India
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy India's cuisine safely and confidently.
Drink bottled or filtered water only
Tap water in India is generally not safe for tourists to drink. Always use bottled water with sealed caps or properly filtered water.
Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits
Raw vegetables may be washed with local water. Stick to cooked vegetables and fruits that you can peel yourself.
Be cautious with street food
While street food is delicious, choose vendors with high turnover and where food is cooked fresh in front of you at high temperatures.
Use hand sanitizer before eating
Always clean your hands before eating, especially if you will be eating with your hands as is customary in many parts of India.
Be careful with dairy products
Ensure dairy products like lassi and paneer are made with pasteurized milk and served fresh.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
HIGH AVAILABILITYIndia is a paradise for vegetarians with a vast variety of vegetarian dishes available everywhere. Many restaurants are purely vegetarian, and others clearly mark vegetarian options.
vegan
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYWhile dairy is common in Indian cuisine, many dishes can be made vegan upon request. South Indian cuisine tends to have more naturally vegan options.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYRice-based dishes and many curries are naturally gluten-free. However, wheat is common in North Indian breads like roti and naan.
halal
HIGH AVAILABILITYHalal food is widely available in India, especially in areas with significant Muslim populations. Many restaurants clearly indicate halal certification.
Common Allergens
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCEDairy products like ghee (clarified butter), yogurt, and paneer (cottage cheese) are fundamental to Indian cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Nuts
HIGH PREVALENCEVarious nuts, especially cashews, almonds, and peanuts, are common in Indian dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Wheat
HIGH PREVALENCEWheat is the primary grain in North Indian cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Mustard
MEDIUM PREVALENCEMustard seeds and oil are common in Indian cooking, especially in Eastern and Southern regions.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define India's food culture for travelers.
Butter Chicken
Tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce flavored with aromatic spices. A North Indian specialty that is popular worldwide.
Masala Dosa
A crispy, thin rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potatoes, typically served with coconut chutney and sambar. A South Indian breakfast staple.
Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice cooked with meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Regional variations exist throughout India.
Chaat
A savory street food snack combining crispy elements, tangy tamarind, spicy chili, and cooling yogurt for a burst of flavors and textures.
Paneer Tikka
Chunks of cottage cheese marinated in spices and yogurt, then grilled in a tandoor oven. A popular vegetarian appetizer.
Gulab Jamun
Soft, spongy milk solids dumplings soaked in rose and cardamom-flavored sugar syrup. One of India most beloved desserts.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase India's diverse culinary traditions.
Chole Bhature
A North Indian Punjabi specialty featuring spiced chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature), often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast with pickles and onions.
Allergens:
Dhokla
A steamed, spongy Gujarati snack made from fermented rice and split chickpea batter, typically topped with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut - light yet satisfying.
Pav Bhaji
Mumbai's famous street food consisting of a spicy, mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered soft bread rolls (pav), garnished with coriander, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lemon.
Allergens:
Tandoori Chicken
Chicken marinated in yogurt and tandoori masala (a blend of spices), then roasted in a clay oven called tandoor, creating its signature smoky flavor and vibrant red color.
Allergens:
Idli Sambar
Soft, steamed rice cakes (idli) served with a flavorful lentil-based vegetable stew (sambar) and coconut chutney - a nutritious South Indian breakfast that's gentle on the stomach.
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of India.
Kashmir
Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich, aromatic flavors and use of spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. Wazwan, a multi-course meal, is a hallmark of Kashmiri cuisine.
Cultural Significance:
Influenced by Central Asian, Persian, and Indian culinary traditions.
Signature Dishes:
- Rogan Josh
- Yakhni
- Dum Aloo
Key Ingredients:
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu cuisine is characterized by its use of rice, lentils, and spices. It's known for its vegetarian dishes, as well as its seafood preparations along the coastal areas.
Cultural Significance:
Ancient culinary traditions with emphasis on rice and lentils.
Signature Dishes:
- Dosa
- Idli
- Sambar
Key Ingredients:
Punjab
Punjabi cuisine is known for its robust flavors and use of dairy products like butter and ghee. Tandoori cooking is a prominent feature of Punjabi cuisine.
Cultural Significance:
Influenced by the agricultural abundance of the region.
Signature Dishes:
- Butter Chicken
- Sarson da Saag
- Makki di Roti
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in India's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Gulab Jamun (गुलाब जामुन)
Deep-fried milk balls soaked in sugar syrup flavored with rose water and cardamom. It's a popular dessert served during festivals and celebrations.
Rasgulla (ରସଗୋଲା)
Spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup. It's a popular dessert in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal and Odisha.
Jalebi (जलेबी)
Crispy, deep-fried spirals made from fermented batter, soaked in sugar syrup. It's a popular street food and dessert across India.
Traditional Beverages
Discover India's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Feni (फेनी)
A distilled alcoholic beverage made from either cashew apples or coconut sap. It's produced in Goa and is considered a local specialty.
Toddy (ताड़ी)
A fermented alcoholic beverage made from the sap of various palm trees. It's a popular drink in South India and is often consumed fresh.
Indian Whisky
India is one of the largest producers of whisky in the world. Indian whisky is typically a blend of molasses-based spirits and grain whisky.
Soft Beverages
Discover India's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Masala Chai (मसाला चाय)
A spiced tea beverage made with black tea, milk, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. It's a popular drink throughout India and is often consumed multiple times a day.
Lassi (ਲੱਸੀ)
A yogurt-based drink that can be sweet or savory. Sweet lassi is often flavored with mango or other fruits, while savory lassi can include spices and herbs.
Filter Coffee (ಫಿಲ್ಟರ್ ಕಾಫಿ)
A strong coffee beverage made using a traditional Indian filter. It's typically served with milk and sugar and is a popular drink in South India.