If your idea of travel includes temples and train rides but forgets tandoors and thalis — pause. India isn’t just a country; it’s a sensory buffet, where every city serves up a different chapter in its deliciously diverse food story.
Here are 10 Indian cities where food isn’t just part of the trip — it is the trip. Warning: Bring stretchy pants and a loose itinerary.
1. Amritsar, Punjab
Specialties: Amritsari Kulcha, Langar da Dal, Lassi
Why go hungry: You’ll be spiritually enlightened at the Golden Temple and emotionally overwhelmed by its buttery dal. The lassi could double as a dumbbell. You’ll leave full and slightly ashamed.
2. Kolkata, West Bengal
Specialties: Kosha Mangsho, Shorshe Ilish, Mishti Doi, Puchka
Why go hungry: You’ll come for the culture and stay for the sweets. Don’t say we didn’t warn you — once you taste puchka, you’ll never trust golgappa again.
3. Hyderabad, Telangana
Specialties: Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, Double Ka Meetha
Why go hungry: The biryani here is a religion, not a recipe. Rich, layered, and aromatic — it’s a love story between rice and meat that you’ll want front-row seats for.
4. Delhi
Specialties: Chole Bhature, Parathas, Golgappa, Ram Ladoo
Why go hungry: It’s not just the capital of India but also of chaat and cheat meals. From street-side chaos to Mughlai decadence, your belly’s going to need a nap after.
5. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Specialties: Poha-Jalebi, Khopra Patties, Sabudana Khichdi, Sarafa Bazaar street food
Why go hungry: The night comes alive at Sarafa Bazaar — where jewelry by day transforms into food paradise by night. Midnight snacking just went elite.
6. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Specialties: Galouti Kebab, Tunday Kebab, Awadhi Biryani
Why go hungry: The kebabs are so soft, you’ll doubt your teeth. Every meal here feels like it was made for royalty — because it was.
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Specialties: Dhokla, Khandvi, Fafda, Undhiyu
Why go hungry: Vegetarian? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not. Gujarat's snack scene is so intense, it’s basically a spiritual experience in a thali.
8. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Specialties: Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Pav Bhaji, Kheema Pav
Why go hungry: Bread has never had such chemistry with spice. Every dish here is designed for on-the-go flavor explosions. Local trains + local vada pav = local love.
9. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Specialties: Idli, Dosa, Pongal, Filter Coffee
Why go hungry: Breakfast in Chennai could beat brunch in Brooklyn. And if coconut chutney was a currency, Chennai would be the richest city in the world.
10. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Specialties: Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma, Ghevar, Kachori
Why go hungry: This desert city doesn’t do “light meals.” From spicy gravies to syrupy sweets, every plate is a power play.
✨ Pro Tips for the Hungry Traveller:
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Skip meals before arrival.
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Invest in comfy pants.
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Forget counting calories. Count memories (and maybe kachoris).
Because in these cities, food isn’t a detour — it’s the destination.
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