents of Bangalore, known for their love of great food, can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. Alongside the plethora of restaurants offering different Indian cuisines, the city also boasts a wide range of international cuisines. This article highlights the top 10 international cuisines from around the world that you must try while in Bangalore.
10 Best International Cuisines to Try if you are in Bangalore
1. Italian Cuisine:
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and rich flavours. It is diverse, with regional variations that highlight local ingredients and traditions. Italian cuisine is known for dishes like pasta, pizza, risotto, and gelato. Olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano are commonly used.
Each region has its specialties, such as Neapolitan pizza from Naples, Bolognese sauce from Bologna, and pesto from Genoa. Italian cuisine emphasizes the quality of ingredients and the art of balancing flavours. It is a celebration of fresh produce, time-honoured techniques, and the joy of gathering around the table to share a meal with loved ones.
2. Chinese Cuisine:
Chinese cuisine is diverse, rich in flavours, and is characterized by its emphasis on fresh ingredients, delicate cooking techniques, and harmonious balance of flavours. Chinese cuisine encompasses various regional styles, such as Sichuan, Cantonese, and Shanghainese. Popular dishes include stir-fried noodles, dim sum, Peking duck, hot pot, and dumplings.
Chinese cuisine features a wide array of ingredients, including rice, noodles, soy sauce, tofu, and a variety of vegetables and meats. It incorporates a combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. Chinese cuisine reflects the country's cultural heritage and offers a delightful culinary exploration.
3. Japanese Cuisine:
Japanese cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, delicate flavours, and its presentation. Japanese dishes include sushi, sashimi, tempura, and ramen. Washoku, the traditional cuisine, focuses on balance and seasonality. Izakaya is a casual pub offering a variety of small plates.
Wagyu beef is famous for its exceptional quality. Matcha is powdered green tea used in tea ceremonies and desserts. Kaiseki is a multi-course dining experience showcasing the season's best ingredients.
Japanese street food includes takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Japanese cuisine showcases the artistry and respect for ingredients, creating a delightful experience.
4. French Cuisine:
French cuisine is globally celebrated for its elegance and emphasis on high-quality ingredients. It encompasses a range of styles and flavours, from refined haute cuisine to rustic regional dishes.
French pastries, such as croissants and macarons, are renowned, while classic dishes like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon highlight the rich flavours of French cooking. The country's vast selection of cheeses, including Camembert and Roquefort, is famous.
French sauces like béchamel and hollandaise are the integral part of French repipe. The wine regions of France, like Bordeaux and Burgundy, produce exceptional wines. French cuisine is a testament to culinary craftsmanship and artistry.
5. Mexican Cuisine:
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold use of spices, chilies, and fresh ingredients like corn, beans, tomatoes, and avocados. Tacos, enchiladas, and tamales are popular staples, often filled with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
Guacamole, salsa, and mole sauces add depth and richness to dishes. Mexican cuisine also features regional specialties, such as Yucatecan cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and Oaxacan tlayudas (large tortillas topped with various ingredients).
Margaritas and tequila are iconic Mexican beverages. Mexican cuisine reflects a rich cultural heritage and a passion for vibrant flavours.
6. Thai Cuisine:
Thai dishes often feature ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, lime, chili peppers, and fresh herbs. It balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements to create a harmonious taste experience.
Popular dishes include pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), green curry, tom yum soup, and mango sticky rice. Thai cuisine also includes street food favourites like satay skewers, som tam (spicy papaya salad), and crispy fried spring rolls.
Thai cuisine offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures that have gained popularity worldwide.
7. Spanish Cuisine:
Spanish cuisine is diverse and rich, reflecting the country's regional traditions and influences. Tapas, small plates of various appetizers, are a quintessential part of Spanish cuisine. Popular dishes include paella (rice dish with saffron and various ingredients), tortilla española (potato omelette), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), and jamón ibérico (cured ham).
Seafood is prominent in coastal regions, while inland areas feature dishes like cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and fabada asturiana (hearty bean stew). Spanish cuisine also includes a wide variety of cheeses, wines, and desserts like churros and flan.
8. Greek Cuisine:
Greek cuisine is known for its fresh and wholesome ingredients, vibrant flavours, and Mediterranean influence. It features a variety of dishes that showcase the country's rich culinary heritage.
Classic Greek dishes include moussaka (layered casserole with eggplant and meat), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry), and tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip). Greek cuisine also highlights the use of olive oil, herbs like oregano and mint, and ingredients like feta cheese and olives.
Greek salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese are popular, as are baklava and loukoumades for desserts. Greek cuisine represents a delightful fusion of flavours and a celebration of Mediterranean culinary traditions.
9. Turkish Cuisine:
Turkish cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that combines flavours from the Middle East, Mediterranean, Balkans, and Central Asia. It offers a wide range of dishes with bold and aromatic flavours.
Traditional Turkish cuisine features kebabs, such as doner and shish kebab, served with rice or bread. Meze, a selection of small appetizers, includes dishes like hummus, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and cacik (yogurt with cucumber and herbs). Lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and pide (Turkish flatbread) are popular street food options. Turkish desserts like baklava and Turkish delight are famous for their sweet and nutty flavours.
Turkish tea and strong black coffee are also integral parts of the culinary culture. Turkish cuisine offers a delightful fusion of flavours and a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage.
10. Arabian Cuisine:
Arabian cuisine encompasses a wide range of flavours and dishes that vary across the Arab world, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
It is characterized by its rich and aromatic flavours, often influenced by spices like cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and saffron. Staple foods include rice, bread, lamb, chicken, and fish. Popular dishes include hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, shawarma, and kebabs. Arabian cuisine also features sweet treats like baklava and kunafa.
Dates and Arabic coffee are traditional symbols of hospitality. Arabian cuisine reflects a mix of traditional Bedouin, Levantine, and North African culinary influences, resulting in a diverse and flavourful culinary experience.