When something delicious touches your taste buds, you cannot help but simply melt in its taste. Food is the one thing that defines the culture of a particular city. If you are a foodie and want to know about the soul of a city, then you should give it a try on the cuisine.
There are many cities in India that are known for their street foods. To travel wholeheartedly is to eat what your heart desires. Some of the best cities for street foods in India are listed as under:
List of Best Cities for Street food in India:
1. Lucknow
When talking about food, this Nawabi city is the first to come into the minds of anyone. The real taste of nawab’s food is well depicted in Lucknow. Tunde Kababs and Galouti Kababs are the gems of food in this city. These kababs are juicy and melt into your mouth as soon as you put them in. Hazratgunj provides you with world-class street foods at reasonable rates.
Lucknow gives one a combination of Awadhi and Nawabi cuisine which is simply rich in flavors and spices. Kormas and Sheermal are other delicacies to try out on the streets. Lassi, Kulfi, Malai Makkan, etc. are especially for those who love sweets. Lucknow is also known for its variety of chaat items.
- Why Visit: Known for its Nawabi cuisine, Lucknow is famous for its rich and flavorful street food, especially kebabs, biryanis, and sweets.
- Must-Try Dishes: Tunday Kababi (Galouti Kebab), Lucknawi Biryani, Nihari, Sheermal, and Kulfi.
- Top Places to Eat: Aminabad, Hazratganj, Chowk, and Tunday Kababi.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
- How to Reach: Lucknow is well connected by road, rail, and air. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is the nearest airport.
2. Kolkata
Referred to as the city of joy, Kolkata is also a great center for pocket-friendly street foods. The best offered here are the chaats which include Ghugni Chaat, Jhaal Muri, Telebhaja, etc. Rashmalai, Roshogulla, and Gulab Jamun are very soft and great in taste. If you think that Kolkata is a place only for rice and fish, then do visit Park Street or New Market for a whole new range.
Now, this is also a place for chai lovers as the Kulhad chai is available at an unbelievable price of Rs. 5. The chai prepared here is made of skimmed milk and tastes heavenly. Read More: The Best 15 Famous Food Places in Kolkata.
- Why Visit: A paradise for food lovers, Kolkata offers an eclectic mix of traditional Bengali cuisine and Indo-Chinese delicacies, with flavors that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Must-Try Dishes: Puchka (Pani Puri), Kathi Roll, Jhalmuri, Ghugni Chaat, and Mishti Doi.
- Top Places to Eat: New Market, Park Street, and Gariahat.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- How to Reach: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is well-connected to major cities.
3. Mumbai
The city of dreams is also an exciting destination for food lovers. This beautiful city has its charm when it comes to Masala Chai or Pav Bhaji. Juhu Chowpatty Beach or Nariman Point are the best places if you go in search of street foods. Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Panipuri, bhelpuri, etc. should be tried out as well.
Mumbai has a selectable range of kinds of seafood to try out like Bombil fry. Cutting chai is a specialty of this place. This place has a mixture of Gujrati and Maharashtrian cuisine which is a must-try. Read More: 15 Best Food Places in Mumbai.
- Why Visit: The bustling city of Mumbai is known for its diverse street food culture, which includes spicy, tangy, and sweet dishes served right on the streets.
- Must-Try Dishes: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, and Keema Pav.
- Top Places to Eat: Juhu Beach, Chowpatty, Mohammed Ali Road, and Khau Galli.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- How to Reach: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport connects Mumbai with various destinations.
4. Hyderabad
How can you miss out on the Handi biryani of Hyderabad which is world-famous because of its aroma? The cooking styles in this place are a combination of Mughlai, Turkish and Arabian styles so the dishes are quite rich in texture and taste. The Irani tea prepared with cardamom and cinnamon is a true street food item that you have to try in Hyderabad.
Haleem is another specialty that is a complete meat item and delicious at its best. Phirni, Lukhmi, Nihari, and Double Ka Meetha are the sweet dishes to be tried out. The Keema Samosa is quite famous and people from different parts of India come to get a taste of this item. It is a meat samosa and is fried.
- Why Visit: Known as the “City of Pearls,” Hyderabad’s street food scene is dominated by flavorsome biryanis, kebabs, and spicy Andhra snacks.
- Must-Try Dishes: Hyderabadi Biryani, Irani Chai, Osmania Biscuits, Mirchi Ka Salan, and Lukhmi.
- Top Places to Eat: Charminar, Tank Bund, and Gachibowli.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- How to Reach: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport.
5. Amritsar
Now, Amritsar is a food destination for those people who love butter and cream and the richness of texture and color. Those foodies who have a craving for their sweet tooth cannot miss out on the paranthas dipped in butter and served with curd. Amritsar is a perfect destination for those who love street foods. Sweet lassi or the hot jalebis make for the best foods on the streets. Read More: 10 Best Restaurants in Amritsar You Must Try Out Local Food
Gulab Jamuns, Kulchas, Butter Chicken, etc. are some of the best varieties of foods to try out from the very many. Also, the langar at Golden Temple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try. Read Also: Top 10 Facts About Golden Temple Amritsar.
- Why Visit: The holy city of Amritsar is not only known for the Golden Temple but also for its rich Punjabi cuisine, including buttery and spicy street food.
- Must-Try Dishes: Amritsari Kulcha, Chole Bhature, Lassi, Fish Tikka, and Jalebi.
- Top Places to Eat: Kesar Da Dhaba, Hall Bazaar, and Lawrence Road.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the nearest airport.
6. Patna
Litti Chokha is the main street food of Patna and you cannot call yourself a foodie if you haven’t tasted this dish yet. Aaloo Kachalu, Ghoogni Choora, Dahi Choora, etc. are some of the other popular street foods available in Patna. One can find Litti Chokha in the many stalls at Junction Road. The boring road is another place where you can find Litti chicken but this dish is spicy and only for spicy lovers.
Gup Chup, Khaja, LavangLatika, etc. are some of the well-known dishes of Patna. Mutton Kababs are also famous in Patna and are worth trying.
- Why Visit: Patna offers a variety of traditional Bihari street foods with a unique blend of spices and flavors.
- Must-Try Dishes: Litti Chokha, Samosa, Chana Ghugni, and Thekua.
- Top Places to Eat: Maurya Lok Complex, Hathwa Market, and Ashok Rajpath.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- How to Reach: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport is the nearest airport.
7. Chennai
Coconut oil is one of the main ingredients in almost every dish prepared in Chennai. A crispy dosa served with moreish coconut chutney is a combination that cannot be missed out in Chennai. Dosa is street food in Chennai and it is prepared using different ingredients. If you want to try out something else, then try Idli, Vada, P0oori, Uttapam, etc.
All are made from coconut oil and dosa is one item that is loved by basically everyone. Read Also: 20 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
- Why Visit: Famous for its South Indian delicacies, Chennai’s street food scene includes flavorful dosas, idlis, and seafood dishes.
- Must-Try Dishes: Idli, Dosa, Uttapam, Filter Coffee, and Sundal.
- Top Places to Eat: Marina Beach, T Nagar, and Sowcarpet.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- How to Reach: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport.
8. Indore
If you want some sweet surprises, Indore will provide you with the best of those in the form of street foods. This place is especially for vegetarians to enjoy a whole lot of street foods. The Indori Chaats, Tangy Kachoris, Aloo Tikkis are superb in every bite. Indore can provide one with hundreds of dishes to try to satisfy your level of enjoyment.
- Why Visit: Known for its vibrant street food culture, Indore offers a variety of snacks that are perfect for foodies who enjoy flavorful and spicy treats.
- Must-Try Dishes: Poha Jalebi, Bhutte Ka Kees, Garadu, and Dahi Vada.
- Top Places to Eat: Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is the nearest airport.
9. Kashmir
Kashmir is anyway the heaven on Earth and this is true about any aspect that you can find. This place is a heaven to all non-vegetarian lovers because there are so many different dishes to try. One of the delicacies is Ghostaba which is meatballs cooked in thick gravy. The other can be Yakhni which is lamb cooked in yogurt gravy and is so full of texture and has a creamy base.
The Rogan Josh is another lamb dish and it is cooked in a very juicy style. There are items for vegetarians as well and Kashmir won’t let anyone done. The Dum Olav is similar to Dum Aloo and does try Kashmiri tea. Read Also: 11 Interesting facts about Jammu & Kashmir.
- Why Visit: The beautiful valley of Kashmir offers unique street food with aromatic spices and traditional flavors.
- Must-Try Dishes: Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Kebabs, Tabak Maaz, Sheermal, and Kahwa.
- Top Places to Eat: Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and Boulevard Road near Dal Lake.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October.
- How to Reach: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is the nearest airport.
10. Varanasi
The land of Ganges, Varanasi is another important destination for food lovers. Be it the ghee dipping baati or various forms of chaats, Varanasi is a paradise. In Varanasi, try out the Malaiyo which is a creamy and foamy goodness of flavored tea prepared from the morning dew. Chowk or Godowlia can give you this amazing experience of tea.
Achari Murgh, Chicken Tikka, etc. are some other delicacies that are beautiful in taste. The buttery chicken tandoori is also one of the dishes which is famous in Varanasi. Visit Vishwanath Gali for amazing cheese sandwiches, jalebis, samosas, etc. This place is also known for Baba Lassi and Blue lassi which come in different sizes.
- Why Visit: The spiritual city of Varanasi is not just a pilgrimage site but also a hub for delicious street food with a unique twist of traditional flavors.
- Must-Try Dishes: Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha, Lassi, and Malaiyo.
- Top Places to Eat: Kashi Vishwanath Temple area, Assi Ghat, and Godowlia Market.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the nearest airport.
11. Alleppey
Kerala is famous for its backwaters and the lush greenery but for the foodies, it is also a hub of a delectable range of street foods. One can enjoy the cuisine sitting on the houseboats which are available for rent. Crabmeat with appams is a real signature dish of Kerala.
Alleppey is world-famous for its seafood which includes squid soup, grilled prawns, crabs, lobsters, etc. Karimeen is also another dish that should be tried. Read More: 10 Best Kerala Street Food You Must Try
- Why Visit: Known for its backwaters and traditional Kerala cuisine, Alleppey offers some of the best seafood and local delicacies.
- Must-Try Dishes: Kerala Parotta, Fish Curry, Puttu, Appam, and Karimeen Fry.
- Top Places to Eat: Alleppey Beach area and Mullakkal Market.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 83 km away.
These are some of the cities for street food lovers where food is served with love and enthusiasm. Do plan your next trip to any one of these and indulge in the culinary magic of India.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best cities for street food in India?
Some of the top cities for street food in India are Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Amritsar.
2. Which street foods are popular in Delhi?
Popular street foods in Delhi include Chole Bhature, Parathas, Gol Gappe, and Aloo Tikki.
3. Where can I find the best street food in Mumbai?
Juhu Beach, Chowpatty, and Mohammed Ali Road are famous for street food like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Bhel Puri.
4. What are the must-try street foods in Kolkata?
You should try Kathi Rolls, Puchkas (pani puri), Jhal Muri, and Momos in Kolkata.
5. Where can I get the best street food in Hyderabad?
Head to Charminar, Nampally, and Hussain Sagar Lake for famous Hyderabadi Biryani, Keema Samosa, and Irani Chai.
6. What is popular in Lucknow for street food?
Lucknow is known for its Tunday Kababi, Galouti Kebab, Chaat, and Kulfi.
7. Are there good vegetarian street food options in India?
Yes, cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chennai offer delicious vegetarian street foods like Dhokla, Kachori, and Idli.
8. Which city is famous for Chaat in India?
Varanasi, Delhi, and Agra are well-known for their delicious Chaat varieties.
9. Where can I find the best Dosa in India?
Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are famous for their crispy Dosa varieties served with chutneys.
10. What street food is famous in Amritsar?
Amritsar is known for Amritsari Kulcha, Chole, Lassi, and Paneer Tikka.
11. What are the best places for sweets in India?
Kolkata for Rasgulla, Jaipur for Ghewar, and Bikaner for Rasgulla and Ghewar are must-try sweet destinations.
12. Where can I find the best seafood street food?
Kochi, Goa, and Mumbai are great for seafood lovers, offering items like Fish Fry, Crab Curry, and Prawn Biryani.
13. What street food is popular in South India?
Idli, Vada, Dosa, and Bonda are popular street foods in South Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Kochi.
14. Are there street food options in smaller cities in India?
Yes, smaller cities like Indore, Patna, and Varanasi also offer delicious street food, such as Poha Jalebi and Litti Chokha.
15. What safety tips should I follow when eating street food?
Look for clean stalls, freshly cooked food, and bottled water to avoid any health issues while enjoying street food.
