Best Places to Visit in India for Food Enthusiasts
1. Explore the Culinary Delights of Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. As a food enthusiast, you’ll love exploring the bustling street food markets and iconic eateries of the city. From spicy chaat and tangy kebabs to flavorful biryanis, Delhi offers a variety of dishes that are both rich in flavor and history. Some must-try items include chole bhature (deep-fried bread with spicy chickpeas), paranthas from the famous Paranthe Wali Gali, and the delectable Jahangiri kebabs.
For a truly authentic experience, don’t forget to visit the vibrant food markets like Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh, where you can try local snacks and sweets while interacting with the friendly locals.
2. The Flavors of Kolkata
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is a city steeped in history and culture, and its food scene is just as rich. The city is famous for its unique blend of Bengali flavors, offering everything from machher jhol (fish curry) to mishti doi (sweetened yogurt). A food tour here would be incomplete without tasting the famous patisapta (a Bengali sweet), shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce), and the iconic Kolkata biryani.
If you're looking for street food, Kolkata’s phuchkas (pani puris) and kathi rolls (wraps with fillings) are sure to hit the spot. The city's New Market is also a great place to explore local food stalls and indulge in these mouthwatering delights.
3. A Spicy Experience in Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is known for its fiery and flavorful cuisine. The city's food is dominated by bold spices, coconut, and rice-based dishes. A must-try here is the Chettinad cuisine, known for its aromatic curries and spicy meats. The Chettinad chicken curry is a popular dish that will leave you craving more. Also, don’t miss the dosa (a crispy pancake made from rice batter) paired with sambar (spicy lentil soup) and coconut chutney.
For dessert, indulge in a piece of payasam (rice pudding) or mysore pak (a sweet made from gram flour and ghee). Chennai’s food markets like Royapettah and Khader Nawaz Khan Road offer a great variety of street food options.
4. The Rich Heritage of Mumbai
India’s financial capital, Mumbai, is a city of contrasts, and its food scene is just as diverse. The city’s culinary offerings range from traditional Maharashtrian dishes to street food favorites and international cuisine. For a true taste of Mumbai, try the iconic vada pav (spicy potato fritter in a bun) and bhel puri (puffed rice salad). The Pav Bhaji (spicy vegetable mash served with buttered bread) is another local favorite.
Mumbai also boasts a rich tradition of Parsi cuisine. Don’t miss a chance to savor dhansak (a Parsi dish of meat and lentils) and patra (stuffed rolls). To explore more of Mumbai’s food scene, visit the Bhendi Bazaar and Colaba Causeway for an exciting street food tour.
5. Authentic Tastes in Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is not just known for its majestic palaces but also its delicious and rich food culture. The city’s cuisine is influenced by royal heritage, and you can enjoy a variety of rich and flavorful dishes. A must-try is dal baati churma (lentils served with baked wheat rolls and sweet powder), and gatte ki sabzi (spicy gram flour dumplings). Another treat is laal maas, a fiery mutton curry that embodies the bold flavors of Rajasthan.
Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar and Chandpole Bazaar are great places to try these traditional dishes, and the city also has many fine-dining restaurants offering Rajasthani thalis for a complete food experience.
6. A Food Tour in Kerala
Kerala is a food lover’s paradise, especially for those who enjoy fresh seafood and coconut-based dishes. The state’s cuisine is deeply influenced by its coastal geography and rich spices. Kerala Sadya is a traditional feast that you must experience, featuring an array of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. Karimeen pollichathu (grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves) and appam (rice pancakes) are local favorites.
Head to the coastal areas like Alappuzha or Kochi for fresh seafood, or visit local spice plantations for a unique culinary experience.
7. Food Experiences in Punjab
Punjab’s food scene is hearty and flavorful, and it’s famous for its tandoori dishes, rich curries, and butter-laden delicacies. A visit to Punjab is incomplete without tasting butter chicken, sarson da saag with makki di roti, and amritsari kulcha. Punjab’s Golden Temple in Amritsar offers the experience of free meals (langar), which is a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Punjab’s rural areas also offer a great opportunity to explore authentic rural food, such as lassi (a yogurt drink) and kheer (a sweet rice dessert).
