| Region | Staple | Signature Dish | Cooking Method | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Wheat, Dairy | Butter Chicken, Naan | Tandoor (clay oven), Rich gravies | | South India | Rice, Coconut | Dosa, Sambar | Steaming, Fermentation, Tempering | | East India | Fish, Mustard Oil | Macher Jhol (Fish curry), Rasgulla | Mustard paste, Slow cooking, Steaming | | West India | Millet, Peanuts | Dhokla, Thepla | Baking (sand oven), Steaming, Drying | | North-East | Bamboo shoots, Pork | Bamboo Shoot Fry, Smoked Meat | Smoking, Fermentation, Boiling |