Indian to English Decoder

In French, oeuf means egg, cheese is fromage...
it's like those French have a different word for everything.
- Steve Martin

Likewise, Indians have an Indian (Hindi) word for everything.  The following are some words that are good to know along with some commentary.  Click on the words to see the Wikipedia descriptions.

Aloo - potato

Gobi - cauliflower

Masala - a mixture of spices.  Example: vegetable masala is a mixture of vegetables and various spices.  Usually a bit on the spicy (hot) side.

Naan - leavened, oven-baked flatbread somewhat like pita bread that is made in a tandoor (oven).  Usually folded and used to scoop up food include of a spoon.  About 100-150 calories per quarter slice.  Also see Roti.

Paneer - Cheese, usually served cut into cubes and served as part of another dish such as saag paneer.

Roti - an unleavened flatbread made from atta flour.  Typically around 50-100 calories with 1-2 grams fat and 3 grams protein.

Saag - A cooked spinach and mustard leaf based curry dish. Sometimes made with panaar (cheese)