Exploring the Diverse Flavors of India with Nirvaan at Miri Mary

At Miri Mary Indian Restaurant, we pride ourselves on offering a menu that goes beyond the ordinary, bringing authentic Indian flavors with a contemporary twist to the heart of the Netherlands. We recently sat down with our culinary genius, Nirvaan, to dive deep into the vast world of Indian cuisine. As he explained, Indian food is incredibly diverse, with every region boasting its own distinct dishes, spices, and cooking techniques.

“It’s almost impossible to describe Indian cuisine by categorizing it into a single dish for each region,” Nirvaan shared. “In India, every 100 kilometers brings a change in food, language, and culture. There are at least 40-50 varieties of dishes unique to each region.”

However, at our insistence, Nirvaan gave us a glimpse of the culinary diversity by highlighting one iconic dish from each part of India—North, South, East, and West.

West India: The Iconic Vada Pav of Mumbai

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, one dish unites people from all walks of life: Vada Pav. This quintessential street food is a deep-fried ball of spiced potatoes, coated in chickpea batter, and served in a bun slathered with red garlic and peanut chutney. The dish is accompanied by salted, fried green chilies, adding a fiery kick. Nirvaan noted that Vada Pav is a “society equalizer,” enjoyed by everyone from Bollywood stars to common workers and even those living in Mumbai’s slums. It’s a true reflection of the city’s vibrant and inclusive culture.

South India: Dosas and Idlis

Heading to the south, Dosas and Idlis are beloved staples. Made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, dosas are crispy brown crepes, while idlis are fluffy steamed rice cakes. Both are often enjoyed with piping hot sambar—a spiced lentil curry—and a variety of chutneys such as coconut, tomato, peanut, and coriander. These dishes can be savored at any time of day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making them some of the most versatile and cherished foods in South India.

East India: Litti Chokha from Bihar

In Bihar, Litti Chokha is a beloved dish with deep cultural roots. Litti consists of dough balls made from whole wheat flour, stuffed with a flavorful mixture of gram flour, herbs, and spices, and then baked over coal or wood. In rural areas, it’s still cooked using traditional methods like dung cakes. Chokha is the accompaniment, made from roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, mixed with mustard oil and spices. Every family has its own secret recipe for this dish, making it a symbol of tradition and comfort in East India.

North India: Chole Kulcha

In North India, you can find street vendors on nearly every corner selling Chole Kulcha. This dish features two components: chole, a spiced chickpea stew, and kulcha, a type of stuffed flatbread. It’s typically served with pickled onions, carrots, and chilies. This hearty and satisfying dish is a street food favorite, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

The Miri Mary Twist on Tradition

At Miri Mary, our menu is a modern interpretation of these regional dishes, crafted with care and creativity. We draw inspiration from traditional recipes passed down through generations—dishes made by grandmothers and served in homes or sold by street vendors. What sets us apart is that many of these dishes are not commercialized and can’t even be found in restaurants across India. We’ve taken these regional gems and given them a contemporary twist, making them our own while honoring their roots.

For example, our Tandoori Mushrooms pay homage to the culinary traditions of Kashmir. The star ingredient from Kashmir—saffron—serves as the base for a savory sauce. We then roast oyster mushrooms and shallots in the tandoor oven, a method commonly used for meats and vegetables in Kashmiri cuisine. Instead of meat, we opted for hearty oyster mushrooms, which are locally sourced in the Netherlands, adding a meaty texture to the dish while keeping it sustainable.

Sustainability at the Core of Our Menu

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Miri Mary’s philosophy, and this is reflected throughout our menu. We use cooking techniques, spices, and recipes indigenous to India, but we swap vegetables and meats for what is fresh and available in the Netherlands. This approach not only supports local farmers but also ensures that our dishes are as sustainable as they are delicious. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the menu—it’s embedded in everything we do, from our packaging to the furniture and art pieces in the restaurant.

At Miri Mary, we invite you to experience the flavors of India like never before. Each dish on our menu is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Whether you’re a fan of Indian street food or eager to try something new, Nirvaan’s creations will take you on a culinary journey across the diverse regions of India, all while keeping it fresh, modern, and true to our style.

Come join us and taste the world of Miri Mary.