Sai Ram's Guide to Indian Food
Indian Cuisine is characterized by the extensive use of various Indian spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruit. It is also know for the widespread practice of vegetarianism in Indian society. Each family of Indian cuisine includes a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. As a consequence, it varies from region to region, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically-diverse subcontinent.
The most important or frequently used spices in Indian cuisine are chili pepper, black mustard seed (sarso) cumin (jeera), turmeric (haldi), fenugreek (methi), asafoetida (hing), ginger (adrak), coriander (dhania), and garlic (lehsun). Popular spice mixes and garam masala, a powder that typically includes five or more dried spices, especially cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Each region, and somwtimes each individual chef, has a distinctive garam masala blend. At Sai Ram we make our own garam masala.
Hindu beliefs and culture have played an influential role in the evolution of Indian cuisine, however, cuisine across India also evolved as a result of the subcontinent's large-scale cultural interactions with Mongols and Britain making it a unique blend of some various cuisines. The spice trade between India and Europe is often cited as the main catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery. The colonial period introduced European cooking styles to India, adding to the flexibility and diversity of Indian cuisine. Indian Cuisine has influenced cuisines across the world, especially from Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.
Thali - The authentic experience
Thali in hindi means "plate". A Thali is a selection of different dishes, usually served in small bowls on a round tray. At Sai Ram we offer a unique version of the Thali as an add-on to the main course. To start your Thali experience you will be served freshly made sambar, a lentil soup, prepared with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices which is out own family recipe. When your main course arrives you will see a colorful display of food on the Thali, this includes your main entree and samples of the vegetable curry of the day. Raita, a cool whisked homemade yogurt with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and mint. Dal is an Indian lentil dish, a rich source of fiber. After you have been explained by your waiter the art of Thali and how to mix and match it to your taste buds, an Indian bread "Nan" (it's the slapping noise you hear) will arrive. It's a handmade leavened white bread baked to perfection in the tandoor. To cool your taste buds, you finish with a homemade dessert. To add to the dinner experience, try a bottle of our sweet wine to compliment the spicy food, or a dry wine to accompany the taste of the rich creamy curry dishes.