Devour the impressions of the delectable culinary traditions of India’s grand regional diversity for a deep dive into their reflection of history, culture, and community influences. Epic culinary adventures hold the promise of rich sensory experiences to be had for the gastronome in Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

DELHI

Shahjehanabad’s Chandni Chowk Food Trail

Steeped in its monumental melting-pot community culture, this fabled culinary hub will blow your mind with its fabulous range of palatable temptations. From the lavish table traditions of the Mughals to the robust Punjabi Street snacks to the vegetarian persuasions of its baniya merchants this is Delhi’s go-to foodie hotspot.

Near Jama Masjid customers line up early for Al Jawahar’s legendary mutton nihari. Aslam Chicken wows you with its glorious butter chicken. Karim’s will seduce with its amazing kebabs and biryanis. At Paranthewali Gali gorge on traditional, lightly fried flatbreads filled with 60 kinds of stuffings… from potatoes to radish to, cauliflower to paneer (cottage cheese) and more. Do sample the legendary dahi bhalla and aloo tikki at Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner. You can’t miss the chole kulche Gole Hatti at Fatehpuri. Shyam Sweets lures you with its delish bedmi aloo and nagori halwa, also popular with Shiv Misthan Bhandar. Succumb to the syrupy temptations of Old Famous Jalebi Wala at Dariba for the most sinful golden jalebis, before rushing off to Giani Di Hatti near Khari Baoli for its amazing kulfi falooda. From the nearby Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai, carry home its famous Karachi halwa and ladoos.

VARANASI

Varanasi’s Vibrant Food Trail

One of the world’s oldest, continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi or the Kashi of yesteryears, is a dream destination for foodie buffs Perfectly aligned to tempt you with its street food and heritage culinary persuasions Varanasi shows you how it loves food and how to share it with love. The city is one of Hindu India’s most revered pilgrim points. It's culinary inspirations of a satvik diet, a high-fibre, low-fat vegetarian option rooted in Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old Indian medicinal system which focuses on one’s mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

To be in Varanasi and not try their lighter-than-light Malaiyyo would be a travesty. The most popular spot for this indulgence is Shreeji Sweets at Dashashwamedh Road. Served traditionally in a kulhad this delectable ‘froth of milk’, saffron-infused winter days creamy dessert is too heavenly for words. The allure of a breakfast of kachori-sabzi will take your footsteps rapidly toward Thateri Bazaar to Ram Bhandar, whose servers are dishing out piping hot fare to hungry patrons. Wash it down with a cooling rich lassi at Rajaram Lassi next door. A midday snack of tamatar chaat has you mingling with locals aplenty at Kashi Chat Bhandar on Godowlia Road. There are other yummy chaat options, so don’t just stop at the tamatar chaat! This area is also popular for its thandai. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, they can add a mild spot of bhang— just for that kick of intoxication over Varanasi’s yummy food. An unmissable Benarasi experience is a traditional paan, a delectable leafy digestive you can pick up anywhere in town. A good place to sample its offerings is Keshav Tambul Bhandaar in the Assi Ghat area at Guru Ravidass Gate.

MUMBAI

Mumbai’s Mesmerising Food Trail

The bustling, hustling megacity of Mumbai is a paradise of opportunities aplenty for those who arrive with dreams lighting up their eyes. The city’s fabulous culinary culture is shaped by the profusion of communities who have settled here and brought their traditions and talents to add more shine to its glittering vibe. The history and culture of this vibrant city is beautifully reflected in its culinary diversity…from the humble vada pav which has kept its working class from going hungry to the more exotic offerings of its five-star hotels and swanky restaurants. An unmissable experience of culture through food is a loitering foodie adventure in its Khau Gallis, a non-stop showcase of Mumbai’s exceptional food traditions.

Locals will direct you to their favourite Khau Gullies in this pulsating culinary landscape. There are five or six popular trails you can choose from, which while being individual in their own right still serve up a common allurement---eat Mumbai and come back again and again for more. So check these out: Chowpatty Khau Gali for vada pav, pav bhaji, misal pav, Bombay sandwich, bhel puri, and lots of juices Chembur Khau Gali for traditional Punjabi and Sindhi fare Mulund Khau Gali for the masala vada pav, Zaveri Bazaar Khau Gali kachoris, golgappas, chaat papdi, bhalla papdi, moong dal bhajiya Princess Street Khau Gali for samosa chaat, ice cream chaat and jalebi rabdi.

Ghatkopar Khau Gali for its unique dosas---they even have a noodle dosa and an ice cream dosa! Carter Road Khau Gali for momos, shawarmas, falafels etc apart from and lots of dessert items. Mahim Khau Gali is non-veg paradise offering everything from haleem to chicken tandoori and anything in between Mohammed Ali Road Khau Gali for the unbeatable Nalli Nihari and Haleem during Ramzan Tardeo Khau Galli for biryanis, kebabs, and shawarmas.

CHENNAI

Chennai’s Kaleidoscopic Food Trail

The vibrancy of Chennai’s Sowcarpet area stems from its amazing street food traditions ranging from good old Southie fare to the culture-charged favourites of Rajasthan’s Marwari community, who back in the day put down roots here as merchants. Chennai’s allure as a culinary hub is amplified by the city’s borderless foodie celebrations. From Rajasthani kachoris to murukku sandwiches Sowcarpet offers an endless array of palate-stirring items to gorge on.

Maya Chats with its Jodhpur roots will blow you away with its legendary pyaaz kachori and chilli bajji. If it's vada pav you crave, look no further than Shree Vada Pav. Ever tried a dal pakoda? This is your opportunity to try one dipped in coriander chutney. Golgappas of the spicy variety await you at Kakada Ramprasad which also serves a mean aloo tikki. Drink lassis next door at Anmol Lassiwallah to cool your fired up palate. Ajnabi Mithai Ghar made waves with its unique khakra sandwich. Chotu Motu offers items favoured by Chennai’s Jain community. Try the bhel puri and dahi puri here apart from some other yummy chaat options. For delicious Southie fare, it has to be Seena Bhai Tiffin Centre, loved for its famous Ghee uttapams and Ghee Mini Idlis topped with podi. Check out the homemade kulfis and ice creams of Maharaja ice cream.

This is but a small teaser about what’s out there in this fantastic culinary-culture-rich country, for foodie buffs. Across the length and breadth of India, travellers exploring some of the most popular tourist hubs are bound to discover their own favourite food trails with the guidance of a knowledgeable local.