Food Flair

We recount Muslim influence on various aspects of life around the globe. Maths, science, medicine … and food!

MUSLIMS from western Asia brought their rich gastronomic culture to India. This influence lasted for more than 400 years and is now part of the fabric of Indian culinary culture. They produced a magnificent cuisine called Muglai Cuisine.

INDIA was introduced to leavened breads by Muslims. At this time the tandoor, the conical earthen oven from which emerged a delectable array of kebabs and rotis, was created by Muslim royal chefs. Indian rotis and the leavened breads were merged into Tandoori Naans. The idea of concluding a meal with sweetmeats was introduced as the Persian Muslim rulers loved sweets.

SOME dishes retain their Muslim names - kebabs, kofta, pulao, biryani. The Muslim community has also had a large influence on the cooking of South Africa. Cape Malay and Indian cuisine form an indelible part of the food landscape here.


IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE, MUSLIMS INFLUENCED THE WORLD