Culinary capitals of India: Best food destinations across India

May 22, 2024

By: Ayush Mehrotra

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Delhi

The capital city is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of cuisines from across India and the world. From street food in Old Delhi, such as chaat and kebabs, to upscale restaurants serving Mughlai and Punjabi cuisine, Delhi has something to satisfy every palate.

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Mumbai

Mumbai offers a vibrant street food scene alongside upscale restaurants and cafes. From vada pav and pav bhaji to seafood delicacies like bombil fry and prawn curry, Mumbai's culinary offerings are diverse and delicious.

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Amritsar

Famous for its rich Punjabi cuisine, Amritsar is a must-visit destination for food lovers. The city is renowned for its street food, particularly the iconic Amritsari kulcha, as well as mouthwatering dishes like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and langar at the Golden Temple.

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Jaipur

The Pink City is known for its royal Rajasthani cuisine, characterised by rich flavours and aromatic spices. Visitors can enjoy traditional Rajasthani thali, dal bati churma, and a variety of sweets like ghewar and imarti.

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Lucknow

As the culinary capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is famous for its Nawabi cuisine, known for its intricate preparation and rich flavours. Visitors can savour iconic dishes like kebabs, biryanis, and the famous Lucknowi paan.

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Kolkata

Renowned for its street food culture, Kolkata offers a wide range of delectable dishes, including phuchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and mishti (sweets) like rasgulla and sandesh. The city's vibrant food scene reflects its rich history and cultural influences.

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Goa

Known for its coastal cuisine, Goa offers a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian flavours. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes like prawn curry and fish fry, as well as traditional Goan specialities like vindaloo and sorpotel.

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Chennai

The capital city of Tamil Nadu is famous for its South Indian cuisine, known for its use of rice, lentils, and coconut. Visitors can enjoy authentic Tamil dishes like dosa, idli, sambar, and filter coffee.

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Kochi

As the gateway to Kerala's backwaters, Kochi offers a variety of delicious Kerala dishes, including seafood delicacies like fish curry and appam, as well as traditional vegetarian dishes like avial and thoran.

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Hyderabad

Known as the City of Nizams, Hyderabad offers a unique blend of Mughlai and Telugu cuisine. Visitors can indulge in iconic dishes like Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, and kebabs, as well as traditional sweets like double ka meetha and qubani ka meetha.

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