Indian food or Hindu food: do you know which is correct?

A few days ago, during a fun chat with Henry Days, one of our most curious students, a question came up that, although it seems simple, causes more confusion than you might imagine: does the restaurant on the corner serve Indian food or Hindu food? This innocent and common question is the perfect starting point to explore some linguistic, historical, and cultural curiosities worth knowing.

India, Hindu or Hindi… it’s not the same!

To understand it properly, let’s go step by step, as Jack the Ripper would say:

“India” is the name of the country, so if we are talking about its cuisine, the correct term is “Indian food.” For example, chicken tikka masala, chickpea curry (chana masala), paneer tikka, or biryani are dishes of Indian cuisine. Just as we say “Italian food” or “Japanese food,” we should say “Indian food.”

“Hindu,” on the other hand, refers to religion: Hinduism. A Hindu is a person who practices this religion, regardless of nationality. Not all Indians are Hindu, since in India there are also Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians, Jews, and even atheists.

“Hindi,” meanwhile, is the name of one of the most widely spoken languages in India. So if you read or hear something like “he speaks English and Indian perfectly,” you should know the correct version is “he speaks English and Hindi perfectly.” Saying “Indian language” is not incorrect if you are referring to any of the more than twenty officially recognized languages in the country, but if you want to be precise, it is better to use the specific name of the language: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu…

A bit of history behind the confusion

The confusion between “Indian” and “Hindu” is not new. In many Spanish-speaking countries, “Hindu” has been used to refer generally to people or things from India. This may be due to two reasons: on one hand, the vast majority of Indians practice Hinduism, and on the other, the term “Indian” has also been used for centuries to refer to Indigenous peoples of the Americas, which created confusion.

During the colonial era, Europeans did not clearly distinguish between cultural and religious aspects when talking about India. Thus, many old Spanish texts referred to “Hindu customs” or “Hindu philosophy” when they were actually talking about traditions from specific regions or cultures of India, not necessarily linked to Hinduism.

Over time, the use of “Hindu” expanded beyond its religious meaning and began to be used to talk about culture, art, films, or food. However, the correct usage remains: “Indian” for geographical references and “Hindu” for religious or spiritual ones.

To make things even more confusing, some dictionaries also list “Hindu” as a demonym for Hindustan, a historical region of the Indian subcontinent. No wonder people get confused! The term “Hindu” comes from Persian, which used it to refer to the inhabitants of the Indus River, and it later passed into Europe through Arabic. Over time, its meaning evolved until it became associated exclusively with religion.

So… what should I say?

If you are talking about food, films, music, clothing, architecture, or any cultural element from India, use “Indian.” For example:

• “Last night we had dinner at a delicious Indian restaurant.”
• “I love traditional Indian music.”
• “My Indian sari is made of real silk.”
• “We are going to watch an Indian Bollywood film.”

Use “Hindu” only when referring to the religion or its followers:

• “My neighbor is Hindu and celebrates Diwali.”
• “The Hindu temple in the city is beautiful.”
• “He is very interested in Hindu philosophy and practices yoga every day.”

And remember: the language is called Hindi, and it should not be confused with Urdu, which is very similar but written in the Arabic script and more associated with Muslim culture in the subcontinent.

One language, one culture, many curiosities

India is a vast country with more than 1.4 billion inhabitants and an overwhelming cultural diversity. There are 22 official languages recognized by the Indian Constitution, and more than 1,600 languages and dialects in total. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, but in many states other major languages are used, such as Bengali in West Bengal, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, or Punjabi in Punjab. In addition, English remains a co-official and administrative language throughout the country.

In terms of religion, India is the country with the largest number of Hindus in the world, but it is also home to the second-largest Muslim community on the planet. It is also the birthplace of Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This religious richness is reflected in the diversity of festivals, temples, traditions, and cultural expressions found from north to south.

And speaking of culture… did you know that Bollywood, the Indian film industry, produces more movies per year than Hollywood? More than 1,500 titles annually! Many of these films mix music, drama, romance, and action, and can last up to three hours. Despite their extravagant plots, they are loved by millions of people worldwide.

Indian cuisine is also a universe of its own. There is no single Indian cuisine, but many regional ones. Southern food, for example, tends to be spicier and uses a lot of coconut, while in the north dishes like tandoori, creamy curries, and naan bread dominate. In addition, many recipes are vegetarian due to religious beliefs, making Indian cuisine a paradise for non-meat eaters.

One more curiosity: yoga, now practiced all over the world, originated in India. Although many people see it only as a physical activity, it is actually a very deep spiritual discipline connected to Hinduism, Buddhism, and other philosophical traditions of the country.

A short summary to avoid confusion

• India: the country. Use “Indian” to refer to its culture, people, cuisine, cinema, clothing, etc.
• Hindu: related to the religion of Hinduism. It is a religious term, not a geographical one.
• Hindi: one of the official languages of India. Do not confuse it with “Hindu.”

We hope this has helped clear up this very common doubt, and perhaps given you a few ideas for your next conversation… or your next culinary plan. And if you still have any doubts, the best thing you can do is visit an Indian restaurant, order a good curry or some samosas, and keep learning. Language, like food, is best enjoyed when shared!