Samosa is India’s most beloved snack. At Dishes of India, you can enjoy these crisp triangle shaped pastries filled with spiced potatoes and green peas and paired with tamarind or mint chutney in just $9.95.
Today, this dish has become a timeless favorite across the world.
Samosas are deep fried in hot and bubbling oil giving them the delicious golden colour and the irresistible aromatic appeal. From street vendors to high end restaurants, this appetizer is enjoyed by both the poor and the rich in India.
But do you know that India’s national snack is not Indian? Seems surprising, right? But it’s true. Samosa has been around for almost a thousand years and its history is as rich as its flavour. It is believed that this mouth-watering appetizer had Persian roots and originated in the 10th century. It was small in size and easy to eat making it the perfect snack for travelers who could carry it in their saddle bags over long journeys.
Its first official mention is found in an Iranian historian, Abu Fazl Beyhaqi’s work ‘Tarikh-e-Beyhaqi’ and is called ‘Sambosa’. Amir Khusro, the royal poet greatly enjoyed it and also mentioned it in his works. At that time, it was prepared with meat, onion and ghee.
Ibn Battuta, the 14th century traveler, wrote about ‘Sambusak’ a small pie stuffed with minced meat, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and spices served in the court of Muhammad bin Tughluq. ‘Nimatnama’, a medieval cookbook prepared for the ruler Ghiyasuddin mentions the art of making samosa, along with 8 recipes most of which are meat based and have a sweet filling.
The diversity of Samosa does not stop here. Even within India, there are multiple variations that exist in different parts of the country. In South India, small, cute, mince-meat samosas are prepared and are called ‘keema samosas’. While in North-East region, they are called ‘Singhara’ which are also smaller and sweeter versions.
If we talk about outside India, in Nepal, Samosa is called ‘Singoda’, in Myanmar, it is called ‘Samusa’ while in Portugal, it is called ‘Chamucas’. Now the question is that if so many variations of it exist within as well as outside India, then why is the North Indian version of it is the most popular. The reason is quite simple: potato, the king of taste. You will be surprised to know that it is the mix of spiced potatoes and peas that has made Samosa one of the popular dish in the world. Potatoes were introduced to India in the early 17th century by Portuguese traders and its cultivation was aggressively promoted by the British East India Company in the 18th and 19th centuries. Since then, it is ruling the hearts of the people.
If you are looking to try Indian food for the first time, Samosa would be the perfect dish to start. It is an easy to eat crispy handheld pastry and brings familiarity to the American audience. It’s distinct as well as balanced flavour has made it one of the most ordered appetizers in American Indian restaurants.
Try this world favourite snack at Dishes of India, located in Alexandria, Virginia. Doesn’t matter if you are simply craving for this timeless appetizer or want to enjoy a wide range of classic North Indian dishes, visit us to start your flavourful Indian food journey. We provide dine-in, takeout and buffet services and you can contact us to book a table for you.