Food Lovers Guide To India: Unmissable Culinary Experiences

India for Foodies: The Best Places to Eat

India is a paradise for food lovers, whether you're after an upscale dining experience or prefer to try new flavours street side. Every region has its own rich culinary heritage, meaning there's always something new to try if you let your appetite guide you. 

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This article covers some of the best ways to explore India’s incredible food culture, from the iconic street snacks you can’t afford to miss to unique dining experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.  

Pack your passport, sort out your travel documents with OnTrailVisa, and get ready to taste your way through one of the world’s most exciting food destinations.

Sample Street Food Essentials

No trip to India is complete without discovering its legendary street food. Whichever region you’re visiting, you’ll find firm favourites like pani puri (also known as golgappa or puchka), crispy, hollow balls filled with spicy tamarind water. Another staple that’s not to be missed is aloo tikki, deep-fried potato patties, which usually come topped with chutney and yoghurt. It’s also worth checking out local specialities like Mumbai’s pav bhaji, a buttery but spicy vegetable mash served with fresh bread rolls and bhel puri. 

Check out Juhu Beach, a hub for the most popular snack stallholders, with a view.  

It’s easy to find fresh seafood street-side in regions like Goa, Kerala and West Bengal. If you prefer vegetarian bites, chole bhature, spicy chickpeas with deep-fried bread, is a staple snack and breakfast bite in Delhi.

Indulge in Fine Dining

India has plenty to offer food lovers looking for a refined dining experience. Top-rated restaurants, like Karavalli in Bengaluru and Bukhara in New Delhi, are regarded worldwide as the best of the best for traditional local cuisine.  

If you’re looking for a real treat, reserve a table at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad or Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. Signature dishes in opulent surroundings make for the perfect romantic meal and an unforgettable dining experience.  
 
For something a little more down to earth, opt for a seasonal tasting menu to get an authentic experience of local ingredients at their best. Or, try Indian Accent in New Delhi for top Indian dishes with a twist, like blue cheese naan and pulled pork phulka tacos. 

 

Try Food on the Wild Side

For a really special experience, look for dining options located in India’s incredible natural landscape. At wildlife resorts like Oberoi Vanyavilas in Rajasthan, you can enjoy a candlelit meal just outside the tiger reserve.  

If you’re a lover of the outdoors, head to Kanha National Park, where luxury lodges offer traditional meals cooked over open flames in the heart of the forest. It’s home to sloth bears, Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and many bright and colourful bird species.  

To try wild dining without leaving the city, reserve a spot at Jungle Safari in Kolkata, a themed restaurant that brings the wilderness indoors. With jungle-inspired decor and a multicultural menu on offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, including kids.  

Travel to New Culinary Adventures

Whichever line you’re on, train travel in India is a great way to experience the country’s culinary delights outside of formal dining settings. Station vendors and onboard sellers serve up local favourites like hot chai, crispy samosas, and tasty dosas for travellers on the go. For a more elegant affair, take a trip on The Deccan Odyssey, a luxury train that takes you through Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The menu is designed with the route in mind, offering gourmet meals inspired by the regions you’re passing through. 

River cruises in Kerala’s backwaters offer a slower-paced foodie adventure. Local specialities, like spicy coconut curries, are the best way to enjoy freshly caught fish as you explore the region.  

Try Local Drinks to Beat the Heat

Don’t miss India’s local favourites when ordering a drink to cool down after a spicy meal or long day in the sun. Jeera Soda, a cumin-flavoured fizzy drink, or Thums Up, a spicier version of cola, are highly recommended.  

Lassi is a must-try yoghurt-style drink that comes in sweet, salty, or fruit flavours. You’ll also spot many masala chai vendors at roadside stalls across the country, as well as freshly-pressed sugarcane juice in cities like Mumbai. 

Make the most of your trip to India by embracing the full variety of local cuisine. Combine fine dining in top restaurants with quick bites at roadside stalls to get a true taste of India that will leave you wanting more.