A Guide to Ordering Indian Food:

What You Need to Know Before You Order



Ready to try some Indian food, but completely confused by the menu and what to order?

...Deciphering and ordering Indian food is a lot easier than you might think. Whether your ordering food from an Indian restaurant or abroad the basics are more a less the same.

Here's a guide that will help you to Order Indian Food in a Restaurant..

A Guide to Ordering Indian Food: Indian Menu Terms & Dishes

Here are some of the names you may come across on an Indian Menu and their meanings which will help you decide what you'd like to Order the next time your at an Indian restaurant...Read More

The Culture of Arranged Marriages in India

Arranged marriages have always been a debatable subject. It is in the major outlook on relationships that Indians are vastly different, in the way they perceive the institution of marriage, to those beliefs of other countries especially in the west. Many people have a pretty major misunderstanding of the topic of arranged marriages and in fact have a fairly negative attitude regarding arranged marriages.

While it may not be for all and love marriages in India are not unheard of or a rare sighting by any means...arranged marriages aren't necessarily a bad thing either!...Read More about the Culture of Arranged Marriages in India and why they work.

10 Tips for Travelling in Rural India

Traveling to rural India is an experience in a great number of ways. It best shows the way of life of the most common people and the roots of all Indians. The way of life is simple and at times difficult. So traveling these areas can be quite an experience and vastly different from other European or American Countries.

To ensure sweet memories, it is a good idea to eliminate some aspects of the overwhelming experience by remembering a number of small but important details to make your trip memorable for the right reasons...Here are 10 Tips for Travelling in Rural India

The 10 Most Popular Maharashtrian Dishes

The mid-western state of Maharashtra in India is home to popular cities like Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune. This state has a beautifully merged touch of coastal and central plateau tastes, since it stretches from the rocky rain drenched western ghats to the north central parts of the deccan plateau.

Maharashtrian (or Marathi) cuisine is cuisine of, those from the state of Maharashtra. Where food is concerned the range and variety are plenty and tongue tickling. Here you will find strong aromas of spices (like black Maharashtrian masala)as well as garlic and ginger in abundance. Maharashtrian cuisine covers a wide range from being extremely mild to very spicy dishes. The staple dishes of Maharashtrian cuisine are based on bread and rice, while lentils (pulses) play an important role as well.

Vegetable dishes in called Bhaji along with bread made of all kinds of flours called Bhakri as well as the usual Indian bread chapati are part of the daily meals. Maharashtrian curries are usually on the watery side and called Rassa and not thick like the curries from the North.

See The 10 Most Popular Maharashtrian Dishes:

Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala in Floating Hotels-Houseboats

A Journey through the curving and winding backwaters of Kerala in one of these Houseboats called 'Kettuvallam' is on of the most enchanting holiday experiences in India today....Read More


Traditionally, the Kerala houseboat was called Kettuvallam, which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a Kettuvallam.

Read More about these eco-friendly floating hotels and the Luxuries of Houseboat Vacationing in the Backwaters of Kerala.

India at the Beijing Olympics 2008

India had a all in all a good run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by breaking it's one medal label by wining a total of three medals- 1 gold & 2 bronze. It was lot of first's for India with the country sending a bunch of swimmers and winning it's first gold in an individual event. A few highlights of the world's biggest sporting competitions for India included:

The Indian Olympic Squad: A contingent of 56 athletes represented India, and were supported by a support-staff of 42 officials. The athletic contingent was the largest, with 16 Indian Athletes.

Predictions for medal hopeful's included the likes of Tennis player Sania Mirza, shooters Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, tennis duo Paes and Bhupathi, boxer Dinesh Kumar as well as Athlete Anju Bobby George.

But the underdogs prevailed with Shooter Abhinav Bindra winning the Gold in 10m Air Rifle, Sushil Kumar bagging India a bronze medal in men's 66kg freestyle wrestling category and Boxer Vijender Singh winning India's third medal - a bronze in Boxing.

Read more about India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics:
Abhinav Bindra strikes Gold at 2008 Beijing Olympics
Sushil Kumar Wins Bronze for India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Vijender Singh Win's India it's 3rd Medal at the Beijing Olympics 2008

India at Beijing Olympics 2008: The Indian Squad
Indians to watch out for in the 2008 Beijing Olympics
India at Beijing Olympics 2008: The Opening Ceremony
Indian Athletes Competing in The 2008 Beijing Olympics
India at Beijing Olympics 2008: India's Tennis Hopefuls
India's Best Shooters at The Beijing Olympics 2008

Goan Cuisine: 10 Dishes that Scream GOA!

The small Western State of Goa in India is ever famous for three things...the beaches, it's easy-going nature and it's FOOD..Goan Cuisine. The men of Goa with their pot bellies are evidence of the fact that Goans love their Food.

The Goan cuisine is an interesting mix of varied influences. The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine. Most people who sample Goan cuisine, enjoy this different and unique style of food which has a distinct and unique combination of spicy flavours....Read more

Here are the 10 Most Popular Dishes of Goa


Other Related Articles:
Where's the Party at in Goa?-A Guide to Nightlife in Goa
The Exotic Beaches Of Goa
A Mouthful of Kerala
The Heart of Indian Cuisine-Spices!

Brangelina of India: Aishwarya and Abhishek- A True Bollywood Love Story

While Hollywood has their Brad and Angelina, better known as Brangelina...Bollywood has their very own Super Celebrity Couple non-other than former Miss World and Actress Aishwarya Rai and Son of the Big B (king of Bollywood) and Actor Abhishek Bachchan. Abhi-Ash's Bollywood romance seems right out of a Bollywood Movies with some suspense, romance, drama and a bit of humour in their love story.

Both successful individuals with super star status it's no wonder that when they became a couple their fame just shot through the roof. They are stalked and hounded by the press and media, watched every minute of everyday waiting for something exciting to talk about. And they never disappoint. Right from the Day 1 when the couple was speculated to being together...to their secret wedding going public..to even tiny tiffs and so-called fights causing cracks in their marriage the Couple has made headlines and continue to do so.

Here's the scoop on Abhi-Ash from Day 1...From Reel to Real The Abhi-Ash Love Story


Other Related Articles:
All the Scoop on the Off Stage Gossip at the IIFA Awards
'The Unforgettable Tour' of the Bachchans
Made for Each other - Bollywood Couples
Bollywood Celebrity Baby Pictures and More...Can You Recognise Them?

India Off Road: A Guide to SUV's in India

The Economy boom in India has given rise to changing lifestyles of the yuppies and the oldies alike. People seem to be going with bigger and better when it comes to family cars. Traveling and outings during weekends is also becoming a growing trend. So what better than a Utility Vehicle especially when it comes to Indian Roads and off Roads? In these cases Sport Utility Vehicles or SUV's come to the rescue with their spacious interiors and rugged exteriors, making them the perfect choice for those road trips and family excursions!

Here's a Guide to the SUV's available in the Indian Market today

Southern Dosa Delights

A very popular Indian Dish, is the South Indian original- Dosa. Similar to a crepe, it is served with a variety of fillings that will offer you the most authentic and tantalizing flavors of South India. from an anytime snack of crisp paper thin wafers to a filling meal with wholesome stuffing, and served with chutneys and a dollop of butter, the dosa has made a place in the heart of connoisseurs of food in spite of the current pizza, French fries and burger fast food culture...Read More

More about Dosas- the different types, recipes, how to make dosa pictures and a video.

Pune's Koregaon Park: A Foodie's Delight

Are you a real gastronome? Do you love to explore many kinds of food from a range of local and international cuisines? Then what are you waiting for? Pune is the place for all food lovers with it's huge number of restaurants. Pune offers everything under the sun when it comes to cuisine, with restaurants of every variety and taste available just around the corner.

But there's One food lane where you won't have to look far to find a restaurant to your taste...and that's Koregaon Park Road. Koregaon Park, synonymous with the Osho International Commune, is one of the major tourist attractions in Pune. And with well established and reputed eateries and restaurants, as well as new ones popping up everyday, Koregaon Park or KP as it's called by locals, has become a major hot spot for dinning and eating out.....Read More

See a List of the restaurants in Pune with a review, location, Contact info and more

Southern Dosa Delights

A very popular Indian Dish, is a South Indian original. Similar to a crepe, it is served with a variety of fillings that will offer you the most authentic and tantalizing flavors of South India. from an anytime snack of crisp paper thin wafers to a filling meal with wholesome stuffing, and served with chutneys and a dollop of butter, the dosa has made a place in the heart of connoisseurs of food in spite of the current pizza, French fries and burger fast food culture. The Dosa is also known by different names like Dosai, Thosai, Dhosa and Dosay across India...but Dosa is the most popular....Read More

More On How a dosa is made, the different types of dosas and a video as well as recipes on Dosas.

Home remedies to deal with day-to-day problems

In the present times, natural cure home remedies are gaining momentum. Many people are heading their way towards adopting home remedy treatment to get rid of several forms of diseases. There is a natural home remedy for almost every ailment. The best part about them is that, they have no side effects and are absolutely inexpensive. Thus, not only are they safe for health, but also turn out to be an economical option.

Here's a Complete List of Home Remedies for day to day problems...

The Magic of Parathas

Known as one of the best and popular breakfasts of India, 'Parathas'(Stuffed Bread) are a healthy, delicious and filling food. Anyone would agree that the best way to start a morning with a good appetite would be to indulge yourself into some steaming hot butter-dripping 'parathas'.

Check out how this type of 'Indian bread' came to exist in almost every household. 'Parathas' can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner too...

10 Reasons Why India MUST be on your List of Holiday Destinations

Never thought of India as a Destination you just HAVE to see and experience before you die?? Well...think again! As the seventh largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia by it's earthy charm and geographical diversities. With so many variations and diversities, there is so much to explore in India. Traveling through this ancient land is an experience that is beyond description. If you love looking closely into the way of life of the people, enjoying ethnic culture,resplendent colors, magnificent monuments, historic cities, forts and palaces, beautiful coasts and the giant snow-capped Himalayas, then India is the place for you!!

Read on to find out the 10 Reasons why India MUST be on your List of Holiday Destinations

Mosoon Cravings!

With the Monsoon comes those Street Food stalls serving pipping hot fried crispy treats, steaming hot & spicy foods and popular hot beverages like Masala Chai and coffee. These comfort foods give you that warm feeling inside and make any rainy day perfect. So here's a list of India's Monsoon Cravings...Read More











See the complete list here and tell me What's your favorite monsoon craving??..in your comments.

The IIFA Awards 2008

Bangkok, Thailand, is still recovering from the extravaganza that is the IIFA (International Indian Film Awards), which concluded on Sunday.
The Bachchans - including Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya - charmed audiences and fans alike. Abhishek and Ash, however, did not bag an award for Guru, which was nominated in the Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress categories, among others.
Ironically, Shah Rukh Khan, whose films won most of the awards - nine for Chak De! India including best actor and best film, and five for Om Shanti Om - was not present at the show.

Read more about the Award show, see the List of Winners and Photos of the event here.

Lentils(Dals), Pulses and Beans used in Indian Cooking

Dried legumes and their edible seeds, known as pulses, are classified into three groups - lentils, beans and peas. Legumes and Pulses are a natural source of protein, high in fibre and low in fat. They have a wide range of flavours and textures and form a large part of the Indian daily diet.

Here's a guide to the Different types of Lentils and Pulses commonly used in Indian Cooking.

Latest Phones Competing with the iPhone

Ever since the iPhone launched no phone has come close to it's popularity or must-have charm. There’s always something abuzz with the iPhone, so much so that there isn’t a day that goes by that it isn’t mentioned in the news. Nothing that popular would be without a ton of rivals, lookalikes, copycats, and plain old rip-offs either. Ever since the iPhone made its debut, there have been so many companies trying to beat Apple at their own game.


Here is a list of handsets that are competing with the iPhone. Some of them have already been launched, while others are still waiting for their day in the sun.

Padma Lakshmi: From Model to Cookbook Author

One of the first well-known Indian Model, Padma Lakshmi's resume includes various roles to her name right from actress, tv show host, writer to ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women. Her recently released second cook book titled-'Tangy,Tart, Hot & Sweet' a follow up to her award-winning debut 'Easy Exotic' (winner of the International Versailles Prize for Best First Cookbook), is a much larger endeavor filled with over 150 recipes from around the world and intriguing personal memoirs.

Read more about this gorgeous woman, including her early days as a Model and her current roles as Top Chef Host and Cookbook Author.

The Pioneers of Rock in India!

Rock culture has quite few takers in India. But there is a selective fan-following of Rock Music. Right from the 90's when MTV beamed the international music scenario into our living rooms, Indians have been exposed to some extremely popular pop, jazz and western classics. Though not many, India has got some good Rock bands, who have maintained their passion and devotion to music. In recent times, many rock bands are springing up and they do show strikes of originality and the karisma to make it BIG... Read More about The Early Days of Indian Rock Culture and the Bands that Rocked India \m/

Author on the Rise: Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat is a best-selling Indian author who's most notable novel is a story about three friends in IIT who are unable to cope - Five Point Someone- What not to do at IIT.
Based on real events, his most third and most recent book to hit stands 'The 3 Mistakes of my Life' is a dark, witty tale about modern India. He is also the scriptwriter for 'Hello', the Bollywood movie based on his second book One Night @ the Call Center.
So here's more about this Best-selling Author and his work...Read More

The book based on real life events begins in a dramatic fashion with Bhagat receiving an e-mail from Govind a fan who had taken many sleeping pills and was writing to him while waiting for the deadly sleep’s embrace. Chetan was shaken enough by the incident to track the boy down to an Ahmedabad hospital. Fortunately he was still alive to tell the tale. The book is loosely based on the three mistakes Govind made in his life....Read More

Wildlife at It's Best-Jim Corbett National Park

Your Chance to Spot an Endangered Species- The Bengal Tiger

One of the finest habitats of the tiger in India, the Corbett National Park nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh ( now Uttarachal ) . With its varied topography , diverse flora and fauna and the natural splendor of its landscapes the Park is precious heritage.

Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the park acts as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative....Read More

More on the Jim Corbett National Park/Wildlife Reserve, How to get there, Where to stay and more...

Top Five Yoga Centers in India

Yoga has been a part of India's ethos and daily practice for over 5,000 years. But it is only recently that the mind-, body-, and soul-enhancing benefits of yoga have made it a global phenomenon. As yoga's popularity rises in the U.S. and other Western countries, travelers increasingly are making their way to the land of its birth. In India, yoga has grown in sophistication, and yoga retreats have mushroomed across the country. They range from top-end luxury spas to small hotels in religious centers such as Uttarkashi in the north and Thiruvananthapuram in the south.


Here are the Top 5 Yoga centers in India

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute - Pune

Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, Mysore

Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Trivandrum

Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

Learn More about these Yoga centers here

Tree House Hotels-Where your room meets the Sky!

The unusual Tree House Resorts in South India are not your average Tarzan and Jane affairs. With flush toilets, sinks with running water, and a carefully engineered, water-balanced elevator to hoist you to your room 100 feet in the air above tropical rain forests, you feel like you're on top of the world.

These Eco-friendly Resorts though minimalistic are not devoid of luxuries furnished with an interesting blend of antique furniture, ethnic fittings, and modern appliances. These Tree house Resorts are perfect place for a nature lover and any one craving peace and quiet with the occasional monkey or birds as your neighbors....Read More







Learn more about these Resorts, How to get there and Contact Information Here.

indiamarks Contest

indiamarks Best Guide Contest
If you think you have the flair, the expertise and what it takes to write or share about the colorful aspects of India you can Win a FREE iPOD Nano!! Just follow these simple steps-

STEP 1:-Sign up for free at www.indiamarks.com and express you thoughts and ideas about food, culture, politics, people, clothing and everything that makes India the dynamic country that it is by creating a guide...

STEP 2:- Share your Article with your friends and Get people to Rate your Article.

STEP 3:-Monitor your chances of Winning with the Leaderboard

STEP 3:-If you make it to the Top 10 Articles...Cross your fingers and hope the Judges pick your article as the WINNER!

Read Contest Details Here

India's Fine Wine Hot Spots

Ten years into its economic boom, India has transformed itself: Though poverty is still widespread, millionaires abound. Their new drink of choice - Wine

Though the annual per capita intake of wine is low, among India's rapidly expanding middle and upper classes, wine drinking is the latest craze. Like luxury cars and watches, it is an obvious badge of "I've arrived"-particularly for the 20-somethings staffing India's new call centers with lots of disposable income to burn-and drink....Read More about Wine in India

Wine Hot Spots in India

Best Italian Wine Selection- Travertino, The Oberoi, New Delhi

Most Comprehensive- Diva, New Delhi

Best Riesling Selection- The Spice Route, The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi

Best International Wine List- Indigo, Mumbai

Most Bordeaux And California Verticals- The Zodiac Grill, The Taj Mahal, Mumbai

...More Wine Hot Spots & More about these Restaurants and their Wine lists

10 Luxurious Indian Vacation Destinations

1. Best Private Pool Destination
Amanbagh
Ajabgarh, Rajasthan

2. Most Powerful Massage Destination
Taj Green Cove
Kerala, India

3. Most Romantic Dinner Destination
The Oberoi Rajvilas
Rajvilas, Jaipur

4. Best Place For Tiger Spotting
Aman-i-Khás
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan

5. Best Round-the-Clock Butler Service
Taj Exotica
Benaulim, Goa

6. Destination with Most Luxurious Bath
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Amarvilas, Agra


7. Most Luxurious Landmark Destination
Taj Lake Palace
Udaipur, Rajasthan

8. Best Spot For Gaming
The Leela Goa
Cavelossim, Goa



9. Coolest Floating Residences
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kottayam, Kerala

10. Top Deep Sleep-Inducing Spa Treatment Destination
The Oberoi Vanyavilas
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan


More about these Destinations

Straight from the Tandoor

The Tandoor, an outdoor cooking oven is the equivalent of the Western Barbecue/ Barbeque. Most people seem to think that 'Tandoori' is a recipe. Like many of the world’s great dishes this is actually a cooking method that has become synonymous with the food that is prepared. Marinated meats, vegetables, seafood on skewers and Indian breads along the walls are cooked in tandoors only to come out as the most delicious and mouthwatering Tandoori dishes and Kebabs!


Read More about The Wonder's of Cooking in a Tandoor (A Clay Oven). And all about Tandoori Cuisine, including Recipes and Videos.

The Swiss Alps or The Himalayas?

The Swiss Alps or the Indian Himalayas?? Both breathtakingly beautiful and picturesque it's a tough choice for any mountain lover. These magnificent mountain ranges are home to some of the most sought after mountain destinations in the world. The Swiss Alps are infamous for it's green mountains with snow capped peaks and beautiful lakes...and The Himalayas are just as stunning!

The Himalayas- Where the Earth meets the Sky!
The arc-shaped Himalayas extend along the entire northern boundary of India and carve just as far across the Indian subcontinent as they do deeply into the life around them. The term "Himalaya" -- a Sanskrit word meaning "the Abode of Snow" -- was coined by the Indian pilgrims who traveled in these mountains in ancient times. For centuries, the inhabitants of India have been fascinated by this mountain chain. The feeling is a mixture of admiration, awe and fear; and for the Hindus of India, the Himalayas are also "the Abode of God". There are numerous pilgrim routes that have brought the Hindu pilgrims to these mountains since time immemorial.





More about the magnificent Himalayas and Find your next Himalayan Destination Here!

Taste India with a Cup of Chai

The most popular drink, tea has and continues to play an important role in almost all world cultures and customs.....

Tea is one of the most widely-consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. Tea's world consumption easily equals all other manufactured drinks in the world — including coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and alcohol — put together.

Needless to say Tea is the most prominent drink of India, which is the world’s largest producer, exporter and consumer of tea. "Chai" generic word for Tea in India and in much of the world, but for many English speakers, "chai" is always construed as "Masala Chai" or "Spiced Tea". Characteristically Chai, is a full bodied tea boiled with water and milk together while the sugar can be added while boiling the tea or after. Masala Chai is brewed with different combinations of warm spices like peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger. There is no standard recipe for making Masala Chai and you can use different spices according to taste.

In short Chai is to Indians what a cup of black coffee with cream and sugar is to the rest of the world!

More on Tea, the types of Tea and Indian varieties of Tea along with Recipes for that perfect cup of Masala Chai and different tea.

Metros - Cities that never sleep

India is country full of a mixture of cultures, religions, languages and people from different strata of society.The climates vary from north to south and so does the food and the style of dressings. There is also a huge divide of rural and urban areas in the country. Still there are villages which do not have the basic amenities of electricity and on the other hand cities like Mumbai can blind you with huge, brightly lit billboards and streets. So in this land of contradictions, life continues to throb and people still pursue to make ends meet. Lets take a look at the famous cities in India. The four main metropolitan cities of India are Delhi, Kolkatta, Mumbai and Chennai. But with the advent of the huge IT industrial success, Bangalore and Hyderabad has also joined the list.

More about the Metro Cities of India.