10 Must Visit Places in India for Food Lovers [Curated]

If there ever was such a thing as a food paradise, it is right here on Indian soil. The warmth and love of Indian hospitality can truly be felt with the heartwarming food that is made in its kitchens. The magic that is spun from the hands of India is sure to make every foodie’s mouth water. If you live to eat, head on over to any of these food havens in India and discover the joy of eating.

  1. Hyderabad

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The city of Nizams, Hyderabad is every food lover’s dream. The city is a delicious salad of Mughal, Turkish and Andhra cuisine giving the most delectable choices to everyone’s palate. The city’s name is almost synonymous to biryani with the Hyderabadi dum biryani a favorite in every part of the country. Other delicious choices offered by this cuty are Dum Pukht, Boti kebab, Malai korma and Maghaz masala (spicy and fried lamb’s brain.) 1

  1. Delhi

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Let the (food) capital of India entice your taste buds with its spicy and flavorsome street foods. Savor in the North Indian cuisine with some lip-smacking paranthas from Paranthe waali gali in Chandni Chowk, the chaats from the street food shops, and some mouthwatering jalebis and gajar ka halwa to celebrate your happy moments.2

  1. Lucknow

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Staying true to its regal past, the city of Nawabs has the best in store to satisfy your hunger. Relish the aromatic Galoti kebabs and Nahara kulcha. The Lucknow biryani is also a must try for its beautiful taste and fragrance. Eat like the Nawabs in this city offering legendary food for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.3

  1. Kolkata

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You can count on the Bengalis to prepare succulent and appetizing cuisine for you to devour. Try the puchkas and yummy rolls from the street corners or enjoy the various varieties of hearty fish curies. Other delicacies to try in this food heaven include Alu Posto and Sorshe Ilish (Ilish fish cooked with mustard paste.) Satisfy your sweet tooth by indulging in misti doi, Kaalakand and the evergreen Rasogulla.4

  1. Darjeeling

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Get captivated by the colonial charm of Darjeeling’s food. If you want to have a bite of the most authentic Mediterranean food, head on over to this quaint hill station. Indulge in some soft waffles, yummy pancakes and bacon, all with a North-East Indian twist.5

  1. Amritsar

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The birthplace of dhabas and ghee-laden paranthas, Amritsar’s spicy, heavy and thoroughly tasteful delicacies are sure to linger on your taste buds long after your trip. The huge kulchas with the famous Amritsari chole, Amritsari fish, and Paneer Bhurji are going to make every kilo you gain absolutely worth it.6

  1. Goa

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Goa, the perfect combination of revitalizing beaches and delectable seafood, is a must-visit for those whose love for food is bigger than their stomachs. Be sure to treat yourself to varieties of prawn, crab, squid and fish preparations. Accompany your seafood platter composed of Crab XecXec Curry and Ambot Tik Sour with the famous Feni, a strong, aromatic alcoholic drink.7

  1. Kochi

The potpourri of flavors offered by Kerala are and will remain unmatched with the world. Kochi is sure to offer you a variety of choices in terms of authentic South Indian food, including the wholesome Kerala beef roast. Dive into the aromatic flavors of Kochi and eat monstrously to your heart’s content!8

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  1. Pondicherry

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Pondicherry invites you to the exquisite blend of French and Indian cuisine. The little France of India serves not only the very best of the world-famous French cuisine but also some great traditional dishes. Transport yourself to a little French café and savor Salad Niçoise, Quiche and Coq au vin. The traditional delicacies at Auroville Asharam would bring you back to the Indian soil.

  1. Kashmir

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India’s own heaven, Kashmir is gorgeous not just for its picturesque landscapes but also for its divine dishes. The unique flavors of Kashmiri dum aloo, Gogji Nadir and haakh are going to make you savor every ounce of these preparations. And if you’re in the mood for some royal treatment, enjoy the multi-course Kashmiri cuisine called Wazwan.

With so many varieties to choose from, your thirst for food is never going to run out of options in India. At every nook and corner, be sure to make your taste buds dance on a different rhythm at these 10 food hubs.

20 Gujarati Cuisines that make you go Yumm!

“Khavanu, farvanu, ne majja ni life” (eat, roam and have a fun life); this is the anthem of Gujaratis. With all the lovely places to explore and never ending list of food, people of Gujarat are among the most carefree cluster of India.

With love in their hearts and taste in their hands, these people know the intricacies of hospitality. The traditional “Gujarati Thal” is the proof of it. The platter has variety of farsaans (snacks) like dhokla, khaman, mathia, patra along with chutneys (condiments). There are chapatti, poori, bhakri which are types of homemade breads. This goes along with different sabjis which are the preparation of vegetables in typical spices with a pinch of sugar/jaggery added to it and daal which is preparation of pulses or beans with semi-liquid consistency. Kadhi-rice/Khichadi adds to the authenticity of the platter. However, a meal is never complete without dessert and so Gujarati Thal presents you with sweets such as Doodhpak, Shrikhand, Mohanthal or others.

Its not just the “Thal” though, if you are a food enthusiast, then Gujarat has much more in its plates to play with your taste buds.

Chorafali

More like chips in appearance, this crispy snack called Chorafali can be found on the streets of the state satisfying the cravings of locals. Garnished with chili powder and raw mango chutney, Chorafali used to be the festive snack prepared during Diwali. However due to its popularity and taste, it has found the place in the list of street foods.

Dhokla

Prepared from the fermented batter of rice and chickpeas, Dhokla is the love of Gujaratis. The steamed snack is available is variety of forms such as Sandwich Dhola or Khatta Dhokla and is garnished with curry leaves and mustard seeds. This snack can be eaten with coconut or coriander chutney.

Surti Locho

As the name suggests, Surti Locho is the famous farsaan of Surat city in Gujarat. This steamed preparation of mixture of ground lentils and rice is the love of all Surti people. Served with chutney, onion and sev, Surti Locho is mouth-wateringly good.

Khaman

The perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavor, Khaman is prepared by steaming the gram flour batter. Soft and spongy in texture, this snack can be considered as the USP of Gujarati food.

Ganthiya

This deep-fried snack is the regular companion of tea in Gujarati household. Also famous as Bhavnagari Ganthiya, this snack has non-spicy salty taste in general, but also comes in spicy and sweet variants.

Patra

The paste of gram flour mixed with spices is spread over the Colocasia leaves and rolled tightly. Small pieces are cut and deep fried to give heavenly taste of Patra. The snack is equally delicious and nutritious.

Muthia

Have it as tea-time snack, lunch-box menu or even as a meal, Muthiya with ketchup will leaves you with a feeling of fulfillment. Consider this as an Indian vegetarian sausage only with a lot more spices and flavors. Steamed, fried or baked to perfection, Muthiya is prepared from whole wheat flour and fenugreek leaves.

Khakra

Label it as most favorite time-pass food, if you may, Khakra goes deeper into the soul of Gujaratis. Crispy and crunchy, Khakra can be called hard and baked form of Indian bread, roti. Available is number flavours, such as cumin, fenugreek, ajwain, Khakra can be found in every household of Gujarat.

Mathia

If you know papad, then consider Mathiya as the Gujarati papad. Specially prepared during the time of Diwali, Mathiya is the twisted blend of spicy, salty and sweet taste. The crisp of this farsaan when sprinkled with chili powder gives the taste you will never forget.

Fafda-Jalebi

The fusion of snack and dessert never tasted better before. Fafda is the street food which is paired with green chilli and kadhi to quench the crunch craving. While Jalebi is a dessert dipped in sugar syrup and eaten warm. The combination of Fafda-Jalebi is just the right choice to have for your breakfast.

Handwa

This lip-smacking cuisine can be called a spicy cake. Prepared from the mixture of ground pulses, rice flour and grated bottle gourd, it is steamed and then tempered with oil, mustard & cumin seeds and asafoetida. Have it with garlic-coriander chutney or ketchup and savor the burst of flavors.

Chakri

Spiraling with the unique taste, Chakri is the authentic dry snack prepared usually during Diwali. This pretzel-like snack is crispy, yummy and equally tummy-filling.

Khandvi

A thin layered roll tempered with mustard & sesame seeds and seasoned with curry leaves & coriander, Khandvi is an evening snack. This delicious snack has unique texture to it and hence is a must try.

Thepla

Be it fenugreek leaves or bottle gourd, Gujaratis can add it into the preparation of Indian bread and give you Thepla. It is their travel buddy. If Gujaratis are travelling, then Thepla is always in their list of “things to be packed”. Have it in dinner, lunch, breakfast or just with a cup of hot ginger tea, you will know its worth.

Undhiyu

One of the many things that Gujarat is famous for is the Kite Festival. What makes this festival even more amazing is the unique preparation of traditional vegetable curry called Undhiyu. It is the amalgamation of variety of vegetable topped with spices and dryfruits, cooked in an earthen pot. As mesmerizing as is its composition, is its taste.

Aamras

If you have a sweet tooth, then you cannot miss out on the deliciously juicy Aamras. The pulp of Indian mangoes is mixed with milk and sugar for its preparation. It is topped with some ghee and saffron to enhance the taste. Although Aamras is a seasonal dessert available only in summers, the taste leaves you craving for it round the year.

Ghughra

Prepared during the festivals in households, Ghughra is a half-moon shaped dessert stuffed with the blend of dry-fruits and sugar/jaggery. Each bite of Ghughra explodes in your mouth to give plethora of delight.

Sukhadi

Deep frying of wheat flour and jaggery into lots of ghee results into the royal sweet called Sukhadi. Often consumed during weddings and festivals, Sukhadi melts in your mouth as soon as you have a bite. A place especially famous for its Sukhadi is the temple called Mahudi near Ahmedabad.

Ghari

Another cuisine from Surat, Ghari is a dessert stuffed with sweet dry-fruit filling and completely covered in ghee on the outer layer. This dessert is high on calories, but again everyone is allowed to have a cheat day. So grab a Ghari and let your tongue swim into its sweetness.

Doodhpak

Made of all things good, Dhoodhpak is a semi-liquid dessert prepared from thickened milk. Topped with almonds, pistachios and saffron, this delicacy is signature dessert of Gujarat and is surely a must have.