India is a vast and diverse South Asian nation offering ancient temples, vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and the majestic Himalayas. From the iconic Taj Mahal to spiritual Varanasi and tropical Kerala backwaters, India delivers unforgettable experiences across its 28 states and 8 union territories.
Indian cuisine is one of the world's most diverse, varying dramatically by region — from the rich meat-based Mughlai dishes of the north to the coconut-infused seafood curries of the south, the fermented rice preparations of the northeast, and the vegetarian-dominated Gujarati and Rajasthani thalis. Spices are the cornerstone of Indian cooking, with each region having its own signature spice palette. Vegetarian cuisine is especially developed in India, reflecting the prevalence of Hinduism and Jainism.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define India.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Delhi's most famous culinary export — tender tandoor-cooked chicken in a rich tomato-cream-butter sauce. Invented at Moti Mahal restaurant in Old Delhi in the 1950s by Kundan Lal Gujral.
Where to try: Moti Mahal Delux Restaurants (original), any North Indian restaurant nationwide
Price: $8-20
Masala Dosa
South India's most iconic dish — a crispy fermented rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potato, served with coconut chutney and sambar. Breakfast staple from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Where to try: MTR (Bangalore), Saravana Bhavan (Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai), any South Indian restaurant
Price: $2-6
Hyderabadi Biryani
Fragrant slow-cooked rice layered with marinated meat, saffron, fried onions, and whole spices in the dum (sealed pot) method. The definitive biryani that has spawned countless regional variations.
Where to try: Bawarchi Restaurant Hyderabad, Paradise Restaurant Hyderabad, biryani specialists nationwide
Price: $4-15
Pani Puri / Golgappa
India's most beloved street food — hollow crispy semolina spheres filled with spiced potato and chickpeas, dunked in tangy tamarind and mint water. Each region has its own version.
Where to try: Street vendors nationwide; Elco Market Mumbai, street stalls around Chandni Chowk Delhi
Price: $0.50-2
Dal Makhani
Black lentils slow-cooked overnight with cream and butter until they develop an impossibly rich, velvety texture. The definitive Punjabi restaurant dish eaten with tandoor roti.
Where to try: Bukhara ITC Maurya (New Delhi), Punjabi restaurants nationwide
Price: $5-15
Fish Molee (Kerala)
A delicate Kerala Christian curry of white fish simmered in fresh coconut milk with green chillies, ginger, and turmeric. Lighter than most Indian curries, showcasing Kerala's coconut-forward cooking style.
Where to try: Fort Kochi seafood restaurants, Malabar Palace Kozhikode, Kerala specialty restaurants
Price: $6-15
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Bukhara
Legendary restaurant at ITC Maurya serving rustic North-West Frontier cuisine. Famous for its dal bukhara and tandoori dishes, frequented by world leaders and celebrities since 1978.
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi 110021
Karim's
Historic restaurant established in 1913 near Jama Masjid, famous for its mutton dishes and authentic Mughlai flavors. A must-visit for traditional Delhi cuisine.
16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi 110006
Haldiram's
Popular chain serving vegetarian Indian snacks, sweets, and meals. Great for trying chaat, samosas, and traditional sweets at budget prices.
Multiple locations across India
Paranthe Wali Gali
Narrow lane in Old Delhi famous for paratha shops operating since the 1870s. Try various stuffed parathas from multiple small vendors.
Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi 110006
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
Specialty coffee roaster with cafes serving single-origin Indian coffee. Modern minimalist design with excellent espresso-based drinks.
Multiple locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
Indian Accent
Award-winning restaurant reinventing Indian cuisine with global ingredients and innovative techniques. Set in a beautiful manor with exceptional presentation and service.
The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Brahmin's Coffee Bar
Legendary Bangalore institution serving authentic filter coffee and idlis since 1965. Simple, no-frills setting with exceptional quality at bargain prices.
116/1, 1st Main, Shankarapuram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore 560004
Kailash Parbat
Sindhi chain restaurant famous for chaat, chaats, and vegetarian dishes. Casual family-friendly atmosphere with quick service.
Multiple locations across India
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Indian
Moti Mahal
Birthplace of butter chicken and dal makhani, this historic restaurant has been serving Punjabi classics since 1947. Multiple locations across Delhi maintain authentic recipes.
3703, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002
Trishna
Iconic Mumbai seafood restaurant known for butter garlic crab and coastal specialties. Despite its fine dining reputation, the atmosphere remains unpretentious and welcoming.
7 Sai Baba Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Varq
Contemporary Indian cuisine with refined presentations at Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi. Features seasonal menus and an extensive wine cellar in an elegant setting.
Taj Mahal Hotel, 1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi 110011
Karavalli
Celebrates coastal cuisines of Kerala, Mangalore, and Goa with authentic recipes and traditional cooking methods. Set in a heritage building with rustic decor.
The Gateway Hotel, 66 Residency Road, Bangalore 560025
MTR Restaurant
Historic Bangalore restaurant chain established in 1924. Famous for traditional Karnataka breakfast items and filter coffee.
Lalbagh Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027
Spice Market
Restaurant showcasing diverse regional cuisines of India with authentic recipes from Kerala to Kashmir. Open kitchen and market-style setting.
JW Marriott, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009
Punjab Grill
Upscale casual dining chain serving modern Punjabi cuisine. Contemporary decor and quality food at mid-range prices.
Multiple locations across India
Cafe Madras
Classic Mumbai Irani cafe serving South Indian breakfast and filter coffee since 1940. Simple, authentic, affordable.
King's Circle, Matunga, Mumbai 400019
The Yellow Chilli
Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor's chain offering contemporary Indian cuisine with a focus on North Indian flavors. Consistently good quality across locations.
Various locations across India
Copper Chimney
Upscale casual dining chain known for tandoori specialties and butter chicken. Elegant ambiance with consistent quality across multiple cities.
K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400001
Saravana Bhavan
International chain of vegetarian restaurants serving authentic South Indian food. Famous for dosas, thalis, and filter coffee at reasonable prices.
Multiple locations worldwide
Cafe Lota
Located at National Crafts Museum, this cafe celebrates regional Indian cuisine with seasonal menus. Beautiful outdoor seating in museum gardens.
National Crafts Museum, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 110001
Street Food
Mohammed Ali Road
Mumbai's famous street food strip, especially during Ramadan. Offers kebabs, biryanis, and traditional Muslim delicacies.
Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai 400003
Goli Vada Pav
Chain specializing in Mumbai's iconic vada pav (spicy potato fritter in a bun). Quick service and multiple locations make it convenient.
Multiple locations in Mumbai
Juhu Beach Chaat Stalls
Beachside food stalls on Juhu Beach serving Mumbai's favorite chaats and snacks. Perfect for sunset snacking.
Juhu Beach, Mumbai 400049
Chowpatty Beach Stalls
Famous Mumbai beach with numerous food stalls serving local favorites. Lively atmosphere especially on weekends.
Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai 400007
Bade Miya
Legendary late-night kebab stall outside Taj Mahal Palace. Operating since 1940s, famous for seekh kebabs and rolls.
Behind Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
Elco Market
Popular street food hub in Bandra offering pani puri, sev puri, and various chaats. Busy area with multiple vendors.
Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
Bengali Market
Famous Delhi market known for parathe, chole bhature, and other North Indian street food. Multiple small vendors.
Bengali Market, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Cafe
The Bagel Shop
Popular Delhi cafe serving authentic New York-style bagels, sandwiches, and coffee in a cozy setting.
Defence Colony Market, New Delhi 110024
Chai Point
Modern chai cafe chain offering various tea blends, sandwiches, and snacks. Popular with young professionals for quick refreshments.
Multiple locations across India
Koshy's
Iconic Bangalore institution since 1940 serving breakfast, burgers, and South Indian fare. Old-world charm with loyal local following.
39, St Mark's Road, Bangalore 560001
Starbucks India
International coffee chain with India-specific drinks like masala chai latte. Reliable option for coffee and light bites.
Multiple locations across India
Daryaganj Kitchen
Casual dining cafe in Hauz Khas Village serving fusion dishes and cocktails. Popular with Delhi's young crowd.
Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Cafe Turtle
Bookstore cafe with peaceful garden seating in multiple cities. Good for reading, working, and light meals.
Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
European
Cafe Zoe
Chic Mumbai cafe in a heritage bungalow serving breakfast, salads, and European-inspired dishes. Beautiful outdoor seating.
Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013
Zodiac Grill
Classic fine dining restaurant at The Taj Mahal Palace serving continental cuisine in an elegant art deco setting with live piano music.
Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
Flurys
Historic Swiss confectionery and tearoom on Park Street since 1927. Famous for breakfast, pastries, and old-world charm in colonial Kolkata.
18, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Oberoi Patisserie & Delicatessen
Upscale patisserie and cafe at The Oberoi offering French pastries, artisan breads, and light European fare in an elegant setting.
The Oberoi, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi 110003
Awadhi
Dum Pukht
Specializing in Awadhi dum-style cooking where dishes are slow-cooked in sealed vessels. The opulent setting recreates royal Lucknow dining with impeccable service.
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021
Tunday Kababi
Famous Lucknow eatery known for its melt-in-mouth galouti kebabs made with over 160 spices. The kebabs are so soft they can be eaten without teeth.
Aminabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226018
Bakery
Kayani Bakery
Historic Pune bakery established in 1955, famous for mawa cakes and bun maska. No-frills Irani cafe atmosphere.
East Street, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Barbecue
Barbeque Nation
Popular chain offering unlimited grilled items cooked at your table followed by buffet mains and desserts. Great value for group dining.
Multiple locations across India
Continental
Cafe Mondegar
Vibrant Colaba cafe with Mario Miranda murals covering the walls. Popular for breakfast, burgers, and cold beer with a lively atmosphere and great music.
5-A, Metro House, Colaba Causeway, Mumbai 400001
Dessert
Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale
Famous Delhi kulfi shop established in 1906. Known for stuffed fruit kulfis where real fruit is filled with kulfi.
Kucha Pati Ram, Chawri Bazar, Old Delhi 110006
Japanese
Wasabi by Morimoto
Celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto's restaurant at Taj Mahal Palace offering exquisite Japanese cuisine with ocean views. Features sushi bar, teppanyaki, and extensive sake selection.
Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
Kerala
Kochi Kitchen
Authentic Kerala restaurant in Fort Kochi serving traditional dishes in a heritage building. Features coastal specialties and extensive seafood menu.
Princess Street, Fort Kochi, Kerala 682001
Multi
Leopold Cafe
Iconic Colaba institution since 1871, popular with locals and tourists alike. Serves everything from Indian curries to continental dishes and cold beer in a casual atmosphere.
Colaba Causeway, Mumbai 400001
North
Peshawri
Specializes in robust flavors of the North-West Frontier with signature dal and kebabs. The open kitchen showcases traditional tandoor cooking methods.
ITC Maratha, Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai 400099
Pizza
Domino's India
International pizza chain with India-specific flavors like paneer tikka and tandoori chicken. Reliable option for familiar fast food.
Multiple locations across India
Portuguese
Nando's India
International chain specializing in peri-peri chicken with Indian spice levels. Casual dining with vegetarian options available.
Multiple locations in major cities
Sandwiches
Subway India
International submarine sandwich chain with India-specific options including paneer and tandoori chicken. Healthy fast food alternative.
Multiple locations across India
Specialty Coffee
Third Wave Coffee
Bangalore-based specialty coffee chain with minimalist design and excellent quality coffee from Indian estates.
Multiple locations in Bangalore
Tamil
Chettinad Restaurant
Specializes in spicy Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu with robust flavors and aromatic spices. Simple setting with authentic family recipes.
Multiple locations in Chennai
Tea
Sharma Ji Ki Chai
Popular Delhi roadside stall famous for its masala chai and bread pakoras. Simple setup with authentic flavors.
Green Park, New Delhi 110016
Tibetan
Tibetan Kitchen Mcleodganj
Small street-side eatery in Dharamshala serving authentic Tibetan momos, thukpa, and tingmo. Simple but delicious.
Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
Vegetarian
Bikanervala
Chain restaurant and sweet shop serving North Indian vegetarian food and traditional sweets. Good for thalis and authentic Indian desserts.
Multiple locations across India
Food tours & tastings in India
Eat your way through India with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Vada Pav
Mumbai's iconic working-class street food — a spiced potato fritter in a bread roll with green and tamarind chutneys. So deeply embedded in Mumbai culture it is called the city's burger.
Find it at: Street vendors across Mumbai — Dadar station stalls are legendary
Chole Bhature
A hearty North Indian breakfast of spiced chickpea curry served with giant deep-fried puffed bread. The definitive Delhi Sunday breakfast, indulgent and deeply satisfying.
Find it at: Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj Delhi), Chache Di Hatti (Kamla Nagar Delhi)
Kathi Roll
Kolkata's signature street food — a paratha wrap filled with egg, chicken or mutton kebab, onion, and chutney. Invented at Nizam's Restaurant in 1932, now found across India.
Find it at: Nizam's Restaurant Kolkata (original), street vendors across Kolkata's Park Street
Amritsari Kulcha
Flaky stuffed flatbread from Amritsar baked in a tandoor and served with chole, pickle, and onions. The version at Kesar Da Dhaba draws pilgrims from across India.
Find it at: Kesar Da Dhaba Amritsar, Bade Mian Kulcha Amritsar, Punjab region
Bhel Puri
Mumbai's beloved beach snack — puffed rice tossed with chopped onion, tomato, tamarind chutney, sev, and coriander. Best eaten fresh from the vendor's hands on Chowpatty Beach.
Find it at: Chowpatty Beach Mumbai, Juhu Beach Mumbai, street vendors across western India
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Khari Baoli Spice Market
Asia's largest wholesale spice market in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk sells every spice, dried fruit, nut, and herb imaginable at wholesale prices. The sensory overload of colors and aromas is extraordinary.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, closed Sundays
INA Market, Delhi
South Delhi's international food market stocks imported foods, specialty ingredients, and fresh seafood alongside South Indian groceries. Popular with Delhi's expat community and discerning home cooks.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Crawford Market, Mumbai
Mumbai's Victorian-era food market under a beautiful Gothic building stocks fresh fruit, imported foods, poultry, and spices at competitive prices in a magnificent heritage building.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, closed Sundays
Mullick Ghat Flower Market, Kolkata
India's largest wholesale flower market at the foot of Howrah Bridge operates from 4 AM with thousands of garlands and loose flowers for temples and weddings. Spectacular at dawn.
Hours: 4:00 AM - 10:00 AM daily (peak activity)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
In North India lunch is the main meal (12-3 PM); in South India breakfast is the most important meal featuring dosas, idli, and vada
Vegetarian food is everywhere and of exceptional quality — most restaurants have extensive veg menus even in non-vegetarian establishments
Always order bottled mineral water and check the seal is intact; avoid ice unless at a reputable hotel
In South Indian restaurants, fold the banana leaf down after eating to indicate you are finished; upward fold means you want more
Tipping is 10% at restaurants where service charge is not already included; check your bill carefully as 12.5% service charge is sometimes added
Eating with the right hand is traditional — bread and rice mixed with curry is how most Indians eat. Cutlery is always available on request.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $2-8/meal | Street food, dhaba thali, chai and snacks — the best value eating in India |
| Mid-range | $10-25/meal | Sit-down restaurant with variety, soft drinks or beer, air conditioning |
| Upscale | $40-150+/meal | Fine dining, hotel restaurants, Indian Accent or Bukhara level tasting menus |