Famous Food Trails of India: Best Cities for Culinary Travel

India isn’t just a country—it’s a giant platter of flavors. From the fiery curries of Hyderabad to the melt-in-the-mouth kebabs of Lucknow and the street food chaos of Delhi, every region tells its story through food. For travelers who love to eat their way through destinations, India is heaven.

If you’re dreaming of a culinary adventure, here’s a guide to the best cities for food trails in India—where every bite is an experience.

🍛 Delhi – Street Food Capital of India

• Why Go: Delhi is where Mughlai heritage meets spicy street food. Chandni Chowk alone is a food universe.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Chole Bhature
  • Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali
  • Kebabs at Karim’s
  • Jalebi & Rabri in Old Delhi
• Travel Tip: Join a guided food walk in Old Delhi to discover hidden culinary gems.

🍢 Lucknow – The City of Nawabs and Kebabs

• Why Go: Lucknow is all about rich Awadhi cuisine—slow-cooked, aromatic, and royal.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Galouti Kebab
  • Lucknawi Biryani
  • Sheermal (sweet saffron bread)
  • Kulfi Falooda
• Travel Tip: Don’t miss the evening food trail around Aminabad and Hazratganj.

🍲 Kolkata – A Sweet and Savory Affair

• Why Go: A city where colonial influence meets Bengali traditions. Think sweets, rolls, and fish curries.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Puchkas (pani puri)
  • Kathi Rolls
  • Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry)
  • Mishti Doi & Rosogolla
• Travel Tip: Pair food trails with a cultural heritage walk for the full Kolkata experience.

🍚 Hyderabad – Biryani and Beyond

• Why Go: Hyderabad is synonymous with Biryani, but there’s so much more.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Hyderabadi Biryani
  • Haleem (during Ramadan)
  • Pathar ka Gosht
  • Irani Chai with Osmania Biscuits
• Travel Tip: Best explored at night—when food stalls light up Charminar’s lanes.

🍲 Amritsar – Flavors of Punjab

• Why Go: The land of hearty food, where butter, ghee, and warmth flow in abundance.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Amritsari Kulcha with Chole
  • Lassi (in tall steel glasses)
  • Fish Fry
  • Langar at the Golden Temple (a soulful experience)
• Travel Tip: Early morning kulchas and late-night dhaba hopping make Amritsar’s food trail unforgettable.

🍢 Mumbai – Melting Pot of Street Food

• Why Go: The city never sleeps, and neither does its food. From beaches to lanes, every corner serves something exciting.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Vada Pav
  • Pav Bhaji
  • Bombay Sandwich
  • Seafood at Colaba
• Travel Tip: Try a street food crawl at Juhu Beach or Mohammed Ali Road.

🍛 Jaipur – Royal Rajasthani Flavors

• Why Go: Jaipur is a feast for the senses—colors, palaces, and bold Rajasthani thalis.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Dal Baati Churma
  • Ghevar (sweet)
  • Laal Maas (fiery mutton curry)
  • Ker Sangri Sabzi
• Travel Tip: Combine food experiences with a heritage haveli stay for authenticity.

🍲 Chennai – South Indian Culinary Capital

• Why Go: Chennai’s food culture celebrates dosa, filter coffee, and seafood.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Masala Dosa
  • Chettinad Chicken
  • Idli-Sambar
  • Jigarthanda (Madurai specialty, often found here)
• Travel Tip: Breakfast trails in Chennai are unmissable—start your day like a local.

🌶 Travel Tips for Food Lovers

• Stay Local: Boutique hotels or homestays often serve authentic regional food.
• Join Food Walks: Many cities have organized food tours with local guides.
• Eat Seasonal: India’s food is deeply seasonal—try mango desserts in summer, sarson da saag in winter.
• Be Adventurous: Street food is safe at busy stalls with high turnover.
• Pair with Culture: Combine food trails with walking tours, markets, and festivals.

🌍 Why Book Food Trails with Travelicious?

At Travelicious, food is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why we’re your perfect partner:

• Curated food tours with local experts.
• Authentic dining at heritage homes, havelis, and family kitchens.
• Hands-on cooking classes and market tours.
• Personalized itineraries that combine food + culture + history.
• Stress-free planning with trusted partners across India.