Coconut is widely used instead of cream. The Portuguese love of tomatoes, pork, seafood, garlic and the use of red wine in cooking has also influenced many dishes. The Portuguese introduced chillies from South America to the region and it is no surprise therefore, that Goa is the home to the most infamous of curries, Vindaloo . Now called Chennai, Madras is the capital of the region of Tamil Nadu with a culinary surprise around every corner. Southern Indian foods and seasonings are little known in the West and are quite different to the more familiar flavours used in Northern India.
Rice is the staple food and lies at the heart of every meal.
Seafood, poultry, meat and pulses are enjoyed, seasoned with delicious herbs and spices. Fresh curry leaves and mustard seeds perk up vegetables. Roasted fenugreek, coriander seeds and red chillies add spice. Fennel seeds flavour meat. Fresh coconut gives body.