The Ultimate Guide to Food Trails Across Different Indian States

India is a land of culinary diversity, with every state offering its own unique flavors, spices, and traditional dishes. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the coastal kitchens of Kerala, a journey through India’s food trails is a gastronomic adventure that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. At Wandering Scholars, we believe that food is an integral part of the travel experience, and we invite you to join us on a flavorful journey through the heart of India’s culinary landscapes.

Whether you're a spice lover, a fan of sweets, or someone who enjoys trying something new, these food trails across different Indian states promise to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

1. Punjab – The Land of Rich Flavors

Punjab is known for its hearty, robust flavors, and a food trail here is a must for anyone who loves rich, comforting dishes. Start your journey in Amritsar, where you can indulge in the famous Amritsari kulcha—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and stuffed with spiced potatoes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Golden Temple, where langar (a free communal meal) serves simple yet delicious vegetarian fare to thousands of visitors every day.

Make sure to try other Punjabi favorites such as butter chicken, sarson ka saag with makki di roti (mustard greens with cornmeal flatbread), and lassi, a refreshing yogurt-based drink that’s perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal.

Food Highlights: Amritsari Kulcha, Butter Chicken, Sarson ka Saag, Lassi

2. Rajasthan – A Feast for the Royal Palate

Rajasthan’s cuisine is as vibrant as its culture, and its royal heritage is reflected in the richness of its food. Begin your food trail in Jaipur, where the iconic dal baati churma awaits—a dish made of baked wheat balls served with lentils and sweetened crushed wheat. Don’t miss the mouthwatering laal maas, a fiery red meat curry cooked with red chilies and yogurt, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Rajasthani food is also heavily influenced by the desert climate, with dishes like ker sangri (a tangy dish made from desert beans) and gatte ki sabzi (gram flour dumplings in yogurt curry) showcasing the region’s ingenuity.

Food Highlights: Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabzi

3. Kerala – The Spice Coast of India

Kerala, also known as the Spice Coast of India, offers a food trail filled with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients from the sea and land. Begin your journey in Kochi, where you can savor Kerala’s famous fish curry, cooked with tamarind, coconut milk, and an array of spices. For breakfast, don’t miss out on appam with stew—a soft rice pancake served with a rich, flavorful stew made from coconut milk and vegetables or meat.

The coastal influence is evident in Kerala’s cuisine, with dishes like prawn moilee and Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish cooked in banana leaves) offering a taste of the sea. End your meal with Kerala’s iconic dessert, payasam—a sweet pudding made from rice, milk, and jaggery.

Food Highlights: Kerala Fish Curry, Appam with Stew, Prawn Moilee, Payasam

4. West Bengal – A Sweet and Savory Paradise

West Bengal is a food lover’s paradise, known for its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. Begin your food trail in Kolkata, where you can indulge in the city’s famous street food, including kathi rolls (spiced meat wrapped in paratha) and phuchka (the Bengali version of pani puri). For a traditional Bengali meal, try the iconic macher jhol—a light, flavorful fish curry served with steamed rice.

No visit to West Bengal is complete without a taste of the state’s famous sweets. Rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi (sweetened yogurt) are just a few of the beloved desserts that have put Bengal on the map as India’s sweet capital.

Food Highlights: Kathi Rolls, Macher Jhol, Rasgulla, Mishti Doi

5. Maharashtra – Street Food Capital

Maharashtra’s culinary offerings are as diverse as the state itself, but it’s Mumbai’s street food that steals the spotlight. Start your food trail with a plate of vada pav, Mumbai’s iconic spicy potato fritter sandwich, followed by pav bhaji—a spicy vegetable mash served with buttery bread. For a more traditional Maharashtrian experience, try misal pav, a spicy curry made from sprouted lentils and served with bread.

Maharashtra’s coastal regions also offer delicious seafood dishes, with Malvani cuisine serving up coconut-rich curries and spicy fried fish. End your food trail with a sweet treat like puran poli, a stuffed flatbread filled with sweetened lentils.

Food Highlights: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav, Malvani Fish Curry

6. Tamil Nadu – The Land of Spices and Tradition

Tamil Nadu’s cuisine is steeped in tradition, with a focus on rice, lentils, and a rich variety of spices. Start your food trail in Chennai with a plate of idli and sambar, the quintessential South Indian breakfast. Follow it up with dosa, a crispy fermented crepe filled with spiced potatoes and served with coconut chutney and sambar.

For lunch, try Tamil Nadu’s traditional thali, a complete meal that includes rice, sambar, rasam, vegetables, and papad. End your meal with the state’s famous filter coffee, a strong, frothy brew that’s beloved by locals.

Food Highlights: Idli-Sambar, Dosa, Tamil Thali, Filter Coffee

7. Gujarat – A Vegetarian Delight

Gujarat is known for its vibrant vegetarian cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Start your food trail in Ahmedabad, where you can savor dhokla, a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter. Another must-try is the Gujarati thali, a lavish spread that includes a variety of dishes such as rotli, dal, kadhi, shaak (vegetables), and sweets.

Snacks like fafda-jalebi and thepla are also popular in Gujarat and make for the perfect street food experience. Finish your meal with shrikhand, a creamy yogurt-based dessert flavored with saffron and cardamom.

Food Highlights: Dhokla, Gujarati Thali, Fafda-Jalebi, Shrikhand

Conclusion

India’s culinary diversity is unparalleled, with each state offering a unique food experience that reflects its culture and history. Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries, savory street food, or sweet treats, these food trails will take you on a journey through India’s most iconic flavors.

At Wandering Scholars, we’re passionate about creating travel experiences that not only take you to new places but also introduce you to the tastes and traditions that make each destination special. So, pack your bags and your appetite, and embark on the ultimate food trail adventure across India.