“I am not a great cook, I am not a great artist, but I love art, and I love food, so I am the perfect traveler.”- Michael Palin.
Traveling to explore different food cultures is one of the bucket lists of most of the foodies out there. Different places in India offer different cuisine which is worth exploring. This shows the diverse culture of the country. You can always get your partner of a couple of friends, plan the places, book hotel rooms on an hourly basis and get on with the food trip of a lifetime. From North to South and East to West, every state has its particular cuisine which is equally different and unique than one another. We have narrowed it down to the top 12 places which are worth exploring if you are on a food journey.
1-Ahmedabad
Craving for some delicious and lip-smacking Gujju food like Dhokla, Thepla, Fafda, Khakhra, then Ahmedabad is the place for you. It is the street food of the city that has put Ahmedabad in the top list of must-visits. The Khakhra at Indu ben and Delicious Khaman Dhokla at various outlets in the city should be eaten as breakfast during your travel. The Maska bun with a cup of tea is a must-try there. For non-veg lovers, you can always explore the Bhatiyar Gali for some aromatic biryani and kababs. You can always book a couple friendly hotel room in Ahmedabad and start enjoying some Gujju food with your partner.
2-Amritsar
When you get the aroma of buttery Kulchas around the corner, the smell of fragrant Karah prasad from homes, the aroma of the ghee soaked Sarson da saag, then you are nowhere else but at Amritsar. Keeping Amritsar in your food travel list is a mandatory thing. The authentic Punjabi food that you will get in the city is to die for. Starting from the Langar at the famous Golden Temple to having Amritsari Fish Tikka at Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, you will ample variety of food that you just can’t stop eating. You can plan a food trip with your partner by booking a couple friendly hotel in Amritsar.
3-Delhi
Right from the famous Paranthas at Paranthe wali Gali to lip-smacking chats at Daulat ki chaat, Delhi is undoubtedly the “food capital” of India. History, Delicious food, and Politics are the things that define DelhiThere is UPSC building, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Natraj Dahi Bhalla, and Daulat ki chaat where you can get amazing street food, right from delicious chats to Chole Bhature. If you are in Delhi, make sure you get a taste of authentic butter chicken at Daryaganj and Kebabs at Salim’s kebabs, khan market. One of the best dishes to try at this place is Mughali Biryani and Nihari with Khameeri roti at old Delhi. You, along with your partner can book a couple friendly hotel room in Delhi and enjoy all the delicacies that the city has to offer. Make sure to end your food trip in Delhi with the famous jalebi with Rabri and Kulfi Falooda.
4-Hyderabad
The cuisine of Hyderabad is heavily influenced by the Nizams. The preparation of all the food is done in a very royal style with a royal taste. The Famous Hyderabadi kachi Biryani, Haleem, Keema Samosa, Kebabs, and Mutton Dalcha are very much preferred by the locals and are also famous worldwide. Not to forget the Irani café and moon cake near the Charminar. It is a must-have. Charminar is one place to visit to get the taste of authentic Hyderabadi street food like Kebabs, Irani chai, and other delicacies. You can always book a couple friendly hotel room in Hyderabad and start exploring the royal dishes with your partner.
5-Kolkata
The city of joy, Kolkata is the ultimate place for all food lovers. The range of food it provides is right from breakfast to dinner is huge. Though the city boasts more of fish delicacies, the sweet delicacies are also one of the highest quality. It is one of the best places for a foodie couple to book a room at the couple-friendly hotel in Kolkata and start with their food journey together. You can always start with a hearty breakfast of Lucchi and aloo dum followed by a couple of delicious street food like Puchka, Chana Zor Garam, the famous Kolkata Kathi roll at Nizam rolls and Jhalmuri. Then dive into the delicious Bengali thali comprising of Macher Jhol, Chingri Malai curry, Aloo Posto, and Kosha Mangsho at 99th Baligunge Road, Oh! Calcutta, Bhajahari Manna, and end with a huge plateful of sweets like Mishti Doi, Rosogolla, Sandesh, etc. In the end, do not forget to try the famous, “Chelo kabab” at Peter cat at Park Street.
6-Mumbai
The city of Dreams, Mumbai has a lot to offer in street food as well as some delicious fusion dishes. From delicious street food like vada pav, Misal Pav, Pav Bhaji Dabeli, Bhel Puri, Ragda Pattice, to multi-cultural restaurants, you can find food of all ranges at the city. The nightlife of Mumbai is one thing to look after and you can find all the food during the night also. The next time you plan for a food trip make sure to book a couple friendly hotel room in Mumbai and try out as many dishes as you want with your partner.
7-Bangalore
Known as the IT Hub of India, Bangalore has been flooded with all the young population. Corporate life and parties are the life of the city. Amidst all these, the city still preserved its identity through its cuisine. You can always book a hotel room in Bangalore and start your food journey with the delicious Benne Masala Dosa at CTR. The seafood platter at Karavalli, Taj Gateway Hotel is a must-try. The mouthwatering Allapuzzah Meen Curry with soft neer dosas are worth trying. Do not forget to end your food trip with Mysore Pak at Anand Sweets. Vidyarthi Bhawan is one place worth going for a good Kannada thali and dosas. Besides all these, Bangalore is a perfect place for late-night parties with all the fancy pubs and clubs around serving beautiful fusion dishes, worth trying.
8-Lucknow
The Nawabo ka Sehar Lucknow has many royal delicacies to offer apart from royal history. Famous for its Awadhi cuisine, this city offers a huge range of mouth-watering Kebabs, Swadhi influenced Biryani, Nihari, Paya, some royal chicken dishes as well. it is a heaven for kebab lovers. Kebabs like Tunday, Boti, Glouti, Seekh, Kakori, and Shami are a must try there. Idrees Biryani is a place worth trying for some Awadhi mutton biryani. Many couples plan a food trip by booking a couple friendly hotel in Lucknow and then exploring the entire city for some lip-smacking dishes.
9-Kochi
God’s own country, Kerala has a lot to offer in matters of delicious food. Kochi, in particular, has one of the most unique dishes worth trying. Influenced by different cultures, it has developed its cuisine through the years. Starting from the puttu kadala curry to Thattu dosa for the breakfast to Malabar Biryani and Meen Molagita curry in the lunch, the options are many. Not to forget, the very famous Appam with stew and Fish molly. Kochi should be on your travel list more than once in a lifetime to keep exploring its secrets. Many couples plan their honeymoon to Kerala by booking a couple friendly hotel in Kochi and enjoy exploring the entire city for some authentic traditional cuisines.
10-Goa
The city of the sun, sands, and ocean has much variety of delicious food to offer. Influenced by the Portuguese culture, the cuisine of Goa is as unique as its culture. Dishes like Pork Vindaloo, Pork feijoada, and prawn balchao are a must-try when you are at Goa. Apart from these, the place is filled with many restaurants with international cuisine like Italian, Greek, European, Mediterranean, etc. You can always book a hotel in Goa and carry on with your food trip.
11-Gangtok
Situated in the North-east region, Gangtok is one of the topmost city to go for food exploration. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the Tibetan and Nepali culture nearby. Delicious Chupka, Thenthuk, silky momos, and some pork dishes like Phagshapa.
12-Bhubaneshwar
This Smart city and capital of Odisha, Bhubaneshwar serves one of the best Odia dishes. Odia dishes which have been underrated since a very long time are now getting their due importance through food bloggers and cooking challenge like Masterchef. Bhubaneswar is well known for its delicious street food called “Dahibara Aloodum”. You can also visit Odisha Hotel and Kanika for some authentic Odia thalis comprising of chicken Basara, macha Basara, Chicken Patra pods, etc. You can also visit puri and Chilka which are just a few kilometers from Bhubaneswar to try out the famous Chappan Bhog at Puri Jagannath Mandir and fresh seafood delicacies. You can book a hotel in Bhubaneswar and can continue with your trip effortlessly.
As said by the famous chef, Julia Child, “People who love to eat are always the best people.”,
Hence, keep traveling and keep eating to experience the best version of yourself. Along with that you can also try to find out the different kinds of delicious breakfasts from different states of India.