going to India - what food related items to buy?

15 years ago

How lucky am I? What a travel year I am having!

My mom is taking me with her on a trip to India in October. We will be on a train, from Mumbai to Delhi, with a day or two in those cities on each end.

I know!!!!

So anyway, you all were so helpful and informative when I asked this question about southeast Asia, I am going to impose on you again.

I always buy a cookbook from a country I've never visited, so for sure I will get that.

But what else? What cooking items should I bring home for our own kitchen and for gifts for friends who cook?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (17)

teresa_nc7
15 years ago
If it were me, I'd get one of those spice containers made of metal that have the little containers in a tray with a lid that fits over all, a traditional Indian spice box. And maybe a spice grinder? What about whole spices like cardamon? Of course, I'd have to get fabric too! Maybe madras cotton or a paisley wrap/shawl?

Spice Box
Ideefixe
15 years ago
Bring back spices. My mother brought back a whole bunch of pepper, tumeric, powdered ginger, and more and they were the freshest I've ever found (even fresher than at Indian markets here in LA.)

Glass bangles are a fun gift, and the fabric embroidered with mirrors.
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Chase the dish you refer to is called a "cazuela de barro" which means a clay casserole dish. They are unbelievably cheap to buy and come in all shapes and sizes but must be packed well in bubble paper as they are fragile. You can also ask for a "cazuela" but that doesn't necessarily mean one of those brown clay pots. If near Mallorca, the same dish is called a "greixonera". Other things to look for: the smoked paprika powder from La Vera, called "Pimenton De La Vera". Definitely a Manchego cheese if you're allowed to bring one back. We like the semi-cured "semi curado". Some olive wood items could be nice. Be careful which saffron you might choose. It should be a dark red and not orange. Last photo in the link above shows the traditional yellow porcelain mortal and pestle ("mortero"). Very heavy in weight but you will find one of those in most Spanish households, including mine. SharonCb in BC
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This is a totally different idea, but I wanted to mention it because I recently rediscovered my immersion blender. I wanted something I could take out of town with me that was small and easy to pack, and...I know this would sound odd to some...offered a little bit of ''help'' in case I decided I wanted to bake. (A readily-available kitchen is a good thing.) Anyway, I realized my immersion blender (Kitchen Aid) had a whip attachment (like a miniature hand-mixer) that I'd never used. Eureka! Of course I had to try it out, and it works beautifully. If your friend doesn't have one, she would probably love it for blending soups, making smoothies or chopping things. The best part is they're not terrible expensive. (FYI; maybe not for now, but for the future.)
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jimster
15 years ago
A spice box is the first thing which came to mind. It's on my want list. I have made do with a case of jelly jars, but a spice box would be so much more convenient and pleasing. If I had one, I might take another good fling at cooking Indian food.

Jim
Teresa_MN
15 years ago
I don't care what you bring back. Just get lots of photos and share them on the cooking forum when you come back!
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
15 years ago
I don't know if there is anything you cannot buy here in the USA.

I would focus in eating and not buying while you are over there.

Look into youtube "India street food". very interesting.

Good luck with the trip. I am sure it will be spectacular.

dcarch
lowspark
15 years ago
I dunno what you should buy - spices seems like the best advice. But I did want to say, have a great trip! You are lucky!! What fun!
jessyf
15 years ago
A cow
jazmynsmom
15 years ago
I spent a week in New Delhi this spring and my best two days there were spent with Jyoti. I had two days of one-on-one cooking classes in her home, a tour of the markets, and a tasting tour that started in a number of restaurants, and ended at a market having a street food competition. I must have sampled over a hundred dishes, while my husband only ate the food provided by his conference. Guess which one of us got Delhi belly? (Hint: Not me.)

I bought the spice box pictured above, idli makers, a ton of spices, and an obscene amount of textiles. If you have time in New Delhi, I can't recommend contacting Jyoti enough to have her set up a culinary tour or cooking class for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gourmet Desire
gellchom
Original Author
15 years ago
Jessyf, I laughed so loud I startled Chom.
BeverlyAL
15 years ago
I would definitely buy lots of the silks. Also, it's difficult if not impossible to find some of their spices here so I would buy those that are difficult to find.

And don't buy the sacred cows!

Have a wonderful trip!
gellchom
Original Author
15 years ago
jazmynsmom, did you really make the idli?

I wish we'd have time for a cooking class, but we won't. Barely 2 days in Delhi.

What spices do you all recommend bringing?

I know I can get most things here. But it is so much fun to use things I got on a trip. Also, I need to bring a few gifts.
colleenoz
15 years ago
Maybe a thali set? It's a kind of metal tray with little dishes, each diner gets a lot of little dishes of different curries and condiments, and some kind of bread and rice to have with the various goodies in the little dishes. I've attached a URL for a website that has a photo- scroll down, it's the seventh photo :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Thali
arabellamiller
15 years ago
Get a tiffin! It's a cool metal stackable lunch box. They are super cheap in India, I've had friends bring them back for me since they're pricy here.

Have a wonderful trip.

AM
Virginia7074
15 years ago
I don't know if you'll have a chance to try idli (steamed lentil flour dumplings with delicious coconut chutney), but bring back an idli maker anyway. You can buy idli mix & chutney here, or make your own.

Here is a link that might be useful: Idli maker
gellchom
Original Author
15 years ago
These are super ideas! I hope I'll have room in my suitcase.

I doubt I'll ever make idli myself -- not more than once, anyway -- so it's the perfect gift for a foodie friend (and then she can make them for me)!
Lars
15 years ago
Check out Another Subcontinent Forum and possibly join to ask questions. The people there are really nice and helpful, although I have not posted there for a while.

Lars

Here is a link that might be useful: General forum
jessyf
15 years ago
Grin back at you, Gellchom. Have a great trip, take pictures for us, and report back.

(and thanks for inspiration for my kid who is about to have his wisdom teeth pulled - lots of Indian foods I can feed him!)

going to India - what food related items to buy?

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