Sindhi Cuisine And Dishes To Try In Chhattisgarh
Sindhis are a unique set of people, tracing their civilised roots back to the oldest cradle of human civilisation, the Indus Valley. Nestled between River Sindhu or Indus river and the mythical Vedic river Saraswathi, this civilisation stretched for millennia before its eventual mysterious decline and downfall about 1700 years ago. One of the indigenous populations of this region who lived on and thrived even after the great civilisation was returned to dust is the Sindhi community.
Primarily, Sindhi were Hindus and Buddhists until the advent of Islam. Located at the doorway to India, Sindhis were exposed to warring expeditions by emperors and conquerors wanting to mark history with their trysts and conquests. Alexander the Great conquered Sindh after his victory over the Persians. Here the bravery displayed by the Sindh warriors made Alexander doubt his intentions of conquering India.
A proud people, they have withstood a lot over the ages while changing with the times, tolerating and accepting changes with Islam as a significant influence. It is said that what happens to Sindhis happens to all of India eventually. Well, this was certainly true in the times when Sindh stood guard to the Indian subcontinent. Yet, interestingly this remains true even to this day, more metaphorically. A hardened group of people, Sindhis soon migrated due to many circumstances all over the subcontinent, searching for greener pastures. Being diligent and adept and commerce, they have left an indelible mark on the economy, with Sindhis becoming a prime mover of economy.
One such place they settled, is the bustling city of Raipur, back in the days when it was nothing more than a mining outpost. One can even argue that Raipur is a major commercial centre bringing forth a backward region. Raipur, Bilaspur and much of Chhatisgarh is today an attractive business centre owing to the diligence of Sindhis.
All that history lesson must have left some of you hungry. The true intent is to introduce you to the delicacies that Sindhis have gifted the cornucopia of Indian cuisine. Being a community that moved about and mingled with various people, Sindhi cuisine is truly cosmopolitan. With influences of Islam, Central and South-East Asia, not to forget India’s rest, Sindhi cuisine is indeed a treat to the senses. So let us dive forth without further ado into the culinary cosmos of Sindhis.
With a wide spectrum of dishes, this delicious treat is a must-try wherever you can, particularly in Chhatisgarh which has a sizeable Sindhis population. Our restaurant at The Downton Hotel Raipur, a family and premier business hotel could fix you up these delicacies. The variety the Sindhi thali has, exposes one to the entirety of Sindhi cuisine at once. Just to give you an idea, a Sindhi Thali has:
Samosa Pockets
Paalak Dahi Wada
Aani ji Bhaji
Bhea Mattar
Palak Paneer Bhurji
Masale wala Karela
Chaawar
Phulka
Papad
Dal Pakwan
Jammu
Kheerni
Bhea Mattar:
Bhee is the stem of Lotus flower traditionally grown in the Sindh province. A combination of Bhee, Aloo and Mattar with the puree of tomato. Generally, Bhee is seasonal, so we recommend you dig into it whenever you get the opportunity.
Dal Pakwan:
One of the most popular dish, Dal Pakwan, is made of Besan flour deep-fried in olive oil! Crunchy and tangy, this moong dal, tomato and onion dish is a healthy and tasty snack.
Chaap Chole:
Chaap Chole is a famous Sindhi street food. A cutlet made of potato and chillies, deep-fried in olive oil garnished with chole, tomato and onion flavoured with tamarind chutney, Chaap Chole is the quintessential snack.
Tri Daali Dal:
As the name suggests, Tri Daali Dal is made with a combination of three varieties of Dal. Moong, Urad and Chaana mixed in the proper proportions and cooked well create magic on your tongue. Healthy and tasty at once, this is the perfect food for growing children.
