The South Asian diet includes basmati rice, chappati, naan breads, lentils, beans and deep-fried snacks. Some South Asians consume meat and some are vegetarians.

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What is the food culture like?

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South Asian cuisine is flavoured with strong herbs and spices. Food is determined by region but common dishes include curries. Common foods include dahls, pulses and many types of vegetables. Deep frying is a common cooking method. 

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Common drinks include juice, lassi, sweet, tea or coffee.

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What are some common foods consumed?​

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The traditional South Asian diet is well balanced, high in lentils, pulses, vegetables and meats, with chapatis or basmati rice, providing a range of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein.

 

Protein foods include lentils, chickpeas, paneer (cheese) and seeds for vegetarians. Meat, chicken, and fish are commonly prepared in curries for non-vegetarians.

 

Diets consist of plenty of fresh vegetables and salads, including cauliflower, okra, spinach and green beans. Common fruits include bananas, grapes, melons, mango, papaya and pineapple.

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Traditionally consumed snacks include itesm made from chickpea flour such as bombay mix. Other popular snacks include ghatia, sev, chevda, fried cereals with added dried fruits, and nuts coated with salt, sugar and spices.

 

Common deep fried snacks include samosas, bhajis, dhokla and potato snacks, which are deep fried in a pan called khadai.

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