MG Wordbook

Canonical English spellings of Indian and Hinglish words — with native script, pronunciation and meaning. Curated alongside the daily crossword.

Category: All Arts Clothing Concept Festival Food General Geography

Origin: All Arabic Bengali English Hindi Kannada Malayalam Marathi Persian Portuguese Punjabi Sanskrit Tamil

Biryani

बिरयानी

bir-YAH-nee

Fragrant layered rice dish with meat or vegetables, slow-cooked with whole spices.

food · Persian

Chai

चाय

CHYE

Indian tea, usually brewed strong with milk, sugar and spices.

food · Hindi

Dosa

தோசை

DOH-sah

Thin, crisp South Indian crêpe made from fermented rice and lentil batter.

food · Tamil

Ghee

घी

GHEE

Clarified butter — Indian cooking fat with a high smoke point and nutty flavour.

food · Sanskrit

Lassi

लस्सी

LUH-see

Punjabi yoghurt drink, blended sweet or salted and chilled.

food · Punjabi

Naan

नान

NAHN

Soft, leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor (clay oven).

food · Persian

Paneer

पनीर

puh-NEER

Fresh, unaged Indian cheese — the vegetarian protein of the north.

food · Persian

Roti

रोटी

ROH-tee

Round, unleavened Indian flatbread cooked on a hot griddle.

food · Hindi

Samosa

समोसा

suh-MOH-sah

Deep-fried savoury pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas or meat.

food · Persian

Vindaloo

विंदालू

vin-dah-LOO

Goan curry of meat marinated in vinegar, garlic and chillies — usually fiery.

food · Portuguese