India, as a country, is known for its rich culture, tradition, bollywood and also the special variety of food, which is available thoughout the nation. Each and every state has a distinct cuisine, which makes it extra special. So foreigners, whenever they come to India, irrespective of their home country, love Indian food, though, the spice level could be a tad tricky.
With India also being a major cricket nation, a number of foreign teams come to India on tours, and they take back some great memories, and may be, they also narrate about the rich Indian food to their children as well.
After the advent of Indian Premier League in 2008, it has become a regular feature for top cricketers to reside in India for two months, at least, travel around multiple cities, which opens the doors for their taste buds to familiarise with Indian cuisine even more.
They are gradually getting used to it. Most of the players from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand love the rich variety of Indian food. Australia cricketer, Moises Henriques, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL season, is no stranger to Indian food as it is one of his best cuisines, which he started from an early age.
But when it comes to Henriques, he is very particular on one of the most popular dishes of India, chicken biryani.
"Even when I am back in Australia, I love having Indian food. Here in India, I do like the chicken biryani, but it is easier for me when there are no bones in it. Indians do their rice really well," Henriques told International Business Times, India.
However, there have been instances when foreign cricketers have often complained about the curry that they had the other night, and their problems of indigestion. It all boils down to the spice level, which is something new for foreigners as they might not be habituated with such food.
But, it is just a matter of time. These cricketers may find it tough initially, but when they get the hang of it, they start to love the same dish. Nevertheless, it is the use of different spices, which makes it different, flavourful and delicious.
Another former Australian cricketer and presently playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Shane Watson, loves the rich flavours, which oozes from an Indian dish.
"I do love Indian food as it comes with the different complexity of flavours, which has lovely and different spices. I like the spice but, but if it is too spicy, I get hiccups," Watson said during an event in Bengaluru.
The spice level has always been talked about. Even during cricket matches in India, commentators open up about it. Recently, Australia cricketer Matt Renshaw had to rush to the washroom while batting to attend the nature's call.
It was Renshaw's first visit to India, but he should gradually get in terms with the food once he visits India often. If he gets selected for any IPL franchise in the near future, he will get more acquainted to Indian food, and who knows if he might discover his stomach for rich Indian curries.
Moises is one cricketer, who, now loves some spice in his food. He has developed a sense of love for Indian food after coming to India for the last seven to eight seasons in the IPL. On the spice level, Moises says, he is 'improving'.
"When I was young, I, may be, did not handle the spice too well, but now, I am okay. I have been coming over to India in the IPL for the past many years and also with Team Australia, so I have been handling spice better. I still cannot handle too hot spices, but I prefer my food with some spice, and I am always improving on it," Henriques said.
What about vegetarian food?
India is not all about the butter chicken and rogan josh. There is something for everyone. If you are a vegetarian, there is a whole world of food, waiting in India. Some of the well-known ones are Palak paneer, Tikka masala, Malai kofta, Chole masala, Aloo matar etc. The list goes on and on.
Foreigners like all types of food. When they come to India, their visit becomes incomplete without their dose of some mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. Both Moises and Watson stated that they are big fans of Indian vegetarian dishes.
"One of my favourites is aloo gobi. It is vegetarian dish, but I really love that as it is delicious," Moises said.
Watson has a liking towards vegetarian food, and he even went to the extent of comparing the quality of vegetarian flavours available in India and Australia.
"Indian food in incredible, especially the vegetarian food available is really good. Back home in Australia, vegetarian food is very bland, but in India, it is flavourful and there are lots of amazing options too," Watson said.
Now, I guess, your appetite has also increased. Go and try some aloo gobi with rice or what about some flavoursome chicken biryani!
