India has always been a coalescence of many cultures, with its location as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, its proximity to Africa, and the islands of the Indian Ocean; yet paradoxically it is also constrained between oceans and the Himalayas, so when something is adopted (or adapted) it very much sticks. Throughout India, each state has its own speciality, a way of cooking, or a delicacy which it does best! Food and the way it cooks defines much of Indian life – it is integral to family and social interactions and personal recipes are closely guarded for future generations.
1. Delhi
India’s capital city was the crossroads between east and west and north and south for millennia. Cultures merged, religions clashed, and the flavours and ingredients in food grew exponentially, adopted and adapted as it so often is around the globe. Modern times have brought Italian and American fast food to the major cities – including Delhi. But what drives much of the consumption here is economics; affordability is key and street-food rules! Delhi oozes sophisticated aromas and tastes, but prices are in the main affordable. Such favourites as – Nihaari, Chaat, Kebabs, Butter Chicken, the famous Chhole Bhature, Tandoori chicken, Ras Malai, Biriyani, Kesar Lassi, Gajar Halwa and much more! Not forgetting the great variety of Parathas which are available here made from different types of vegetables – potato, onion, radish etc.
2. Kolkata
Another foodie city of India is Kolkata, has a big food entity. The city provides a variety of foods of different ranges. For having cheap street foods to expensive foods of hotels, the city becomes one of the favourite places of food lovers. Sweets and fish items of Kolkata are famous all over the world. Sandesh, Phuchka, Mughlai, Paratha, Macher Jhol, Rosogolla, Roll, etc. are the delectable dishes of Kolkata.
3. Chennai
South India is famous for producing a variety of spices and snacks. This city is specialised for making unique and toothsome dishes. The city of Chennai is famous for some special south Indian dishes, like – Idli, Dosa Uttapam, coconut chutney, variety of pickles, Bhaji, Idiyappam, Kulfi, some items on sea fish, Pongal, etc. As almost many people in Chennai are vegetarian, the city is eminent for special veg dishes.
4. Hyderabad
Another best foodie city of India is Hyderabad or the city of Biriyani. So the naming of the city tells us its food specialization, a famous dish here is Hyderabadi Dum Biryani. Hyderabadi Biryani carries the combination flavour of Mughlai, Telugu, Turkey, and Arab. Moreover, Irani Tea, special naans of Hyderabad, samosa, Dosa, Haleem, Paaya, Uttapams, etc. Also, the city is famous for palatable biscuits.
5. Lucknow
The perfect destination for the people, who are fond of Kebabs. The nawabi style culinary of Lucknow enticed people to make a food visit here. Kebab is one of the famous comestibles of Lucknow. Boti Kebab, Tunday Kebab, Galawati Kebab, etc. are the special kebab cuisine of Lucknow. Some other travelers’ favourite dishes here – Shahi Tukda, Awadhi Biryani, Gilori Malai etc. and ends with a special Lucknowi Paan.
6. Ahmedabad
The perfect foodie place of India for Herbivores is Ahmedabad. The city is famous for plenty of tasty, vegetarian cuisine. The local people of Ahmedabad are fond of foods, so their cuisine is renowned all over the world. Dhoklas, Crispy Pakoda, Dabeli, Fafda, Khakra, Sev, etc. are the exceptional veg items of Ahmedabad. One can find tandoori chicken, roasted mutton, samosa of Muttons etc. non veg items in Old Ahmedabad.
7. Mumbai
Another significant foodie city of India dumb founds the foodie travelers with their variety of cuisines. The place will not disappoint any of travelers, as everything you can get here. From different types of Pav to biryani, the city will give you plenty of items to mesmerize foodies. Also, you may get Pao Bhaji, Kulfis, Parathas, burgers, Kulcha, Nihari, Dosa, etc.
8. Varanasi
You don’t need expensive restaurants for food in Benaras. The street side’s toothsome chaats are considered as the most delicious chaats all over the world. This theistic city is one of the favourite destinations for food lovers. Cheese sandwiches, Pakoda, Samosa, BhokaliChaat, Blue Lassi, etc. are famous cuisines of Varanasi.
9. Amritsar
Another theistic destination of India is also a favourite city for gourmands. The exceptional Panjabi style foods are one of the unique cuisines of Amritsar. Most of the important cuisines here are flavorsome of ghee. Gulab Jammuns, Kulche, Tasty Lassi, dal makhani, butter chicken, chana masala, Shahi paneer, etc. are the delicacies items of Amritsar.
10. Shillong
Apart from the extreme beauty of Nature Shillong gives travellers amazing toothsome dishes. Some special street foods of Shillong are – Momo, pork burger, Jalebi, Chowmein, Tungrymbai, Jadoh, Smoked meats, etc.
