Exploring a new language through the lens of its culinary culture is not only enriching but also practical. Hindi, as one of the most spoken languages in the world, has a rich vocabulary related to cooking and kitchen. Here is a guide to some essential culinary terms and kitchen vocabulary in Hindi.
Rasoi (रसोई) – Kitchen
मेरी माँ रसोई में खाना बना रही हैं।
This is the Hindi word for kitchen, the place where all cooking is done.
Pakwaan (पकवान) – Dish (as in food)
दिवाली के लिए विशेष पकवान बनाए जा रहे हैं।
This term refers to a cooked food item or dish.
Masala (मसाला) – Spices
भारतीय व्यंजनों में मसालों का प्रयोग बहुत होता है।
Spices are a pivotal part of Indian cooking and this word encompasses all kinds of spices used.
Chamach (चमच) – Spoon
कृपया मुझे एक चमच दीजिये।
This is the Hindi word for a spoon, an essential utensil in every kitchen.
Chhuri (छुरी) – Knife
छुरी से सेब को काट लो।
Refers to a knife, crucial for cutting and chopping in the kitchen.
Kadai (कड़ाई) – Wok
कड़ाई में सब्जियाँ तली जा रही हैं।
A type of deep cooking pot used in Indian kitchens, similar to a wok.
Tava (तवा) – Griddle
रोटी तवे पर सेकी जाती है।
A flat or slightly concave disc-shaped frying pan used to make flatbreads like chapati.
Belan (बेलन) – Rolling pin
आटे को बेलन से बेलो।
Used to roll out dough, especially for making various kinds of bread.
Chakla (चकला) – Rolling board
चकले पर आटा रख कर बेलन से बेलें।
The circular board on which dough is rolled out with a rolling pin.
Aata (आटा) – Flour
रोटी बनाने के लिए आटा गूँथ लिया गया है।
The Hindi term for flour, a key ingredient in many recipes.
Ghee (घी) – Clarified butter
घी का इस्तेमाल भारतीय मिठाइयों में होता है।
A type of clarified butter that is commonly used in Indian cooking, especially sweets.
Tadka (तड़का) – Tempering
दाल में तड़का लगाना न भूलें।
A cooking technique involving the spicing of oil or ghee with various spices.
Handi (हांडी) – Cooking pot
हांडी में बिरयानी पकाई जा रही है।
A deep, wide-mouthed cooking vessel used in Indian cooking.
Thali (थाली) – Platter
राजस्थानी थाली में कई प्रकार के व्यंजन होते हैं।
A large plate used to serve a variety of dishes in the Indian dining tradition.
Degchi (देगची) – A large cooking pot
देगची में खीर पक रही है।
Used for cooking large quantities of food, especially in communal settings.
Understanding these terms not only helps in navigating Indian recipes but also enhances the cooking experience by providing a deeper cultural context. Learning such vocabulary enriches communication and provides a more immersive experience in culinary explorations. Whether you are a language enthusiast or a culinary aficionado, knowing these Hindi kitchen terms will certainly spice up your linguistic and cooking skills.
