Everyday Indian Foods You Think Are Native But Aren't: Surprising Origins Revealed

• Many foods considered deeply Indian, like coffee, chillies, and paan, actually have foreign origins.
• Coffee originated in Ethiopia/Yemen, brought to India by Sufi saint Baba Budan in the 17th century.
• Potatoes and tomatoes are native to South America, introduced by Portuguese traders in the 16th-17th centuries.
• Chillies, from Central/South America, were brought by Portuguese traders, replacing black pepper.
• Tamarind (tropical Africa) and Betel leaves (Southeast Asia) also travelled long distances to become Indian staples.