Cambridge is well-known for its academic excellence and picturesque charm, but it also boasts a rich and diverse food scene, particularly when it comes to Indian cuisine. Across the city’s many Indian restaurants, diners can experience dishes from different regions of India, each offering unique cooking styles, ingredients, and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a fan of rich curries, seafood, or vegetarian dishes, Cambridge has something for everyone when it comes to Indian food.
Here’s a look at the different regional Indian influences you can find in Cambridge restaurants.
1. North Indian Cuisine: Punjabi and Mughlai Specialities
The food from North India, especially Punjab and the Mughlai tradition, is perhaps the most well-known in Britain. It’s characterised by hearty dishes with thick sauces, often using cream or yoghurt for a rich texture.
- Punjabi Cuisine: Popular dishes include butter chicken, chicken tikka, and dal makhani. Punjabi food is known for its use of dairy products, like ghee and paneer, and its bread-based accompaniments such as naan and paratha.
- Mughlai Cuisine: Mughlai dishes often feature nuts, dried fruit, and spices. Lamb biryani, korma, and rogan josh are common favourites, all showcasing tender meats in mild to medium spiced gravies.
Cambridge Recommendations:
- Vineet’s Indian Kitchen offers an excellent selection of North Indian dishes, including signature Mughlai specials.
- The Tandoori Palace is another spot where you can enjoy traditional Punjabi curries paired with soft naan.
2. South Indian Cuisine: Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Flavours
Southern India brings a very different range of dishes to the table, with rice as a staple instead of bread and an emphasis on tamarind, coconut, and curry leaves.
- Tamil Cuisine: South Indian restaurants in Cambridge often feature dosas (thin, crispy pancakes), idlis (steamed rice cakes), and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew). These dishes are lighter and often served with chutneys and coconut-based sauces.
- Andhra Cuisine: Known for its spicy food, Andhra Pradesh offers dishes like Andhra chicken and spicy prawn curry. The use of chillies is more pronounced, making this region perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Cambridge Recommendations:
- Coconut Lagoon has a range of South Indian dishes, with masala dosa and sambar being popular choices.
- Southern Spice provides an authentic taste of Tamil Nadu, with an array of seafood dishes and vegetarian options.
3. West Indian Cuisine: Goan and Gujarati Dishes
The coastal regions of Western India bring influences from both land and sea. Goa, for instance, is known for its seafood, while Gujarat is famous for its vegetarian cuisine.
- Goan Cuisine: Influenced by the Portuguese, Goan food includes tangy, coconut-based curries. Goan prawn curry and vindaloo (a fiery dish originally made with pork) are must-try dishes, often paired with rice or flatbreads.
- Gujarati Cuisine: Gujarati food is mostly vegetarian and includes dishes like dhokla (steamed savoury cakes) and thepla (spiced flatbreads). It balances sweet and savoury flavours, with plenty of fresh vegetables and pulses.
Cambridge Recommendations:
- The Spice Room offers delicious Goan seafood, including their famous prawn curry.
- Veggie Indian focuses on Gujarati specialities, making it a go-to spot for plant-based meals.
4. East Indian Cuisine: Bengali Specialities
East Indian cuisine, particularly from Bengal, is known for its delicate use of fish, mustard oil, and unique spice combinations.
- Bengali Cuisine: Bengali food is well-loved for its fish dishes, especially machher jhol (fish curry). Shorshe bata maach (fish in mustard sauce) is another traditional favourite. Bengali cuisine also includes desserts like rasgulla and sandesh, made with fresh cheese and sugar syrup.
Cambridge Recommendations:
- Taste of Bengal lives up to its name by offering a variety of fish-based dishes typical of Bengali cuisine, such as their signature fish curry.
- Bengal Deli has a more casual setting but serves some of the best Bengali-style biryani and seafood in the city.
5. Modern Indian Fusion
Cambridge’s dining scene is also embracing modern twists on traditional Indian dishes, blending them with contemporary techniques or Western flavours.
- Modern Fusion: Some restaurants have begun to experiment with classic Indian ingredients in more unconventional formats, offering dishes like curried burgers, naan pizzas, and spiced seafood salads. These contemporary dishes still pay respect to traditional Indian cooking while catering to a more global palate.
Cambridge Recommendations:
- The Innovation Kitchen is known for its creative fusion dishes, including spiced seafood, Indian-inspired grills, and vegetarian platters.
- Spices and Beyond combines traditional and contemporary Indian cooking styles, making it an exciting choice for diners looking for something a bit different.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Through India in Cambridge
Cambridge’s Indian restaurants offer more than just the standard curry-house fare. With influences from all corners of India, you can explore a variety of regional flavours, from the rich, creamy dishes of the North to the spicy, tangy fare of the South, and the seafood delicacies from the coastal West. Whether you’re a long-time lover of Indian food or a newcomer to its regional diversity, Cambridge’s vibrant Indian dining scene has something to offer every taste.
So next time you’re in the city, take the opportunity to explore the distinct flavours of regional Indian cuisines – all within easy reach.