India - An Ideal Gateway for Food Traveller!
India is a large South Asian country comprising of 28 states and 8 union territories. This country contains the second highest population in the world and the largest democracy. Its ancient name is Bharat that was decided in the Vedic Age while in medieval period, it was renamed as Hindustan.
The name ‘India’ was given by ancient Greeks after Indus River that flows through the North India. This huge landmass is characterized by long sea beaches, mountains, lakes, forests, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the amazing scenic beauty, India is also adored worldwide for its ancient history and rich cultural background. Hence, this country is a great tourist destination for lovers of history, nature, and archaeological wonders.
Best Season to Visit India
As India is a tropical country, tourists from colder regions need to visit India during the winter season between October and March. The winter is normally mild throughout India, except the mountainous regions of this country. Thus, hill stations in the Himalayan region remain mostly covered with snow and thus, avoided by tourists unless they want to enjoy skiing or other winter sports at some places. During summer months, the major part of this country experiences scorching heat, except the hill stations. The monsoon months from July to September are usually not recommended by travel agents, as roads become muddy and waterlogged in many places of India. However, trekkers prefer the warmer months from March to June when hilly routes become more favourable and safer.
Why is India a popular food destination?
India is also known as a popular food destination, as various kinds of foods are available based on different cultures prevailing in different regions. Local foods also vary according to different climates in various places of India. In some parts, people prefer very spicy and rich cuisines while some regional dishes are too simple and void of too many spices. Some food cultures are influenced by the tastes of local rulers, foreign merchants, and travellers. Indians had adopted the rich cuisines of Mughals and Afghans, as well as the plain meals usually preferred in South India. Different religions also recommend the intake of certain special foods on various religious occasions.
Pamper Your Taste Buds in India
Delhi – Delhi is the capital of India, which is also a major destination for food-lovers. Parantha is a popular breakfast food in Delhi, which is usually stuffed with potatoes, cauliflower, radish, lentils, egg, or minced meat. Since it was long ruled by Mughals, rich non-vegetarian cuisines, like Biriyani, Nihari, Butter chicken, and kebabs are popular delicacies to be tasted in Delhi eateries.
Goa – Goa is the smallest state of India, which is known for its spicy cuisines of tropical flavour. Xitti Kodi or Goan fish curry of pomfret cooked with coconut and raw mango is very popular here. Chicken Cafreal, Chicken Xacuti, Goan Pork Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Goan Feijoada, Fish Recheado, and Crab Xacuti are some non-vegetarian cuisines that tourists cannot miss while visiting Goa. The Delhi Goa flight ticket booking needs to be done prior India tour, to taste wonderful local desserts, like Bebinca, Kulkul, Perad, and Sannas.
Mumbai – Mumbai is not only the finance capital of India but it is also well-known for mouth-watering street foods. Vada Pav, Pao bhaji, Bombay sandwich, Bun maska, Bhelpuri, Dahi batata puri, Chinese bhel, and various types of rolls are the street foods that have gained huge popularity among people of all ages. Kheema ghotala and Bombil are two cuisines of this city for satisfying non-vegetarians.
Ahmedabad – This famous business hub of Gujarat is also popular for its street foods. Dhokla, Khakhra, Paani puri, Dal Vada, Samosa, stuffed parantha, Cheese tadka Maggi, ice gola, Jalebi, and Kulfi are the great delicacies available in all street corners of this city. Hardcore non-vegetarians may relish the tastes of Mutton chaap and Bhuna Gosht in different restaurants of Ahemedabad.
Jaipur – The Pink City is also a great destination for pampering one’s taste buds with foods, like Gol Gappa, Kathi Roll, Pyaaz Kachori, crispy Pakoda, Paneer tikka, Mutton tikka, Chaats and Falahaar. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy Shrikhand, Kulfi Faluda, Rabdi Ghevar, and Lassi in this city of Rajasthan.
Hyderabad – This ancient city is particularly famous for its non-vegetarian cuisines, due to the patronization of Nizams, the Muslim rulers of Hyderabad. Hyderabadi Biriyani, Haleem, Hyderabadi Marag, Mutton Dalcha, Dum Pukht, Kebabs, and Keema Samosa are the delicacies that no tourist can afford to miss while travelling through this region. However, vegetarians can also relish foods, like Mirchi ka Salan, Pesarattu, Bobbatlu, Sakinalu, and Sheer Korma.
Kolkata – This historical City of Joy is also famous for various Bengali cuisines, among which Luchi, Kosha Mangsho, Cholar Dal, Alur torkari, and Shukto are very popular in all local households. Tourists never leave this city without tasting Rasgullas, Sandesh, Chomchom, and Mishti Doi from local sweet shops.
Bangalore – This Silicon Valley of India is also a favourite place for food lovers, due to the availability of various delicacies, like Apple Pie, Benne Masala Dosa, Coin Paratha, Ghee Chicken Roast, Mysore Pak, and Nachos. Idli, Vada, Mangalore buns, and Obbattu are other famous foods of this busy city.
Lucknow – If one wants to taste the royal cuisines of Indian Muslim kings, this ancient city is the best place for it. Food lovers cannot skip eating Kebabs, Biriyani, Basket Chaat, Chole Bhature, Poori-Kachori, Chicken Shawarma, Kulche Nihari, Shahi Tukda, Sheermal, and Malai Makkhan while touring this city.
Amritsar – This city is not only famous for the Golden Temple of Sikhs but also for various rich Punjabi cuisines. Kulcha, Chole Puri with Pinni, Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag, Mah ki Dal with Lachha paratha, Amritsari Fish Tikka, Ghee Roast Chicken, and Kulfas are the notable delicacies of this lively city.
Tawang – This small town of Arunachal Pradesh is 448 Km away from Itanagar and it is a prime destination for tasting north-eastern cuisines of India. Khura, Zan, and Gyapa Khazi are the genuine local cuisines of this place located close to Indo-China border.
There are many other food destinations in India, where food lovers will want to visit again and again for enjoying local cuisines.