History of Chinese Food in India | Regent – Best Chinese Restaurant in Kolkata

The History of Chinese Food in India: A Fusion of Flavors

Chinese food has become an integral part of the Indian culinary landscape, so much so that many dishes labeled as “Chinese” are unique to India. The history of Chinese cuisine in India dates back to the late 18th century, when a small community of Chinese immigrants settled in the eastern part of the country, especially in Kolkata (then Calcutta).

The earliest settlers were mostly Hakka Chinese, who came seeking opportunities in trade and tanneries. As the Chinese community grew, so did their cultural and culinary influence. Kolkata soon became home to India’s first Chinatown in the Tiretta Bazaar area, where the first Chinese restaurants began serving traditional dishes modified to suit local palates.

Over time, Indian ingredients like garam masala, green chilies, and paneer began finding their way into Chinese cooking, giving birth to what we now call “Indian Chinese” or “Chindian” cuisine. Dishes such as Chicken Manchurian, Hakka Noodles, and Chilli Paneer are iconic examples — invented in India but inspired by Chinese techniques.

One of the key figures credited with popularizing Indo-Chinese food is Nelson Wang, a chef of Chinese descent born in Kolkata. In the 1970s, while working in Mumbai, Wang created the famous Chicken Manchurian, combining soy sauce and garlic with Indian spices — a recipe that revolutionized fusion cuisine in India.

By the 1980s and 1990s, Chinese food had spread beyond Kolkata and Mumbai to every corner of the country. Roadside stalls, five-star restaurants, and home kitchens began embracing this new flavor. Today, Chinese food in India has taken on a life of its own — it’s spicy, tangy, and deeply comforting to the Indian taste.

What started as a cultural exchange has evolved into a distinct cuisine. Indian Chinese food stands as a testament to the adaptability and creativity of food traditions, shaped by migration, history, and the ever-curious Indian appetite.