Indian food is one of the top reasons people visit the country. The variety is staggering — every state, city, and sometimes every street has its own specialties. Here's how to enjoy it all without trouble.

Must-Try Dishes by Region

North India (Delhi, Punjab, UP)

• Butter Chicken — the world-famous curry, best in Old Delhi
• Chole Bhature — spiced chickpeas with fried bread, a Delhi breakfast staple
• Biryani — Lucknow's version is subtly spiced and aromatic
• Parantha — stuffed flatbreads at Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk

Rajasthan

• Dal Baati Churma — baked wheat balls with lentils and crushed sweet bread
• Laal Maas — fiery red meat curry
• Ghevar — a honey-soaked festive sweet

South India

• Dosa — crispy rice-lentil crepe, best in Chennai and Bangalore
• Kerala Fish Curry — tangy coconut-based fish curry
• Hyderabadi Biryani — richer and spicier than its Lucknowi cousin

West India (Goa, Mumbai)

• Goan Fish Curry Rice — coconut-based, spicy, soul food
• Vada Pav — Mumbai's street burger
• Pav Bhaji — mashed vegetable curry with buttered bread

How to Eat Safely

The Golden Rules

1. Drink only bottled water — check the seal is intact
2. Eat where locals eat — high turnover = fresh food
3. Hot food is safer — freshly cooked beats pre-made salads
4. Wash hands before eating — carry hand sanitizer
5. Start mild — let your stomach adjust to Indian spices gradually

What to Avoid (Initially)

• Raw salads at budget restaurants
• Cut fruit from street vendors (unless you can peel it yourself)
• Ice in drinks at small roadside stalls
• Reheated food that's been sitting out

If You Get Sick

• Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) — available at every pharmacy
• Bland food — rice, bananas, toast
• Probiotics — curd/yoghurt is excellent
• See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2 days

Street Food Strategy

Street food is incredible in India but requires some judgment:

• Look for crowds — popular stalls have fast turnover and fresh food
• Watch the cooking — if it's fried or grilled fresh in front of you, it's safer
• Start with cooked items — samosas, pakoras, jalebis (all fried and safe)
• Avoid — anything with raw ingredients or standing water

Vegetarian in India

India is the easiest country in the world for vegetarians. Most restaurants have extensive veg menus, and many are exclusively vegetarian. Look for "Pure Veg" restaurants — no meat is served or stored on the premises.

Eating on Road Trips

Highway dhabas (roadside restaurants) are an essential part of the Indian road trip experience. Your driver will know the best ones. The dal, roti, and sabzi at a good dhaba is often better than a five-star restaurant.

Foodie Trips with Royal Fleet

Our drivers are local food guides by default. They know the best dhabas, the cleanest street food spots, and the restaurants worth stopping for on every route.