seemalkarthik's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Nimbu Mirchi
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Nimbu Mirchi

These dangling decorations of lemon and chili peppers are meant to ward off a goddess of misfortune.
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Paan
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Prepared Foods

Paan

This chewable Indian digestive soothes stomachs, freshens breath, and might give you cancer.
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Kumbakonam Degree Coffee
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Drinks

Kumbakonam Degree Coffee

The key to this coffee is fresh milk—preferably straight from the cow.
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Feni
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Drinks

Feni

This triple-distilled cashew fruit liquor is a source of Goan pride.
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Bitter Melon
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Fruits & Vegetables

Bitter Melon

This nightmarish-looking fruit has serious healing potential.
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Mustard Oil
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Ingredients & Condiments

Mustard Oil

Essential to South Asian cuisine, the flavoring is illegal in some countries.
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Kanji
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Drinks

Kanji

This fermented purple carrot elixir practically makes itself.
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Pista Burfi
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Sweets

Pista Burfi

The pistachio fudge makes a vibrant accompaniment to celebrations in Northern India.
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Kala Jamun
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Sweets

Kala Jamun

These dark fried milk balls are flecked with gold and dipped in scented syrup.
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Shojin Ryori
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Shojin Ryori

Japan's traditional temple cuisine features meals that are nutritionally and visually balanced.
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Bonito Flakes
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Meats & Animal Products

Bonito Flakes

Some fish can dance.
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Okonomiyaki
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Prepared Foods

Okonomiyaki

A wartime rice scarcity made this versatile pancake a Japanese staple.
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Ramune
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Drinks

Ramune

The Japanese soda still comes in a marble-stoppered bottle from the 19th century.
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