Indian food is characterized by spices and herbs and features vegetarian dishes, but also lamb, chicken and other meats. Try these seven Indian restaurants in the Chicago area.

Italian food more popular than Indian, according to touchlocal.com and The Sun newspaper

Italian food is now more popular than Indian, according to touchlocal.com

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The major religions of India also influence the diet. Buddhist, Hindus, and Jains are against killing of any animal. Muslims don't eat pork. Many Indians are vegetarians (people who don't eat meat, only fruits and vegetables), but most Indians don't eat beef, especially from the sacred cow.

Cuisine of India is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Arguably considered to be the world's most diverse cuisine, each family of this cuisine is characterized by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Though a significant portion of Indian food is vegetarian, many traditional Indian dishes also include chicken, goat, lamb, fish, and other meats.Food is an important part of Indian culture, playing a role in everyday life as well as in festivals. In many families, everyday meals are usually sit-down affairs consisting of two to three main course dishes, varied accompaniments such as chutneys and pickles, carbohydrate staples such as rice and roti (bread), as well as desserts.Diversity is a defining feature of India's geography, culture, and food. Indian cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically diverse subcontinent. Generally, Indian cuisine can be split into four categories: North Indian, South Indian, East Indian, and West Indian. Despite this diversity, some unifying threads emerge in the art of Indian cuisine. Varied uses of spices are an integral part of food preparation, and are used to enhance the flavor of a dish and create unique flavors and aromas. Cuisine across India has also been influenced by various cultural groups that entered India throughout history, from regions as diverse as West Asia, Central Asia and Europe.