When you are on vacation abroad, it feels incomplete if we do not buy traditional souvenirs from that country. India is one of the countries with a high number of tourist visits, with its stunning beauty and history making India a vacation destination.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty and historical buildings, traditional Indian souvenirs are also very popular among tourists visiting there. From beautiful and captivating saris to distinctive Indian spices, they are much favored by tourists as souvenirs.Â
In this article, we will discuss recommendations for traditional Indian souvenirs as well as the diversity of Indian foods that you must know before you vacation there.
Traditional Indian Souvenirs
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Every region in India produces its own unique crafts. Delhi is famous for its spices and pashmina shawls, while Jaipur and Udaipur are known as centers for painting production.
On the other hand, Kolkata is known for its textiles. If you are confused about what souvenirs to buy when traveling to India, here are some recommendations for traditional Indian souvenirs:
Sari Fabric
When visiting India, it seems incomplete if you don't buy sari fabric. At least when you go on holiday to India, you should buy at least one sari. This clothing is the pride of Indian women and is known almost worldwide. Sari fabric is famously from Kolkata and Varanasi.
Pashmina
Pashmina shawls from India are famous for their softness and provide warmth and comfort when you wear them. Srinagar in Kashmir is renowned as a leading producer of pashmina, but they are easily found in markets in Delhi and Jaipur.
Woven Fabric
Indian textiles have a globally recognized reputation, especially woven fabrics that are detailed in their craftsmanship. Because of their global recognition, you can buy Indian woven fabric as a souvenir.
Jewelry
Indian society is famous for their love of stunning jewelry. If you are interested in exploring places where you can find beautiful jewelry, the markets in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Goa are perfect destinations.Â
There, you will find a wide range of jewelry that reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of India, offering a satisfying shopping experience.
Spices and Indian Seasonings
India has been known as a center of spices rich in aromatic diversity. To bring home the richness of Indian spices, you can explore the exciting spice markets in two cities, Delhi and Cochin (Kochi).Â
There you can enjoy a delightful shopping experience and discover a variety of high-quality spices that are characteristic of India.
Essential Oils
To bring home Indian essential oils, visit Mysuru, which is famous for its sandalwood products. Alternatively, essential oils can also be found in Auroville, a spiritual city in Tamil Nadu.
Wood Carving Art
Rajasthan, especially in the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur, is famous for its stunning wood carving art in various products such as furniture and statues. These two cities are centers of wood carving artistry, creating elegant and unique art pieces that enrich the region's culture and artistic beauty.
Darjeeling and Assam Tea
The tea-producing regions of Darjeeling and Assam offer authentic tea that should not be missed. However, this tea is also easily found in major cities. For tea lovers, bringing home Darjeeling and Assam Tea is a great way to celebrate and appreciate the richness of Indian tea.
Khurja Pottery
Khurja in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its hand-decorated pottery or ceramics. Ceramic products include bowls, plates, and decorative ornaments.
Miniature Paintings
Indian Miniature Paintings are charming souvenirs because they represent the rich culture and traditions of India in extraordinary detail. By telling stories of mythology and history, as well as showcasing the beauty of architecture and daily life, these paintings capture the essence of India with bold colors and high craftsmanship.
Traditional Indian Food
India is a country rich in culture and cuisine. There are many traditional Indian foods that must be tried by both tourists and locals. Here are 8 traditional Indian foods that must be tried:
Masala Dosa
Masala dosa is one of the most popular traditional Indian foods. Masala Dosa is a type of thin pancake made from fermented batter filled with spiced potatoes (masala).Â
This dish is made from rice flour and lentil batter, which is grilled on a hot pan. Masala dosa is usually served with chutney, sambar, and curry, creating a delicious combination of flavors.
Chaat
Chaat is a traditional Indian snack made from various ingredients, such as potatoes, chickpeas, gram flour, vegetables, and yogurt.Â
Chaat is usually served with chutney and other spices. The combination of these ingredients creates a fresh, sweet, sour, and spicy taste at the same time, creating an explosion of flavors in the mouth.
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a soup made from black lentils and red kidney beans cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. This soup is made from black lentils, cream, milk, and spices. It has a rich, smooth, and flavorful taste, often served with rice, naan, or bread.
Vada Pav
Vada pav is a traditional Indian burger or sandwich made from bread and vada (a patty made from green gram) that is fried and served in a pav bread with sauces and chutney. Vada pav is usually served with chutney and sambar.
Paratha
Paratha is a traditional Indian bread made from wheat flour dough. This bread is usually cooked on a hot pan with butter or oil. Paratha can be served with a variety of toppings, such as curry, eggs, cheese, yogurt, or chutney.
Dhokla
Dhokla is a type of steamed cake made from fermented gram flour. This light dish is served with green sauce and sometimes accompanied by grated coconut.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is chicken roasted in a tandoor oven. This chicken is usually seasoned with spices, such as turmeric, chili, and coriander, giving it a unique and delicious flavor and a strong aroma of spices. This chicken is often served with rice, naan, or bread.
Pani Puri
Pani Puri is a light snack consisting of flour balls filled with potatoes, chickpeas, and fresh vinegar sauce. This snack is usually served with cold and refreshing broth water. It should be eaten all at once to enjoy the sensation of bursting fresh flavors in the mouth.
Through this article, we have explored the richness of traditional Indian souvenirs that include arts, crafts, and various types of equally interesting foods. From exclusive sarees to high-quality spices.Â
Additionally, the recommendations for souvenirs and diverse traditional Indian dishes can serve as a guide for those who wish to bring home pieces of beauty and taste from this culturally rich land.Â
After reading this article, you might no longer be confused about which foods and souvenirs to buy when vacationing in India.
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