International English Day 2023: Samosas To Jalebis, Know What These Indian Food Are Called In English

International English Day is celebrated every year on April 23 to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. The day is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an opportunity to celebrate the global importance of English as a means of communication.

India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world with over 22 official languages and numerous dialects. However, English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, making it an essential language in the country’s social and economic fabric.

To commemorate International English Day, let's take a culinary journey through India and learn the English names of some of the most popular Indian snacks and sweets.

Samosas

Samosas are a popular snack in India, typically filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions. They are often deep-fried until crispy and served with chutney. In English, they are called ‘samosas’.

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Jalebis

Jalebis are a sweet and sticky dessert made by deep-frying a wheat flour batter into pretzel-like shapes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup. The Oxford dictionary defines one of the most favourite desi snacks as "a triangular savoury pastry fried in ghee or oil, containing spiced vegetables or meat." It is also reportedly called ‘Rissole’ or ‘savoury stuffed pastry’.

Pakoras

Pakoras are a savory snack made by dipping vegetables, such as onions or potatoes, in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying until golden brown. In English, they are called ‘fritters’.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a popular dessert made by deep-frying a milk-solid-based dough into small balls, which are then soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water. In English, they are called ‘rose-flavored doughnuts’.

Papad

Papas is widely consumed by Indians along with their meals as a side, mostly with dal and rice or sometimes with salad as well. It is available in several flavours and made out of different flours and can be consumed oil fried or simply roasted. In English, it is reportedly called ‘poppadom’.

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Roti

Roti is one of the most consumed staple food items in India. It is made from a dough of wheat flour and then rolled flat in a round shape and cooked on tawa until it puffs. In English, it is reportedly known as ‘puffed bread’.