Where to find the best food in India

I was blown away by the cuisine when I visited India - no matter where I went, there was something so delicious on offer, whether we were looking for streetfood in Jaipur, luxury dining in Delhi or hunting for the perfect momo in Leh. Each region is so different, here's my guide to make sure you don't miss out...

1. Delhi: The culinary capital

Delhi, India's vibrant capital, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. From its roadside eateries to its high-end restaurants, every corner of this bustling city offers a gastronomic delight. Among the myriad of mouth-watering dishes, these must-try highlights stand out.

Highlights:

Parathas: Stuffed flatbreads cooked to perfection, often accompanied by pickles and yogurt. Head to the iconic Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk to relish stuffed parathas. 

Chaat: Try the tangy and spicy chaat varieties like golgappa (pani puri), papri chaat, aloo tikki, and dahi bhalla.

Chole Bhature: Fluffy, deep-fried bread served with spicy chickpea curry. Often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or brunch, Chole Bhature is a comforting blend of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. 

Butter Chicken: Known as "Murg Makhani," this world-renowned dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. Infused with aromatic spices and a buttery finish.

As you weave through the crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk or Connaught Place, the bustling atmosphere and tantalizing aromas promise an unforgettable culinary experience.

2. Amritsar: The heart of Punjabi flavours

Amritsar, known for the Golden Temple, is equally revered for its hearty Punjabi fare. The city’s cuisine is a celebration of rich flavours and robust ingredients, reflecting the warmth and generosity of Punjabi hospitality.

Highlights:

Amritsari Kulcha: These oven-baked, stuffed bread dishes are best enjoyed with a dollop of butter and spicy chole (chickpeas).

Lassi: A refreshing yogurt-based drink, often flavoured with cardamom and saffron is both delicious and filling. 

Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti: A winter favorite, this dish combines mustard greens with cornmeal flatbread.

Tandoori Chicken: Marinated in spices and cooked in a clay oven, it’s a smoky delight.

3. Lucknow: Classic Nawabi cuisine

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is synonymous with the opulent Awadhi cuisine that reflects its royal heritage. The culinary landscape of Lucknow is dominated by slow-cooked dishes, delicate kebabs, and aromatic biryanis.

Highlights:

Galouti Kebab: Melt-in-the-mouth minced meat kebabs, infused with a blend of aromatic spices.

Biryani:  Fragrant rice layered with marinated meat, cooked to perfection in a sealed pot. The Lucknawi biryani is fragrant and subtly spiced, often served with raita.

Nihari: A slow-cooked stew of meat, typically eaten with naan, perfect for a royal breakfast.

Sheermal: A slightly sweet, saffron-flavored flatbread that pairs well with kebabs and rich curries.

Exploring the old bazaars of Lucknow, you'll encounter a variety of traditional eateries that have preserved the essence of Awadhi cuisine for generations.

4. Rajasthan: Tuck into a royal feast

Rajasthan's cuisine is as vibrant and diverse as its landscape. Known for its bold flavors and ingenious use of local ingredients, Rajasthani food offers a royal feast for the senses.

Highlights:

Dal Baati Churma: A wholesome platter of lentil curry, baked wheat dumplings, and a sweet wheat mixture.

Gatte ki Sabzi: Gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt gravy.

Laal Maas: A fiery, red meat curry that’s a must-try for spice lovers.

Kachori: Flaky, stuffed pastries available in both savory and sweet versions.

Ghewar: A traditional sweet made from flour, sugar, and ghee, often enjoyed during festivals.

Whether dining in a heritage hotel or a roadside dhaba, the culinary journey through Rajasthan is filled with rich, hearty dishes that tell tales of valor and hospitality.
 

6. Kerala: The spice garden of India

Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," boasts a cuisine that is a harmonious blend of spices, coconut, and seafood. The culinary traditions of Kerala reflect its lush landscapes and coastal bounty.

Highlights:

Appam with Stew: Soft, lacy rice pancakes served with a fragrant coconut milk-based vegetable or meat stew.

Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled.

Malabar Parotta & Beef Fry: Flaky, layered flatbreads paired with spicy beef fry, a popular combination.

Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes served with a spicy chickpea curry.

Sadhya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically during festivals and special occasions.

Exploring the backwaters or coastal areas, you'll find an abundance of seafood delicacies and traditional dishes that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.

7. Bengal: The land of fish and sweets

Bengali cuisine is renowned for its subtle balance of flavors, especially its emphasis on fish, rice, and sweets. The food is influenced by the region’s rich agricultural produce and love for all things sweet.

Highlights:

Machher Jhol: A light and flavorful fish curry, often prepared with mustard seeds and green chilies.

Puchka: The Bengali version of pani puri, with a tangy tamarind filling.

Rosogolla: Soft, spongy balls of chhena (Indian cottage cheese) soaked in syrup, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

Shorshe Ilish: Hilsa fish cooked in a pungent mustard sauce, a monsoon delicacy.

Sandesh: A delicate, melt-in-the-mouth sweet made from fresh paneer.

Walking through the bustling markets of Kolkata, you'll discover an array of street food stalls and sweet shops that capture the essence of Bengali culinary culture.

8. Hyderabad: The city of pearls

Hyderabad is renowned for its rich and aromatic cuisine that blends Nizami elegance with Andhra spice. The culinary legacy of Hyderabad is best experienced through its iconic biryanis and kebabs.

Highlights:

Hyderabadi Biryani: A fragrant and meticulously layered rice dish, infused with saffron and marinated meat.

Haleem: A slow-cooked stew of meat, lentils, and wheat, typically enjoyed during Ramzan.

Pathar ka Gosht: Meat cooked on a hot stone, infused with spices and herbs.

Double Ka Meetha: A traditional bread pudding dessert made from bread, saffron-infused milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom.

From the bustling lanes of Charminar to upscale dining establishments, Hyderabad offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that reflect its rich history and cultural fusion.

Looking for a taste of India?

I hope this blog has inspired you to visit India and enjoy some of the sensational food on offer. Whichever region has caught your eye, we've got you covered, whether you’re looking for a unique foodie trip with cooking classes and wine tasting or a classic holiday with food, wildlife and culture all mixed together, we can help you plan your trip to India. If you want to start to plan, give us a call on 1273 320 580 to speak to an India expert or request a quote.