The Perfect Food Trails For Your Next Road Trip
A road-trip coupled with regular doses of scrumptious meals is the recipe for absolute happiness. No matter where you are in India, there is a potential food trail right under your nose. So why not explore them?
The East India Food Trail (West Bengal & Jharkhand)
Tour the neighboring states of Eastern India to have a go at totally contrasting cuisines. While Bengal is famous for sweets and fish, Jharkhand is known to churn out (mostly) vegetarian delicacies that are light on the stomach. Relish the delicacies but if your stomach doesn’t allow the food-overdose, stock up some for home!
Food Stops: Kolkata, Bardhaman, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Mednipur
Days required: 3 – 4 days
Kolkata: Phuchkas, Kathi Rolls, Roshogolla, Kamala-bhog, Sorshe ilish
Bardhaman: Sita Bhog, Mihidana, Lengcha
Dhanbad: Litti Choka, Bamboo shoots, Dhuska
Jamshedpur: Pitha, Mitha Khaja, Thekua
Mednipur: Jhal Muri, Luchi – Aloo Dom
Other recommendations: Fish curries, Mishti Doi, Fakira Chanachur, Rugra mushrooms, Kheer Kadam.
The West India Food Trail (Gujarat & Maharastra)
Covering vast areas, both Gujarat and Maharashtra offer diversity in cuisine within each state, varying with topography and seasons. Gujarat offers the ultimate experience of vegetarian dishes while Maharashtra tries to unite the best of all its regions.
Food Stops: Mumbai, Nashik, Surat, Silvassa
Days required: 2 – 3 days
Mumbai: Vada Pav, Bombil Fry, Mava Samosa, Anda Keema Pav
Nashik: Misal pav, Zhunka-Bhakar, Gulachi Poli
Surat: A quintessential Gujrati Thali comprising farsans, shaaks, dahi, kadhi, raita, khichdi, halwa and much more.
Silvassa: Crabs, Ubadiyu, Gavthi Chicken
Other recommendations: Dhokla, Khakra, Fafda-Jalebi, Pani Puri, Bombay Bhel Puri, Pav Bhaji, Falooda.
The North India Food Trail (Punjab & Haryana)
The two neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana have a lot to share, yet manage to titillate our taste buds in unique ways. Punjab inculcates an essence of fun and excitement and they successfully incorporate that in their delectable cuisine. Haryanvi food, on the other hand, is earthy, wholesome and easy to prepare.
Food Stops: Delhi, Panipat, Chandigarh, Patiala, Hisar
Days required: 2 – 3 days
Delhi: Chaat, Kebabs, Paranthas, Biryani
Panipat: Bajra Aloo Roti, Bhura Roti – Ghee, Kachi Lassi
Chandigarh: Amritsari Kulcha, Rajma Chawal, Sarson da Saag – Makki di Roti
Patiala: Chole Bhature, Kachori, Lassi
Hisar: Mithe Chawal, Hara Dhania Choliya, Kadhi Pakoda
Other recommendations: Malpua-Rabdi, Alsi ki pinni, Nihari, Butter Chicken, Kulfi
The South India Food Trail (Tamil Nadu & Kerala)
Needless to say, Southern India is a powerhouse of a variety of delicacies. Tamil Nadu has an array of traditional and contemporary dishes in store. Kerala, being the spice hub of India, does not shy away from offering exquisite flavours. Make the journey more amazing by choosing the Ford Endeavor as it allows you to handle the roads like a pro!
Food Stops: Madurai, Munnar, Kochi, Coimbatore
Days required: 3 – 4 days
Madurai: Idlis, Kola Urundai, Paruthi Paal, Jigar Thanda
Munnar: Appam with stew, Dosas and Idlis, Palada Payasam
Kochi: Ela Sadya, aka, the royal lunch. It consists of Pachadi, Kichdi, Pulliserry, Olan, Sambar, Varavu, Thoran, Aviyal, and Payasam on a banana leaf.
Coimbatore: Rasam, Pathaneer Payasam, Coconut Buns
Other recommendations: Filter Kaapi, Thalasarry Biryani, Puttu-Kadala
The Central India Food Trail (Maharastra & Madhya Pradesh)
To say that Central India is a foodie’s paradise is a gross understatement. Eastern Maharashtra hides a plethora of culinary tricks under its garb while Madhya Pradesh dishes out an exquisite and timeless cuisine; albeit royal.
Food Stops: Nagpur, Chhindwara, Bhopal, Betul
Days required: 3 – 4 days
Nagpur: Tarri Poha, Nagpuri Samosa, Saoji, Santra Barfi
Chhindwara: Poha-Jalebi, Chakki ki Shaak, Mawa Bati, Malpua
Bhopal: Biryani Pilafs, Kebabs, Bhopali Paan
Betul: Palak Puri, Seekh Kabab, Kusli
Other recommendations: Bhutte ka Kees, Dal Bafla, Bhopali Gosht Korma, Jalebi
So don’t shy away from treating yourself to not just a smooth road-trip, but also an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
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