India is a paradise for food lovers, and every region has its own specialties that you simply cannot miss. When you combine travel with food, you not only see new places but also taste their history and culture. If you are planning your next food trip, let me take you through four cities that are absolute musts for every food traveler.
From the bustling streets of Indore to the Nawabi flavors of Lucknow, from the soulful langar of Amritsar to the adda culture of Kolkata, here is your complete food travel guide to India’s street food and iconic restaurants.
Best Street Food in Indore
Indore is known as the street food capital of India. If you love variety and flavors, this city will make you happy. The best street food in Indore can be found in two legendary spots. Sarafa Bazaar comes alive every night after 10 pm, when jewelry shops close and food stalls take over. Here you can try specialties like garadu (fried yam with spices), bhutte ka kees (grated corn cooked with milk and spices), sabudana khichdi, malpua, and hot rabdi. Do not miss the famous flying dahi vada at Joshi Dahi Bada House. Most dishes here cost between ₹50 and ₹150, so you can enjoy a feast without spending much.
During the day, head to Chhappan Dukan, which literally means 56 shops. This food street is recognized as a Clean Street Food Hub by FSSAI, making it one of the most hygienic street food destinations in India. You can enjoy Indore’s signature poha-jalebi breakfast, hot dogs from Johny Hot Dog, and the ever-popular chaat at Vijay Chaat House, one of the oldest stalls here. Dosas, sandwiches, and desserts also line the street, making it perfect for an afternoon or evening food walk.
What to Eat in Indore’s Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa
If you are wondering where to eat in Indore, these two places will give you everything you need. At Joshi Dahi Bada House, watch the vendor spin the dahi vada in the air before serving it. At Johny Hot Dog, try the mutton or egg benjo, a simple bun with a spicy cutlet that locals swear by. At Vijay Chaat House, order khopra patties or samosa chaat for a burst of flavors. Finish your evening at Sarafa with coconut crush, jalebis, or malpua. Indore is where food meets fun, and you can taste 10 different dishes here without crossing ₹1,000.
Must-Try Dishes in Lucknow: Kebabs to Chaat
Lucknow is the heart of Awadhi cuisine, and food here carries the royal touch of the Nawabs. In fact, the city was recently recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, highlighting its cultural and culinary importance.
If you are in Lucknow, the first thing you must eat is the galouti kebab at Tunday Kababi in Aminabad or Chowk. These kebabs are soft, melt in your mouth, and usually served with sheermal or paratha. A plate costs around ₹200–₹300. Another must-try is the biryani at Idrees, a small shop near Patanala that serves aromatic rice with tender mutton pieces for about ₹150–₹250.
If you prefer street snacks, go to Royal Café in Hazratganj for their famous basket chaat, also called tokri chaat. It comes loaded with potatoes, chutneys, spices, and curd, costing around ₹150. For dessert, stop by Prakash Ki Mashoor Kulfi for kulfi falooda, which costs around ₹100 and is a city favorite for decades.
Iconic Restaurants in Lucknow You Cannot Miss
Lucknow is also known for its old restaurants that have kept their charm alive for generations. Apart from Tunday Kababi and Idrees, you should try Rahim’s Nihari near Akbari Gate for a traditional breakfast that locals love, usually priced around ₹100–₹200. Royal Café in Hazratganj is perfect for families and evening hangouts. Each of these iconic restaurants gives you a different taste of Lucknow’s food story, so plan your meals wisely.
Amritsar Food Guide: From Langar to Kulcha
Amritsar is where food meets faith. No visit is complete without experiencing the langar at the Golden Temple, where between 50,000 and 100,000 people are served meals every single day. Eating here is more than just food, it is about community, equality, and sharing. After langar, treat yourself to an Amritsari kulcha with chole at Kulcha Land or All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha, usually costing ₹100–₹150 per plate.
For vegetarian meals, Bharawan Da Dhaba is a must. If you want non-vegetarian food, Beera Chicken House is famous for its roasted chicken, priced at ₹300–₹400. End your food tour with hot jalebis from Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala for around ₹50 and a creamy glass of lassi from Ahuja Milk Bhandar for about ₹80. This is why every Amritsar food guide tells you to come hungry.
Where to Eat in Kolkata: Rolls, Biryani & Adda Culture
Kolkata is a city that loves food and conversation. The kathi roll, one of India’s most famous street foods, was born here at Nizam’s in New Market, where you can still try the classic egg or mutton roll for ₹60–₹120. Another unmissable experience is phuchka at Vivekananda Park, the local version of golgappa with tangy tamarind water.
For an unusual morning, head to Tiretti Bazaar, a historic Chinese settlement, where you can eat Chinese-Indian breakfast dishes like momos and soups from 5 am onwards. This experience is unique to Kolkata. For iconic restaurants, Peter Cat on Park Street is legendary for its Chelo Kebab at around ₹400, while Arsalan is the go-to place for Kolkata biryani with its subtle flavors and signature potato garnish for about ₹250.
Sweet lovers should not leave without tasting rosogolla and mishti doi at K.C. Das, usually priced under ₹100. If you want to experience Kolkata’s cultural side, spend an evening at Indian Coffee House on College Street, where writers, thinkers, and students have debated ideas for decades over a cup of coffee and adda.
Quick Food Travel Tips for India’s Food Cities
When you plan food travel in India, remember a few tips. In Indore, Sarafa opens only after 10 pm, so plan your evening meals accordingly. In Kolkata, Tiretti Bazaar breakfast is available only early in the morning. In Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple early to enjoy langar peacefully. In Lucknow, evenings are best for kebabs and biryani. Carry some cash since many small vendors still prefer it. Always try to eat where locals are eating, as that usually means the food is both tasty and safe.
Exploring Indian Cuisine Through Food & Travel
Food is one of the best ways to understand a city, and Indore, Lucknow, Amritsar, and Kolkata show you just how diverse Indian cuisine can be. Whether it is street food at Sarafa, kebabs in Lucknow, kulchas in Amritsar, or rolls in Kolkata, every dish tells a story of tradition and community. If you are a traveler who loves to eat, these cities are waiting for you.