Meditating on the Scrumptious Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine, which does not belong to any particular culture but refers to culinary styles of people living in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, is popular in India due to the huge variety it offers. Mediterranean food has developed not as national cuisine of any country but as a variety of regional cuisines based on diversified regional influences. Since olive oil is the most commonly used ingredient in Mediterranean cuisines, it is considered to be healthy. There is no traditional way of serving the Mediterranean food. This cuisine is a popular genre for dining out in India. Ashok Malkani examines various aspects of this cuisine and the reasons for its popularity in the country.

- Ashok Malkani

Mediterranean food is popular throughout the globe. It may be mentioned that diets across the entire Mediterranean region vary greatly but what most people think of as Mediterranean food comes mainly from Greece and Italy. In this region, the diets that have developed over the centuries has been mainly due to what was readily available. Fish and lamb, which was plentiful in the region, formed the staple ingredients of the diet.

Kamlesh Salve, Executive Chef, The Mirador Mumbai, avers, “Mediterranean cuisine encompasses the Mediterranean basin, which covers several vastly different geographical areas including Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Europe, Asia, Africa and many others. The Mediterranean Sea boasts a different diet, religion, and culture.”

Ashish Kumar Tiwari, Executive Chef, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, states, “Mediterranean food has its roots in areas around the Mediterranean Sea, like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Popularity in India

Mediterranean cuisine is believed to be extremely popular in India as it has a lot in common with Indian cuisine. It is perfectly suitable for the Indian climate as well as the palate. Light and healthy, the ingredients for this cuisine can be easily found in India. And what is more, it satisfies the principle that Indians love most: taste!