Few things define a country as much as its food and it is in this sphere that India really comes into its own. Food is woven into every aspect of Indian life and the smells and tastes of the cuisine of this incredible country will stay with you forever. From the vast array of street foods to luxury hotel fayre, Indian food has something to suit all tastes and palates. In such a vast country, there are huge regional differences between the states and the dishes of North and South India. It is estimated that a third of Indians are vegetarians (and the cow is sacred to Hindus so beef is off the menu) and wherever you go there are clear options for ‘Veg’ and ‘Non-veg’ menu choices. Some cities, especially spiritual retreats such as Rishikesh, are purely vegetarian and so are some hotels. Check in advance as well if you are partial to an alcoholic beverage, as some cities and hotels are ‘dry’ and do not serve alcohol.
Indian cuisine has a reputation for being super spicy, but this is not always the case. Spices are certainly fundamental to the dishes of India but are often subtle and simply flavoursome, rather than overpowering. In international hotels, they usually cater for more western tastes, alongside traditional Indian food.
Whatever you do, make sure you sample the staple hot drink of India: chai. Chai is a sweetened, milky tea, flavoured with spices such as ginger, cardamon and cloves. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that chai is the lifeblood that runs through all of Indian culture. Each family has its own special recipe and every street corner sells this wonderful concoction in vast saucepans and served in terracotta ‘kulhads’ – disposable, clay cups.
So whatever food you like, India will have something delicious to offer!
Delhi – The Flavours of Chandni Chowk
Our tour will start in the heart of Old Delhi, exploring the ancient lanes of Chandni Chowk. This street is a chaotic and bustling market, alive with colours, sounds and smells. Shops and stalls sell everything and anything from spices, Indian sweets, essential oils, decorations for festivals and so much more. The electrical cables hanging across the streets are a sight to behold! You may take a ride through Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw, dodging the traffic coming in every direction.
Buy spices to take home, sample the delicious street foods and stop for a masala chai at any one of the main chai stalls.
Visit the renowned Karim’s; famous for its authentic Mughal cuisine. Karim’s sells kebabs, curries and freshly baked naans and this restaurant has been a staple of Delhi life since 1913 and caters for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Agra – Royal Feasts and Treats
See more than the Taj Mahal when in Agra. This city has some incredible culinary delights for you to sample. Petha is a local sweet made from gourd, which is then soaked in lime water and then crystallized in syrup. Beware – this delicate and chewy treat can be quite addictive!
However, it’s not all about the sweets! You will get to enjoy a Mughal Thali. This is a platter of regional dishes, rich in the spiced flavours of the Mughal Empire. The great thing about thalis is that you can try a little of everything as there is such a range of dishes to try. Thalis include curries, rice, dhal, breads, chutneys, buttermilk and often a dessert dish as well. You won’t know what to try first, as it is all so delicious!
Jaipur – Classics from Rajasthan and The Most Famous Lassi in India
Jaipur is not only the capital of the great state of Rajasthan, but also a hub for fabulous cuisine. Sample Dal Baati Churma, a dish that Rajasthan is famous for and involves spiced lentils and hard, baked wheat rolls. Stop at Lassi Wala – a favourite establishment, famous for its delicious creamy lassis (a blend of yoghurt, water and spices). These are served chilled and frothy in traditional clay cups, that keep the lassis cool on warm days.
Make time to stop at Gulab Ji Chai Wale, which is Jaipur’s most iconic chai stall. This was established in 1946 and is as authentic as you can imagine. Masala chai is sold in the classic clay cups (kulhads) and you can sit in the surrounding courtyard, enjoying this refreshing beverage.
Jodhpur – Thalis and Lassis Galore!
Jodhpur offers its own take on lassis with the Makhania Lassi. This delight is flavoured with saffron, cardamon, rosewater and a sprinkling of Rajasthani magic! You won’t forget the rich, creamy flavours of this refreshing drink.
Visiting Gypsy is a must when in the Blue City. This is a vegetarian restaurant, beloved by locals and is relaxed and friendly. Try their Rajasthani Thali, brimming with flavours and different dishes to suit every taste.
Udaipur—Local Delicacies and Lakeside Dining
You can dine by the stunning Lake Pichola in this City of Lakes. Sample some traditional dishes of the region: Gatte ki Sabzi, a dish of gram flour dumplings in a tangy yoghurt dressing, Papad ro Saag, papads in gravy and Panchratna Dal, a mixture of five different lentils. Udaipur is also renowned for its sweet treats, such as Rabdi Malpua, Mawa Kachori and Malai Ghewar.
Pushkar – Pancakes and Puja
Visit the serene city of Pushkar, a spiritual place where locals and visitors worship around the lake, giving offerings to the gods (puja).
Pushkar offers the chance to try Malpua, a syrup-soaked pancake that is crispy around the edges but soft in the middle. These are served hot and fresh in the Pushkar Bazaar and are a wonderful treat at the end of a busy day exploring the market stalls and temples.
So, do these destinations whet your appetite to explore India’s rich cultural heritage. Come hungry and leave happy (and also a little addicted to chai, lassis and thalis!)
