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Food is a daily ritual that brings emotional connections, cravings, and enjoyment, often without consideration of its origins or effort. We share, savor, waste, and endlessly repeat this cycle with every meal.

Apart from all this, is there more to food

Is food the same for all
Is food only for the body
Do food have habits
Is food geo-tagged
Does food influence life
Does food have mood
Whats a meal and a feast
What is good food for you
Where is your food from
Does food have history
Is food the same for all
Is food only for the body
Do food have habits
Is food geo-taggeed
Does food influence life
Does food have mood
Whats a meal and a feast
What is good food for you
Where is your food from
Does food have history
Is food the same for all
Is food only for the body
Do food have habits
Is food geo-taggeed
Does food influence life
Does food have mood
Whats a meal and a feast
What is good food for you
Where is your food from
Does food have history
Is food the same for all
Is food only for the body
Do food have habits
Is food geo-taggeed
Does food influence life
Does food have mood
Whats a meal and a feast
What is good food for you
Where is your food from
Does food have history

What is food

food

/fu:d/

noun

any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth.

Food fuels both body and imagination. Simple meals nourish, while feasts unite. Across cultures, food brings joy, celebrates milestones, and connects us. From a juicy peach to steaming dumplings, food is a journey, comfort, and universal language.

Food is a lot of things...

food isx

love

art

adventure

beyond

time

culture

= cuisine

Food is more deeply integrated into our life and culture than we assume. Just like languages built with words, cuisines use ingredients as vocabulary. Indian cuisine, for example, relies on ingredients like cardamom, turmeric, and chilies. Preparation methods act like verbs, shaping the dish's essence. Think of the slow simmering of fragrant biryani's compared to the tandoori's fiery smoky perfection. Flavors and techniques are the grammar, creating a symphony on the plate. From the creamy Kurmas to the Jamuns.

A cuisine tells a story of regional traditions and cultural heritage, all through the language of food.

Cuisines

of the World

Cuisines

ofIndia

Tamil

Nadu's

Cuisines

Among the cuisines of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad and Pandiyanad present a unique scenario. Despite being just 60 kilometers apart, they offer completely different tastes and experiences.

They epitomize diversity and serve as a prime example of how two cuisines can be so distinct, despite their geographical proximity and other shared factors.

“They are so close, yet

SO UNIQUE”

Cuisines are separated by many factors, yet here most boundaries are blurred. Both the people and the place share many similarities, but the food they eat is distinct.

When food is considered a cultural identity, understanding these details and differences becomes more important than ever.

Let’s find out more!

Pandiyanad
Cuisine

About

Pandiyanad cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes for every part of the meal, constantly evolving while retaining the wisdom of past generations. From quick snacks to slow-cooked delicacies, pandiyanad Cuisine has it all, the cuisine is deeply inspired by the Pandiyan kings. the culinary heritage is reflected by the Modern-day Madurai and its surrounding villages, once the capital of the Pandiyan dynasty.

The Pandiyans, key rulers of South India, were known for their extensive trade networks, making Madurai a bustling city that never sleeps, along with the food too!

History

Modern Pandiyanad cuisine has deep roots in the illustrious era of the Pandiyan kings, reflecting a rich tapestry of history and cultural exchange. The culinary variety, shaped significantly by international trade, showcases the Pandiyans' profound connections with distant lands across the globe. The influence of these interactions is most evident in the abundance of seafood dishes, a hallmark of Pandiyanad cuisine, which harks back to the overseas territories once ruled by the Pandiyans. Spices, techniques, and unique ingredients brought in through these trade routes have left an indelible mark on its flavors.

Food was not just sustenance; it was a symbol of prosperity and hospitality, playing a vital role in the life of the city. Today, this legacy endures, and every meal continues to be a vibrant celebration of history, culture, and unity.

Current

The Pandiyans' culinary legacy lives on with a lavish variety of foods and unforgettable tastes. Walking the streets of Madurai and its neighboring villages, one can find food readily available in welcoming homes and restaurants. However, a modern problem persists: the identity of Pandiyanad cuisine is being forgotten.

Many locals are unaware of the historical significance of their cuisines and their kitchens and often mistake it for other nearby cuisines.

Chettinad
Cuisine

About

Chettinad cuisine is as intricate and rich as the remarkable blend of spices it features. Originating from the culturally vibrant region of present-day Karaikudi and its neighboring villages in the Sivagangai district (often referred to as Chettinad, meaning "the land of Chettiars"), this cuisine reflects the legacy of the Chettiar community. Renowned across India for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients, Chettinad cuisine is a treasure trove of culinary artistry.

While it shares historical ties with Pandiyanad cuisine, it has carved a distinct identity, offering a delightful array of unique recipes and unforgettable surprises, truly embodying the essence of its roots.

History

Once, a thriving community lived around Puducherry's coastal region, excelling in trade and commerce. When seven families who had left for trade returned only to find their homeland devastated by a tsunami, they sought refuge in the elevated lands under the Pandiyan kings. The Pandiyans granted them land in exchange for work(accountign and commerce), leading to the formation of the seven villages (from the 7 families) that make up modern Chettinad.

Impressed by their work, the Pandiyans allotted a quarter of their land with its own jurisdiction and appointed a local king. This mini-kingdom, known as KaanaaduKaathan Parappu, meaning "the land of the ruler of a quarter of the Pandiyan's land," shaped Chettinad cuisine as an embodiment of rich history and exceptional flavor.

Current

Due to various reasons, Chettinad cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines nationwide. Most people think of Chettinad dishes when they think about South Indian food. The sole popularity of Chettinad cuisine and the craze around it is consuming the legacies of the nearby cuisines, leaving the people from the Chettinad region confused about what food carries their Chettinad legacy.

Despite this, since Chettinad cuisine evolves from a community, there is a constant claim of who makes the authentic Chettinad food.

On top of their rich history, diverse cultures, and widespread popularity, these cuisines offer a unique culinary experience that continues to captivate and delight people around the world. But wait!

THERE’S MORE!

Raw MaterialsDouble Click any card to collect the it

Procedure

Characteristics

Which one would you try first?

0

Pandiyanad

Cuisine

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0

Chettinad

Cuisine

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