New Delhi | May 31: A true foodie never leaves any taste behind! And with this quote, there comes an inspiration to explore each and every part of the world. India, surrounded by the aroma of great spices, is a land with diverse and distinct food culture. In each corner of the nation, a diversifying taste
is waiting for you to discover. From India’s potentiality to hold regular tourism, food tourism
is emerging as a trend in the Indian nation, enriching the country’s economy.
Food Tourism – An Emerging Need
Unfamiliar with the term? Food tourism, sometimes called culinary tourism or gastronomy
tourism, is all about travelling with the specific goal of experiencing and appreciating food
and beverages in a particular place. Forget the boring chore of dining out at a restaurant, it’s
much more than this! It’s about immersing yourself in the culture, history, and environment
of a region through its cuisine. Whether you’re a street food enthusiast, a royal foodie, a
seafood seeker, or someone looking for something off the beaten path, food tourism holds the
capability to cater for your varying interests.
Ultimate Destinations
1. Lucknow – How can we forget Lucknow if it’s about food? The City of Nawabs is
enriched with Nawabi taste in their foods. From the streets of Hazratganj to Aminabad
market, Lucknow’s Galouti kebab turns out to be a must-try. Wahid Biryani’s fragrant
Awadhi-style dish cooked in earthen pots is a must-try while Royal café (established
in 1914) offers colonial charm and European-Indian fare in terms of food. And at the
end don’t forget to grab a cup of strong, milky cutting chai near the iconic Rumi
Darwaza and unlock the secrets of Awadhi cuisine with a cooking class at the
magnificent Nadan Mahal.
2. Delhi – ‘Delhi Dil Walon Ki’, a saying that quintessentially has proved its worth
through their rich culinary taste. From Mughalai taste to continental and various
genres, Delhi never disappoints you in any terms. To experience rich and loaded
Mughalai and North Indian delicacies, the Old Delhi area (Jama Masjid, Chandani
Chowk, Fatehpuri, etc.) will suit you best. ‘Daulat Ki Chaat’ in winter is a must try
while Mango Kulfi in summer tastes heaven. To soothe your spicy and tangy
cravings, Delhi Haat INA turns out to be your ultimate destination. One thing to note,
apart from these places, each and every corner of Delhi’s taste will take you into a new heaven. Some honourable mentions are Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Majnu Ka Tila, Laxmi Nagar, and Saket (near Anupam PVR).
3. Goa – Choosing Goa’s “best” food area is like picking a favourite beach – impossible!
Both Panjim and South Goa offer distinct flavours and history. Panjim and nearby
Velha Goa boast Portuguese charm, fresh seafood at Rita’s and Viva Goa, and the
iconic Bebinca from Goa Pastry. South Goa’s Colva and Benaulim offer beach vibes
with Prawn Balchao and Fish Curry Rice, while Canacona has family-run gems like
Martin’s Corner and The Farmer’s House, perfect for trying Sanna dipped in Xacuti.
Age-old establishments like Joseph Bar & Restaurant at Panjim add to Goa’s food
fame, establishing it as must must-try place for food tourism along with a regular one.
4. Hyderabad – Biryani? The first thing may have come into your mind after hearing the
name of Hyderabad. Welcome to another yet rich city of Nawabs in India whose
Biryani is world-famous. If you want to witness culinary art, i.e., ‘Irani Chai’,
Nilofer’s Café serves as the best café. To explore varieties of Biryanis, biscuits,
cookies, and other Hyderabadi cuisines, the streets of Charminar are your ultimate
destination and yes, don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth Haleem from Pista House.
Paradise Biryani is one of the most common and renowned Biryani seller ventures in
Telangana.
5. Mumbai – ‘Sapno Ka Shehar’ may complete and satisfy your dreams as a real foodie.
Picking up any specific area is a real task, as every street serves a taste of heaven. For
colonial charm and street foods, head to Colaba and Fort. For the legendary ‘Vada
Pav’, head towards Shiv Sagar. Sip juices at the renowned Olympia Coffee House,
indulge in Badshah’s kulfi, or grab a bite at the heritage Leopold Cafe or modern
Trishna. Jalebis at Jubilee Restaurant is a must-try. If you are a seafood lover,
Mumbai can be a top pick and yes Mumbai is renowned for Parsi’s delicacy, which is
a must-try.
