Food Trails- 7 Indian Cities You Must Visit Just for the Food
Amanpreet Singh | May 18, 2025, 10:01 IST
From melt-in-your-mouth kebabs in Lucknow to fiery fish curries in Kochi, India’s cities are a buffet of regional flavors and age-old recipes. This article takes you on a food journey across the country where taste is the destination, not just the experience.
In India, food isn’t just a part of the culture — it is the culture. Every city tells a story through its spices, sweets, and street-side stalls. For food lovers, traveling is incomplete without tasting the local cuisine. So, here’s a list of seven Indian cities where food takes center stage — cities you should visit just to eat your heart out.
If India had a royal kitchen, it would be in Lucknow. Known for its Awadhi cuisine, this city offers slow-cooked biryanis, galouti kebabs that melt on your tongue, and rich kormas full of flavour. Head to Tunday Kababi in Chowk for an iconic meal, or try the famous basket chaat at Royal Café in Hazratganj.
Indore is a paradise for vegetarians and street food lovers. Start your evening at Sarafa Bazaar, where the market turns into a food street after sunset. Try poha-jalebi, bhutte ka kees, and malpua, and don’t forget the spicy garadu (deep-fried yam). For daytime cravings, Chappan Dukan is the go-to spot.
The aroma of butter, tandoor, and spices welcomes you in Amritsar. Known for its Amritsari kulchas, chhole, and lassi, the city’s food is as soulful as its people. The langar at Golden Temple is a must-experience, not just for the food but the spirit of community. Also visit Kesar Da Dhaba for its legendary thalis.
Kolkata blends British, Mughal, and Bengali cuisine beautifully. Dive into kathi rolls at Nizam’s, or try fish cutlets and kosha mangsho. For dessert lovers, mishti doi, rasgulla, and sandesh are irresistible. The city’s street food scene at New Market and College Street is an adventure in itself.
You cannot visit Hyderabad and not eat biryani. The iconic Hyderabadi dum biryani is layered with flavours, saffron, and history. But there’s more – haleem, double ka meetha, and mirchi ka salan add to the richness. Don’t miss Paradise or Shadab Hotel for the full experience.
Kerala’s port city offers a delicious mix of seafood and spice. From meen pollichathu (banana leaf fish) to appam with stew, Kochi’s cuisine is light, fragrant, and fresh. Try local toddy shops for authentic meals, and don’t miss the Karimeen fry near Fort Kochi.
India’s capital is a collection of every region’s best dishes, but its local treats are something else. Have chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand, parathas in Chandni Chowk, and momos in Majnu ka Tilla. Delhi’s street food is a wild ride — spicy, tangy, sweet, and unforgettable.
Food is often the fastest route to a city’s heart, and these Indian cities wear their food culture with pride. Whether you're a biryani lover or a chaat addict, let your stomach guide your next travel plan — these cities are waiting to feed you stories, one bite at a time.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life.
1. Lucknow – The City of Nawabs and Kebabs
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
If India had a royal kitchen, it would be in Lucknow. Known for its Awadhi cuisine, this city offers slow-cooked biryanis, galouti kebabs that melt on your tongue, and rich kormas full of flavour. Head to Tunday Kababi in Chowk for an iconic meal, or try the famous basket chaat at Royal Café in Hazratganj.
2. Indore – The Night Food Capital
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
Indore is a paradise for vegetarians and street food lovers. Start your evening at Sarafa Bazaar, where the market turns into a food street after sunset. Try poha-jalebi, bhutte ka kees, and malpua, and don’t forget the spicy garadu (deep-fried yam). For daytime cravings, Chappan Dukan is the go-to spot.
3. Amritsar – Where Food Feeds the Soul
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
The aroma of butter, tandoor, and spices welcomes you in Amritsar. Known for its Amritsari kulchas, chhole, and lassi, the city’s food is as soulful as its people. The langar at Golden Temple is a must-experience, not just for the food but the spirit of community. Also visit Kesar Da Dhaba for its legendary thalis.
4. Kolkata – A Sweet and Savory Feast
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
Kolkata blends British, Mughal, and Bengali cuisine beautifully. Dive into kathi rolls at Nizam’s, or try fish cutlets and kosha mangsho. For dessert lovers, mishti doi, rasgulla, and sandesh are irresistible. The city’s street food scene at New Market and College Street is an adventure in itself.
5. Hyderabad – A Tale of Biryani and Beyond
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
You cannot visit Hyderabad and not eat biryani. The iconic Hyderabadi dum biryani is layered with flavours, saffron, and history. But there’s more – haleem, double ka meetha, and mirchi ka salan add to the richness. Don’t miss Paradise or Shadab Hotel for the full experience.
6. Kochi – Spice Coast Delights
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
Kerala’s port city offers a delicious mix of seafood and spice. From meen pollichathu (banana leaf fish) to appam with stew, Kochi’s cuisine is light, fragrant, and fresh. Try local toddy shops for authentic meals, and don’t miss the Karimeen fry near Fort Kochi.
7. Delhi – The Melting Pot of Flavours
Must Visit Cities Just for the Food
India’s capital is a collection of every region’s best dishes, but its local treats are something else. Have chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand, parathas in Chandni Chowk, and momos in Majnu ka Tilla. Delhi’s street food is a wild ride — spicy, tangy, sweet, and unforgettable.
Food is often the fastest route to a city’s heart, and these Indian cities wear their food culture with pride. Whether you're a biryani lover or a chaat addict, let your stomach guide your next travel plan — these cities are waiting to feed you stories, one bite at a time.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life.