10 Best food cities in India

10 Best food cities in India

Last Updated on November 9, 2023

India is a country renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. From the rich and aromatic curries of the North, to the light and tangy seafood dishes of the South, Indian cuisine is a true reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Each region of India has its own distinct culinary traditions, and the country’s food scene is constantly evolving to reflect the changing tastes and preferences of its people. In this context, there are certain cities in India that are particularly known for their delicious and diverse food. Let´s explore waht are the best indian cities for food lovers.

Here are 10 cities in India that are known for their delicious and diverse food:

Mumbai


Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a city known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse food scene. It is known for being one of the cities with best street foods. The street food in Mumbai is particularly famous and ranges from vada pav and bhel puri to pav bhaji and sev puri. The city is also known for its seafood and coastal cuisine, particularly the famous “Bombay Duck” fish and the delicious Malvani and Konkan seafood dishes.

There are also many high-end restaurants in Mumbai that offer a wide variety of cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Chinese, and more. Some notable restaurants include The Table, Masala Library, and The Bombay Canteen. The city is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s a great place to try new and exciting dishes and experience the local culture.

Delhi


Delhi, the capital city of India, is known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse food scene. The street food in Delhi is particularly famous and ranges from chaat and gol gappa to kebabs and parathas. The city is also known for its traditional Mughlai cuisine, particularly the famous “Butter Chicken” and “Biryani” dishes. The city also offers a wide range of international cuisines, including Italian, Chinese and more.

Some notable restaurants in Delhi include Indian Accent, Karim’s, and Gunpowder. Delhi is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s a great place to try new and exciting dishes and experience the local culture. The city also has many food markets, where one can find variety of street foods and local delicacies. The famous ones are Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi and Dilli Haat.

Kolkata


Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is a city known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse food scene. The city is particularly famous for its Bengali cuisine, which is known for its emphasis on fish dishes and sweets such as rasgulla and sandesh. Some of the most popular Bengali dishes in Kolkata include hilsa fish curry, fish fry, and Bengali-style mutton curry.

Kolkata is also known for its street food, including momos, rolls and phuchkas. In addition to traditional Bengali food, Kolkata also offers a wide variety of international cuisines. Notable restaurants in Kolkata include 6 Ballygunge Place, Bhojohori Manna, and Oh! Calcutta. The city is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s a great place to try new and exciting dishes and experience the local culture.

Chennai


Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is famous for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. The food scene in Chennai is a mix of traditional South Indian dishes and modern fusion foods. The city is known for its vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are made with fresh ingredients and a blend of spices that are unique to the region. The staple food of Chennai is rice, which is served with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. Some of the popular vegetarian dishes include sambar, rasam, and curd rice. Non-vegetarian dishes like mutton biryani, chicken 65, and fish curry are also very popular.

For those with a sweet tooth, Chennai has a variety of traditional sweets and desserts to offer. The most famous of these is the “Pongal”, a sweet dish made with rice and lentils, and “payasam”, a sweet pudding made with milk and sugar.

Street food is an integral part of the food culture in Chennai. Some of the popular street food items include “dosa”, “idli”, “vada”, and “bajji”. These dishes are typically served with coconut chutney and sambar, and are available at local food stalls and restaurants. Another popular food item in Chennai is “filter coffee”, which is a strong, sweet coffee made with freshly brewed coffee and milk. This coffee is typically served in small steel tumblers, and is a staple drink in the morning and evening.

Jaipur


Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and flavorful cuisine. The city’s food scene is a fusion of traditional Rajasthani dishes and modern fusion foods. The local cuisine is characterized by the use of spices, ghee, and milk, which are essential ingredients in many of the dishes.

One of the most popular dishes in Jaipur is “dal baati”, a combination of spiced lentils and round, baked bread balls. Another traditional dish is “gatte ki sabzi”, which is made from gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt sauce. For non-vegetarians, the “laal maas”, a spicy meat dish, is a must-try.

Jaipur is also famous for its street food, which includes popular dishes such as “pyaaz ki kachori”, a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced onion filling, and “mirchi bada”, a spicy, deep-fried snack made with chili peppers and besan.

Sweet dishes are an integral part of the cuisine in Jaipur. Some of the popular sweets include “ghevar”, a round, disc-shaped sweet made from all-purpose flour, sugar, and ghee, and “gulab jamun”, a round, deep-fried sweet made from khoya and soaked in sugar syrup.

Hyderabad


Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The local cuisine is a mix of traditional Andhra and Telangana dishes, and is characterized by the use of spices, peanuts, and tamarind, which add flavor and tang to many of the dishes.

One of the most popular dishes in Hyderabad is “biryani”, a flavorful rice dish made with spices, meat, and vegetables. Another must-try dish is “haleem”, a slow-cooked stew made with wheat, barley, and meat. For those who prefer vegetarian dishes, the “dosa”, a crispy, savory pancake, is a popular option.

Hyderabad is also famous for its street food, which includes popular dishes such as “chole bhature”, a combination of spicy chickpeas and fried bread, and “panipuri”, a street snack made of crisp, hollow puri filled with a mixture of spices and tamarind water.

Sweet dishes are also an important part of the cuisine in Hyderabad. Some of the popular sweets include “kulfi”, a creamy, flavored ice cream, and “gulab jamun”, a round, deep-fried sweet made from khoya and soaked in sugar syrup.

Lucknow


Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The local cuisine is characterized by the use of spices, slow cooking techniques, and the liberal use of ghee, which add flavor and richness to many of the dishes.

One of the most popular dishes in Lucknow is “kebab”, a dish of marinated meat that is grilled over a fire. Some of the popular kebab varieties in Lucknow include “galawati kebab”, “shami kebab”, and “seekh kebab”. Another must-try dish is “biryani”, a flavorful rice dish made with spices, meat, and vegetables.

Lucknow is also famous for its street food, which includes popular dishes such as “tunde ke kabab”, a soft and juicy kebab made with minced meat, and “chaat”, a street snack made with crisp fried puris, boiled potatoes, and chickpeas, topped with tangy and sweet chutneys.

Sweet dishes are an important part of the cuisine in Lucknow. Some of the popular sweets include “rabri”, a sweet condensed milk dessert, and “kulfi”, a creamy, flavored ice cream.

Amritsar

Amritsar, a city located in the state of Punjab, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine offering some of the best street foods in india. The local cuisine is characterized by the use of butter, ghee, and cream, which add richness and flavor to many of the dishes.

One of the most popular dishes in Amritsar is “Amritsari kulcha”, a soft, fluffy bread made with maida flour and stuffed with spiced potatoes and paneer. Another must-try dish is “makki di roti”, a maize flour flatbread that is often served with a side of “sarson ka saag”, a dish made with mustard greens and spices.

Amritsar is also famous for its street food, which includes popular dishes such as “chole bhature”, a combination of spicy chickpeas and fried bread, and “aloo Tikki”, a crisp, deep-fried patty made with boiled potatoes and spices.

Sweet dishes are an important part of the cuisine in Amritsar. Some of the popular sweets include “rasgulla”, a round, spongy sweet made from chhena and soaked in sugar syrup, and “lassi”, a sweet, creamy yogurt-based drink.

Goa


Goa, located on the western coast of India, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. The cuisine in Goa reflects the influence of Portuguese colonization and is characterized by the use of fresh seafood, coconut, and spices.

One of the most popular dishes in Goa is “fish curry”, a flavorful dish made with fresh seafood, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. Another must-try dish is “vindaloo”, a spicy pork dish that is typically made with a blend of spices, vinegar, and palm wine.

Goa is also famous for its street food, which includes popular dishes such as “pao bhaji”, a delicious sandwich made with a soft bread roll and a spicy vegetable stew, and “samosas”, crispy fried pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas.

Sweet dishes are an important part of the cuisine in Goa. Some of the popular sweets include “bebinca”, a layered sweet pudding made with coconut milk and eggs, and “ros malai”, a sweet, creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and cardamom.

Varanasi


Varanasi, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. The local cuisine is characterized by the use of simple ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in flavorful and hearty dishes.

One of the most popular dishes in Varanasi is “aloo puri”, a simple yet delicious breakfast dish made with deep-fried bread and a spiced potato filling. Another must-try dish is “chaat”, a street food snack that can come in many varieties, including “papri chaat” and “dahi bhalla chaat”, both made with crisp fried dough, tangy chutneys, and spiced yogurt.

Varanasi is also famous for its sweets, including “jalebi”, a deep-fried sweet made from wheat flour and syrup, and “gulab jamun”, a round sweet made from milk solids and soaked in rose-flavored syrup.

Conclusion

It’s worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other cities in India that offer delicious and diverse food. Additionally, the cuisine of India is vast, and it can vary based on regional and local variations.

You may also like:
Where To Go For The Best Food In Mumbai
7 Best Street Food in Mumbai, India
7 Traditional Indian Foods You Must Try
5 Exclusive Restaurants in Delhi
Best food to have in Jaipur, India
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5 Best Historical Places in India

About Maria Kennedy

Maria Kennedy is the managing editor at Travel for Food Hub. Maria is on a full-tilt mission to share local food and travel inspiration. When she is not writing about food and travel, startups or social media, she is enjoying her time with her boys in sunny Spain.

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