Influences on Indian Food have brought about an essential change in the concept of food. The cuisine of India is rich and is recognised all over the world for its subtle characteristic. Indian culinary is considered to be one of the most diverse cuisines of the world. It is enriched with various influences both by invasions and by religion. These influences have brought about wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques in the Indian society.

Religious Influence on Indian Food
The religious beliefs of India as well as the culture of the country played an influential role in the evolution of modern cuisine. Religion had shaped the Indian cooking since the commencement of several religions. Each new religion settled in the country and brought with them their own culinary practices.

Religious Influence on Indian Food introduced the perception of Vegetarianism and Non-Vegetarianism. Thus a number of religions exist in India. Hindus followed the cuisine as laid down by the Aryans, whereas with the advent of the Mughals, the Muslims started to prepare food according to their techniques. The Christians came as missionaries and they added a different flavour to the cooking style of the Indians. Jainism is a religion that believes in non-violence and thus refrained from eating any kind of meat or root vegetables. They consume food that grow on trees and are ripe. In addition to that the Portuguese, the Persians and the British made important contributions to the Indian culinary panorama. Indian cuisine is also augmented by the influence varied religions.

Influences on Indian Food by Indian Invasions
Influences on Indian Food can be traced with the various Indian invasions. India on its journey went through a long history of invasions. These different cultures, that have entered the country created the spectacular palette of foods. Aryans, Mongols, Persians as well as Chinese people invaded India since the ancient times. These invasions also had set up specific culinary experiences for different region and in this present moment different regions have distinct cuisines of their own. Moreover in the colonial period, European cooking style was introduced to India. Mongolians brought to India the concept of hot pot cooking. Persians were the rulers who introduced elegant dining style and brought with them rich food with dry fruits. The Chinese influence introduced stir fries to India along with sweet taste of food. Portuguese were the initiator of vegetables such as tomatoes, chilli, and potato, which in the later years became the main components of Indian cuisine at present.

Indian cuisine was a blend of different contribution. Influences on Indian Food proves that every bit of India"s diversity has had been improving and changing. Indian cuisine varies from region to region and reflects the ethnicity of the country. Indian cuisine has also influenced cuisines across the world.