One of my favourite things while travelling is to explore the local food scene in the region. I find it interesting to learn how food cultures are shaped through years of history. Ever since I started backpacking in 2013, I have visited about 20 Indian states. So in this post, I’m going to talk about the best street food cities in India you should visit.
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1. Street food in Amritsar
I was in Amritsar in the winter of 2018 and then again in the summer of 2019. The food in Amritsar is cheap and delicious with a generous helping of butter on everything – right from their dals to kulchas. They serve the most amazing lassis in tall glasses, and hot milk in kullads. I tried one of the best Saffron phirnis at the 100 year old Kesar da Dhaba.
Non vegetarians should definitely visit the Makhan Fish Corner for some great Amritsari fish tikka and mutton masala which goes well with beer. Along the same street, Beera Chicken makes some legendary roast chicken and Keema rotis.
And then, of course, the langar at the GoldenTemple that serves delicious wholesome meals to over 1 lakh visitors every day. I also love the kada prasad at the golden temple that is cooked in desi ghee.
There’s a saying that Amritsar se koi bhi ghar bhuka nahi jayega. I quite agree with whoever said this. Amritsar truly has my heart!
[Also read: City guide – Eat your way around Amritsar]
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2. Street food in Delhi
I’ll rest the argument by saying Delhi’s food scene is better than Mumbai’s. Whether it’s the Street food at Chandni Chowk, the Kebabs at Khan Market or the fine dining scene at Connaught Place, there’s something here for everybody. But I’ll talk about this one particular place that is my absolute favourite – Majnu ka Tilla.
Home to about 400 Tibetan families that settled here after the Tibet Uprising, Majnu ka tilla is the ultimate place to try authentic Tibetan cuisine. Near the monastery square you’ll find stalls selling local specialities like Butter Tea, Momos, Laphing, Tsampa, Khapse and a variety of cured meats on skewers. Fine dine eateries like the Dolma House and the Himalaya Restaurant serve amazing Thukpa soup and Tibetan Pork Ribs. My favourite though is Tingmo – a Tibetan soft bun that goes well with Buff Shapta which a semi gravy of buffalo meat and vegetables. You should also drop by at Ama’s Cafe to try their Yak Butter Cheese Cake.
I’ve visited Majnu ka tilla twice and I can’t wait to go back!
[Also read: Delhi Diaries – Majnu ka Tilla food guide]
3. Street food in Indore
This might come as a surprise considering my preferences are generally skewed towards non vegetarian food. But it’s hard to leave Indore out.
People of Indore trip on food. Sarafa bazaar in the heart of Indore city is a jewelers’ lane by day and a lively khau gully at night. The city has some quirky and original snacks like Bhutte Ka Kees and Garadu. They also have their own take on several popular dishes like Poha Jalebi, Shikanji, Mawa Baati, Dahi Bada, Coconut Pattice, Jaleba and Indori Gundi Paan.
If you still end up craving a non vegetarian meal, visit Johny Hot dog at Chappan Dukaan which is another eat- street with 56 shops. Try the famous Egg Benjo and Mutton Hot dog here. I didn’t see a lot of restaurants serving full meals in Indore. The city was all about chaats and namkeens but they taste bloody damn good.
[Also read: A foodie’s guide to Indore]
4. Street food in Kolhapur
In July 2018, I did a road trip to Kolhapur only to try out the city’s local food. Kolhapur’s royal influence reflects in its cuisine, especially its meat preparations. The food has bold and sharp flavours, thanks to the home-grown lavangi mirchi and the special Kolhapuri masala.
The Tambda and Pandra Rassas, similar to spicy meat broths, are a must have for anyone visiting Kolhapur. Their Mutton Thalis are to die for and so is their Mutton Lonche or pickle. Vegetarians should try out the Akka Masoor Thali at Hotel Dehaati near the old highway. The Kolhapuri Misal is different from the Misals we have in Mumbai and Pune. They serve the Misal with sliced bread, and a side of curd for those who can’t handle the spice. You should also try the Kolhapuri Bhadang Bhel which is spicier than its Mumbai counterpart thanks to the generous use of garlic and chilly powder.
Kolhapur should be on every food lover’s bucket-list!
[Also read: Kolhapur trip planners – A foodie’s guide]
5. Street food in Kannur & Thalaserry
I was covering the Theyyam dance festival in North Kerala in December 2018 when I was blown away by this region’s food scene. Coastal Malabar’s Moplah cuisine is influenced by the Mapila Muslims. I ate some of the best Beef Chilly Fry and Kerala Parottas at non-descript bars here.
Thalassery is a quick drive away and is known for the famous Telicerry pepper. It is also known for the Thalassery Fish Biryani which is, believe me, one of the best biryanis I’ve ever tried. Streets in Thalaserry are dotted with tiny shops selling fried mussel snacks like Arikadukka and chemeen unda. You should also drop by at the Mambally’s Bakery which claims to have baked the first plum cake in India in 1883.
Kannur and Thalassery are undoubtedly underrated gems on the Indian food scene.
So these were the best street food cities in India according to me. I still think this list will evolve once I’ve visited West Bengal and Odisha because I’ve heard great things about their food scene. Let’s hope I can bring you more food stories from there soon.
Vlog: Best street food cities in India
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