Indian food & drink guide

Food is an important part of everyday life in India, from a quick vada pav on a Mumbai street corner to elaborate meals shared with family and friends. Hospitality is closely linked to food too, and guests are often offered far more than they could possibly eat.

India’s long history and regional diversity have created an enormous variety of dishes, shaped by local ingredients, traditions and spices. What you eat can change dramatically from one state to the next. In Rajasthan, for example, you’ll find dishes influenced by the region’s dry climate and limited water, while Kerala’s tropical coastline means coconut, seafood and fresh produce feature heavily.

There’s no single ‘Indian cuisine’, and that’s part of what makes travelling here interesting. You could spend a lifetime eating your way around the country and still find something new. From street food and family recipes to regional specialities, here are some of our favourite food tips and experiences to try during your trip.

Indian Street Food is almost a cuisine in its own right, with restaurants all over the world now differentiating themselves from the traditional ‘curry house.’ When travelling from city to city (or even village to village) you’ll soon understand why, as you follow your nose towards the smorgasbord of tasty offerings on every street corner. Whether it’s grabbing a quick Pani Puri on the go (AKA crispy fried hollow batter shells, traditionally filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas and served with fragrant water and tamarind sauce) or treating yourself to a full kebab dinner (introduced by the Mughals in the 16th century and adored to this day by all meat-eaters throughout the country), India’s street food caters for all occasions.

A staple part of Indian menus since as early as 300 BC, the humble dahl is often used as an accompaniment to other curries but is also just as popular as the main event. In essence, it consists of any curried lentil or pulse. You’ll find hundreds of different varieties throughout the country, from the simpler deep yellow Takha Dahl to the darker and more decadent smoky Dal Makhni. All of them are a master of cuisine and will have been enjoyed by the full scope of the caste system over the years from maharajas all the way down to the Untouchables.

You’ll traditionally see Thalis available at lunch time, but they’ll also be on offer for dinner too, and they’re a fantastic choice if you struggle choosing from a menu. Thali is the Hindu word for plate and this plate will include your entire meal, ranging from different curries, as well as rice, bread, chutneys and normally a curd-based dessert. They’re normally unlimited so don’t be alarmed by the well-dressed waiter walking around with large metal bowls of each curry and rice, topping up the plates of anyone who signals to them.

Whether you’re trying to recover from the heat of the midday sun or the spiciness of the food, a cold glass of lassi will always come to the rescue. A cooling blend of yoghurt, water, spices and normally some type of fruit, lassi is always a welcome refreshment. They come in savoury, sweet and fruit (often mango) varieties and can be found throughout the sub-continent. If you happen to be wandering the market of Jodhpur, near the clocktower and are in need of a refreshment, then the Makhania Lassi – a thick saffron flavoured version – from Shri Mishrilai Hotel is arguably the best in all of India (and probably the world).

Vegetarian & vegan advice
If you’re vegetarian, you’ll be right at home in India. The country is the second-lowest per capita meat consuming country in the world and meat is not considered part of a staple diet. This means that some of the best food is vegetarian and with the unique blend of spices that this country is so blessed with, meat is not necessary to flavour a delicious curry.

Gluten-free & coeliac advice
Rice is available and popular throughout the entire country, so you’ll always have a gluten-free alternative to the bread on offer. You’ll find that the locals are more likely to eat their dishes with rice in the South, whereas in the North they favour bread (but rice will still be available).

If you enjoy Indian food, why not try your hand at cooking it while you’re here? We can arrange cooking classes in several destinations across India, giving you the chance to learn from local cooks and pick up some of the techniques and recipes behind the dishes you’ve been enjoying. It’s a relaxed way to spend a few hours and, if you’re inspired, you can take what you’ve learnt home with you. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.