New Zealand is home to more than 110,000 people of Indian origin.
Most of them, having merged with the mainstream society and imbibed the prevalent norms are contributing to the progress of the country.
Indian influence is predominant in the pattern of food consumption.
If Chicken Tikka Masala is the most loved Indian food item in Britain, it is Butter Chicken in New Zealand.
This curry, originating from North India, has become the flag-bearer of Indian cuisine. The local version has a thinner texture and sweeter gravy than its Indian counterpart.
Another item finding a place in the starter section is the flour-based snack – the ubiquitous Samosa. This triangle shaped tuck with spicy potato or chicken as filling, has developed a loyal fan base.
Papads, also known as Poppadums, is enthusiastically welcomed as a healthy, easy-to-cook snack.
Many Indian spices are now being retailed by mainstream and Indian supermarkets.
These items of food exhibit the awareness, benefits and reputation of Indian food.
In an increasingly globalised world, where people are becoming more flexible with their food choices, popularity of Indian food is not hard to fathom.
Indian food offers a wholesome and nutritious plate.
Indian fare ticks most boxes on the nutritional count, without compromising taste.
An Indian meal is always full of strong and pleasing flavours.
The notion of Indian food being cooked with exotic herbs and spices adds to its allure, according it a mystique value.
Indian food offers exciting variety for vegetarians.
With the increasing popularity of Indian food, it would be interesting to note whether New Zealand will follow the trends of other developed countries with limited choice.
But undoubtedly, the Indian cuisine is influencing a change in the traditional Kiwi cooking and eating habits.
