India is a land of vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, and, most importantly, unforgettable food. From fragrant curries to sizzling street snacks, every region has its own culinary identity that tells the story of its people and history. For travellers, there’s no better way to experience this diversity than by joining a food tour. Not only do you get to taste authentic dishes, but you also discover hidden eateries and learn the cultural context behind every bite. Talk of the Town Travel has explored all four corners of the country looking for the best culinary delights, and our favourites are listed below.
Delhi: Old Delhi Street Food Walk
Delhi’s walled city is a sensory overload—aromatic spices, sizzling griddles, and narrow alleys that open up to legendary food stalls. A street food tour here is practically mandatory.
The tour usually begins at Chandni Chowk, the city’s beating heart. Expect to sample parathas stuffed with spiced potatoes or paneer, kebabs grilled over charcoal, and jalebis fresh from bubbling syrup. Don’t miss the chance to sip lassi in a clay cup or nibble on golgappas (crispy shells filled with tangy water).
The best part of an Old Delhi food tour is meeting vendors whose families have been serving the same dishes for generations. It’s not just about tasting—it’s about stories, heritage, and an authentic slice of Delhi life.
Jaipur: Royal Flavours and Rajasthani Thalis
Rajasthan’s capital is famous for its palaces and pink-hued buildings, but its cuisine is equally majestic. A Jaipur food tour introduces you to rich Rajasthani dishes shaped by desert living.
Think of dal baati churma—baked wheat balls with lentils and a sweet crumble—or gatte ki sabzi, gram flour dumplings in a spicy curry. Food tours often take you through local bazaars where vendors sell mirchi vada (stuffed fried chilies) and ghewar, a honeycomb-like dessert soaked in syrup.
Some tours even include dinner at a heritage haveli, where you dine on a royal thali while learning about the traditions of Rajasthani hospitality.
Mumbai: Street Eats by the Sea
Mumbai is India’s melting pot, where migrants from across the country bring their food traditions. Here, a food tour is a deep dive into the spirit of India’s financial capital.
Start with vada pav, the city’s answer to the burger—a spicy potato patty tucked in a bun with chutney. Move on to pav bhaji, a buttery vegetable mash served with fluffy bread rolls, and bhel puri, a tangy puffed rice snack that captures Mumbai’s fast-paced energy.
Many tours guide you through Chowpatty Beach or the iconic Mohammed Ali Road during Ramadan, where kebabs, malpua pancakes, and slow-cooked nihari take centre stage. If you’re into seafood, a visit to the coastal fishing villages offers fresh catches cooked with fiery Konkani spices.
Kolkata: The Culture of Adda and Sweets
Known as India’s cultural capital, Kolkata has a food culture that thrives on conversation, or “adda,” over endless cups of tea. A food tour here is slower, savoured, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Street stalls serve kathi rolls—parathas wrapped around skewered meat or paneer—while humble tea shops pour steaming chai in clay cups. You’ll also discover dishes like shukto (a medley of vegetables with a hint of bitterness) and kosha mangsho, a slow-cooked mutton curry.
No Kolkata food tour is complete without sweets. From syrupy rasgullas to delicate sandesh, Bengali desserts are legendary. Many tours end at century-old sweet shops, where recipes are guarded like family heirlooms.
Kerala: Spice Trails and Coastal Delights
If you head south, Kerala welcomes you with coconut groves, backwaters, and some of the freshest seafood in India. Food tours here often highlight the spice trade that put Kerala on the world map.
Expect fish curries cooked with coconut milk, appam (rice pancakes), and beef fry tossed with curry leaves and black pepper. In coastal towns, toddy shops serve local palm wine alongside spicy dishes.
A spice plantation visit is often included, where you can see pepper, cardamom, and cloves growing before they reach your plate.
Tips for Choosing the Right Food Tour
- Look for local guides: The best tours are led by locals who know the hidden gems, not just the tourist favourites.
- Check group size: Smaller groups mean a more personal experience and better interaction with vendors.
- Mind your stomach: Go easy on spicy dishes if you’re not used to them, and always carry bottled water.
- Respect local customs: Some tours include visits to religious or family-owned spaces, so dress modestly and ask before taking photos.
The Final Bite
India’s food tours aren’t just about sampling dishes—they’re about connecting with culture, history, and people. Whether you’re crunching into a samosa in Delhi, savouring a seafood curry in Kerala, or indulging in sweets in Kolkata, every stop tells a story.
So, if you’re planning a trip, skip the generic restaurant list and sign up for a food tour. Contact us today at Talk of the Town Travel (416-960-1393 or info@talkofthetowntravel.com) for more information. Your taste buds will thank you, and your memories will be seasoned with flavours you’ll never forget.