Other Indian Foods and Customs: Strange, Avoided, and Uncommon Eating Habits

When we talk about Indian food, the vast and varied culinary traditions of India shaped by religion, region, and daily life, most people think of curry, naan, or chai. But what about the foods most Indians never touch? Or the words they use to say goodbye? These aren’t just quirks—they’re windows into how culture, belief, and history shape what ends up on the plate and in the conversation. Hindu dietary rules, deeply tied to spiritual beliefs and regional practices explain why pork is off-limits for millions, while Indian eating habits, the unspoken rules around what’s considered clean, sacred, or unappetizing keep dishes like fermented fish or raw mango salad out of everyday kitchens.

It’s not just about what’s eaten—it’s about what’s avoided. Some foods are rejected not because they’re bad, but because they carry meaning. Bitter gourd? Too strong for some. Raw mango salad? Too sour for morning meals. And then there’s the slang—like tata, a casual Indian farewell rooted in colonial-era English but now uniquely Indian in how it’s used. These aren’t random. They’re part of a larger system where food, language, and belief are woven together. You won’t find pork in a Hindu household, but you might hear someone say "tata" as they leave. Both are cultural signals. And if you’ve ever stared at a menu wondering why certain dishes are missing, you’re not alone. Millions of Indians make these choices every day, not out of restriction, but out of identity.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of oddities—it’s a collection of real stories behind the foods people skip, the words they use, and the reasons no one talks about. From Delhi breakfasts you didn’t know existed to the snacks that actually help people lose weight without giving up flavor, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll learn why some dishes are called "unpopular" not because they’re bad, but because they’re misunderstood. You’ll see how religious rules aren’t just about sin—they’re about daily life. And you’ll realize that the most interesting parts of Indian cuisine aren’t always the ones on the poster. They’re the ones no one serves at parties.