Restaurants are well and good, but have you ever tried street food? Wipe out the preconceived notions you have about the hygiene and taste of the street food in India because you're going to get on a roller-coaster ride of taste, that will surprise you at every point.
These are real-world experiences with a foodie twist: one-part culture, one-part adventure and three parts delicious. From bite-sized excursions to gastronomic walks, these experiences will get you munching, crunching, sipping, and slurping just like the locals.
From Punjabi to Bengali, from Maharashtrian to South Indian - get to know how you can kickstart your street food escapade in different corners of the country :
Old Delhi, New Flavors
Buckle your belt and get ready for a culinary expedition in Old Delhi. For some, Delhi and food are synonymous and there’s a reason behind that.
The city harbours authentic and century-old recipes that will make you come back for more. You can expand your knowledge about the food culture of this region by interacting with the local traditional chefs, dropping by Asia’s largest spice market and going to a Sikh temple to grasp the idea of a community kitchen.
A Culinary Affair With Agra
Home to the emblem of love, Agra is known for the Taj Mahal but that is not it's only wonder. Fill your ears with the sound of the sizzling food as you wander through the streets of this ancient city, whose royalty layers its spicy & tangy cuisine. There are a lot of options to choose from, so, we're sure you'll find what exactly pleases your tastebuds.
The street food in Agra is more delicious compared to the food served in the prominent restaurants there. The diversity of the cuisine is remarkable as it covers international and oriental cuisine along with Mughlai food and is a unique mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items.
Other than that, you can also devour other classic street food like Pani Puri, Aloo Tikki, Papdi Chaat, Dahi Bhalla, Pav Bhaji, Samosas, Kachoris, whose stalls can be found in huge numbers in Kinari Bazaar, MG Road, Sadar Bazaar, Pratap Pura and et cetera. These snacks are famous all over India and have multiple variations, and the one in Agra is the best.
The Unforgettable Taste of Amritsar
There's no Indian food as rich and delectable as Punjabi dishes. Walk through some of the most popular food joints in the area, and taste the unmatchable food items, authentic to Punjab, such as Amritsari Kulche, Lassi, Maa Di Daal, Jalebi, Samosa, and the list goes on!
Going to the root of these dishes will enrich your knowledge about Amritsar's history. And the contagious warmth and amiable persona of its makers is the cherry on top.
The Forgotten Paradise of Food - Kolkata
Bengali food stands out in the overall landscape of Indian cuisine because of its distinct taste and experimental combinations. At a pocket-friendly price, you'll get your hands on some tasty food items. There are plenty of areas devoted to items like famous Calcutta style wrap, masala cha, different types of fried fish, and a dramatic range of sweets.
A paradise for foodies - no matter where you go in Kolkata, you'll find some delicious food stalls to explore. Jalebis, Soota Kebabs, Dahi Papdi Chaat, Gaathia, Dalpuri, Chai, Chilla, Chowmein, Bhel Puri, Jhaal Muri, Puchkas, Paw Bhaji, Shinghara, Aloo Puri, and Fish Fry are just some of the many trademark food items found in the city of Kolkata, which once used to be the capital of colonial India.
Food For Dreamers In The Streets of Mumbai
The streets of Mumbai throb with an exhilarating cocktail of food & culture. At every turn, at every corner, there will be exclusive dishes to discover. Get to the heart of the city to surround yourself with humble restaurants which demand your attention, and also, street food stalls that present you with a wide range of meaty snacks. Feel free to test popular delicacies and understand the communities which inspired Mumbai’s succulent cuisine.
'Khau Gully' which translates to food lane, represents the street food of Mumbai perfectly. If you're on a cheat day and wanna pamper yourself with some finger-licking good food, this is where you go. Over here, you'll know the history behind many communities and get a look at how they function around the kitchen.
Mumbai is a city that harbors people from different backgrounds and its multicultural facet is what makes the food within the city so diverse and eccentric. You shouldn't miss stuffing yourself with Vada Pav and the famous Pav Bhaji - which is sort of obligatory in every Mumbaikar's diet. It's interesting to note that Pav Bhaji was first created by a restaurateur, who saw an opportunity when he observed textile workers struggling with starvation in the early morning. Then the restaurateur took the responsibility of feeding them upon his shoulders and brought Pav Bhaji to life. It is a mixture of veggies mashed with Indian spices to create a tangy and spicy curry served with Portuguese pav. This was like a street food revolution that became a part of the Mumbai food landscape.
If you explore the street food scenario of Mumbai, you will come across even more fascinating stories like these. Check out the vibrant stalls of Girgaon Chowpatty, and then sip on tea in a 100-year-old Irani Cafe. Enjoy Persian drinks, and also try eating at the oldest restaurants in Mumbai. Get on an unforgettable adventure of taste and try everything this city has to offer. We promise you, it will be worth it.
When In Hyderabad, Eat Like The Hyderabadis
Biryani is the pride of Hyderabad, and for a good reason. Even though this dish is available all over India, the taste of this dish in Hyderabad is a little exceptional. This is the staple food of this city and is a mixture of spicy rice mixed with meat or veggies if you're a vegetarian.
Other than Biryani, there are a lot of other dishes that deserve to be tasted and paid attention to! Irani tea & Haleem are other items that will steal your heart. The cuisine of Hyderabad has been shaped for over four centuries and it is not just something to merely satisfy your hunger, it's for your taste too. It's not just about satisfying an innate need, it's soulful, and an important part of the history of Hyderabad.
Savor The Flavor of Kochi, Nestled Amidst The Green
Kochi's food has been inspired by hundreds of years of sea trade. For centuries, folks from across India, and the Indian Ocean have made Kochi the spot for the spice trade. 39 different communities, who speak in 17 different languages live in Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, and understandably the food also compliments this diversity of cultures.
Venture through the markets, the places of worship, and have some tempting food along the way. Don't hesitate to ask a local for help if you're lost and want your endless options to be narrowed down.
With the lush greenery in the background, your affair with food will be a tranquil one.
Rather than just your mind, let the cuisine of India overpower your senses. These experiences will allow you to try the authentic flavour of several regions. It is not about fancy or luxurious restaurants. It is not about the presentation but the taste. It is about getting your hands on rare, and exclusive knowledge about the flavours, techniques & recipes that have been passed down over the generations. It will give you the kind of learning that you can carry with you, and implement wherever or whenever you crave for some Indian food.