What Is A Samosa?

If you’ve never tasted a Samosa before, then you’re missing out on one of most widely enjoyed snacks in Indian cuisine. From street vendors, to grocery stores, to small and large restaurants, these delectable triangular pies with spice-infused vegetable or meat filling wrapped in crusty dough and eaten piping hot are a definite favourite among Indians and are one of the most well-known foods in authentic Indian cooking.

These days, samosas can be bought around the world as well, as it has gained popularity for its distinct and unforgettable taste that leaves people craving for more. But taste isn’t only what samosa is about. It also possesses a rich and diverse history of travel through Central Asia and the Himalayan Steppe.

As early as between the 10th and 13th century, the samosa has been mentioned in Arab scripts, and even in some Persian writings dating back to the 9th century. In the writings, the basic recipe always remains the same: oil, butter, salt, dough, and warm water.

By the 1300’s it was introduced to India. Central Asian peddlers and vendors would sell it across Muslim communities, and it was eventually named samsa for its pyramid shape, much like the pyramids of Central Asia.

From India, the samosa then made its way to Africa, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and even Polynesia. Over the centuries, the recipe changed, with every region making its own special version of it. By the time it made its way back to India, the samosa had been transformed into different variants in every region. The travels and reinventions of the samosa have thus made it the delicious snack pack with complex flavours that we know today.

Today, the word samosa refers to a whole family of pastries, instead of just a single food item. In Central Asia, the crust is thicker and more meat and onion-filled. In India, the pies are made spicy and with a generous portion of potato filling. The Western samosa on the other hand, includes chilis for added heat and flavor. So both the crust and the filling determine what kind of samosa we are eating.

No matter what variation of samosa we eat, however, this delightful snack is always best enjoyed with a chutney or dip and some tea for a paired beverage, making any morning, mid-day or afternoon as pleasant and comforting as the warm pie itself.

Have we made you drool enough over the thought of chewing away on a hot and soft samosa packed with flavourful filling? Would you like to experience the samosa for yourself? Our homemade best selling samosas at Curry Corner have been a Melbourne favourite for generations. If you want authentically-made Indian samosas, come to us to know exactly why this snack is being hailed around the world today. You may choose from our lamb samosa, chicken samosa or vegetable samosa. We have many grocery items and a menu of freshly cooked dishes to choose from as well, so what are you waiting for? Shop through our website or visit our store, and take an adventure into Indian cuisine, right from home.

Curry Corner

Shop 3/292 Victoria St., North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia

Email: enquiries@currycornermelbourne.com.au

Phone: 0406 238 094

Landline: 03 9663 4040