Have you ever tried tasting one and the same recipe yet felt like it was entirely two different things? You recognize the individual flavors of the ingredients and yet, the overall tone and aromas are distinctly different. Strange but it is quite possible.

The coming together of the natural flavors and aromas of the very same ingredients make food unique. If you throw in a mix of seasonings, a selection of herbs and spices, the flavors merge into a vibrant mix of delightful sensations. A unique blend of flavors is but one aspect of the many features of Indian cuisine.

Interestingly, food as a part of daily Indian life is but a tiny parcel of a whole that is centered on the attainment of a sound, peaceful, and secure being. Indian recipes are more than just aromatic, savory concoctions that please your palate. Food is seen to help attain that spiritual, physical and emotional balance.

In Indian society, food is viewed not as an integral part of living but merely as a satisfying tool to achieve and maintain a peaceful oneness with nature. A sound, balanced mental, physical and emotional state is the core concept behind many Indian dishes. Indian belief system attributes irritability, restlessness and nastiness as being out of balance. For peace and harmony to reign, the balance in these three aspects of personality must be restored.

Dosha is an Indian word that means “what you are made of.” It is the core of the Indian recipe. Knowing key personality traits point to what constitutes your being more – earth (kapha), wind (vata) and fire (pitta). Indians believe each individual is a varied composition of all three. Knowing which way you lean toward would help determine what food items you need to avoid or consume more to attain that balance spiritual, mental and physical state trio.

This non-dietary, spiritual notion of food intake is unique to Indian recipe and cuisine. It points to a deeper meaning and purposes of food experiences besides the pursuit of the physical pleasures of delightful and tasteful sensations. It also goes beyond the aesthetics of eating right and being healthy.

Food as a tool to spiritual, mental, and physical well-being is an intriguingly holistic approach to something many consider mundane. It gives more meaning than the mere enjoyment of a sumptuous meal. Chefs in this context are almost brought to a level of being spiritual guides or visionary consultants.

Perhaps this core concept of overall balance is what gives Indian cuisine its innately unique flavors. Even Indian desserts are not presented as enticing indulgences. The message is always moderation and balance. It's quite difficult to imagine using the word “sinful” to describe even the tastiest of Indian pastries and sweets.

Indeed, the Indian cuisine is one with a rich history and is very unique. The Indians are proud of it, and it is a favorite throughout the world. Eating food is never just a fleeting moment and physical activity with Indian food. For the Indians, it is reflection of a way of life.