Did you know these Indian street foods aren't actually Indian
Of the several things, India and its beautiful cities are also known for their street food scenes. Diverse and expansive, each destination in the country has something to offer to tantalize one's taste buds. However, did you know that some popular Indian street foods aren't actually Indian by origin? Yes, you read that right. Here are some such famous dishes.
Samosa
Samosa is a mass favorite. However, it hails from the Middle East. This delicious fried pastry was introduced to India back in the 13th and 14th centuries by chefs from the Middle East and Central Asia who used to cook for the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. It was originally called sambosa or samusa and was first invented during the 10th century.
Jalebi
Another popular street food is jalebi which is thought to be Indian but is not. Instead, it is an offering from the Middle East that was originally called zalabiya (in Arabic) and zalibiya (in Persian). The sweet treat was first mentioned in the 13th century in a cookbook titled 'Kitab al-Tabeekh.' It was first introduced in India during the 15th century.
Gulab jamun
Turns out these brownish-red bombs of sweetness are also not Indian! Yes, gulab jamuns are from Persia. The words 'gol' in Persian means flower and 'ab' means water. Originally called "luqmat al qadi," this dish was prepared by soaking balls made of khoya in honey syrup and then sprinkled with sugar. It is believed that they came to the country during the Mughal rule.
Momos
Momos are a foodie's obsession in Delhi. However, it is yet another dish that is not Indian. Wondering where they are from? Well, according to several theories, momos belong to Tibet and were later introduced to Nepal by Tibetan immigrants staying in Kathmandu Valley. Years later, they were introduced to other countries in the world including China, Japan, and India.
