Famous Food of India – City-Wise Guide to Iconic Dishes, Best Shops, Locations & Local Markets (2026 Edition)
Introduction: Why Indian Food Is Best Explored City-Wise 🇮🇳
India’s food culture changes every 200–300 kilometers. A dish in Delhi tastes completely different from the same dish in Lucknow or Amritsar. Every Indian city has signature recipes, legendary food shops, and historic food markets shaped by climate, culture, trade routes, and centuries of tradition.
This complete city-wise Indian food guide helps food lovers, travelers, and bloggers discover:
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Famous dishes by city
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Best food shops & eateries
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Exact food streets & local markets
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What to eat & where to eat
Whether you’re planning a food trip, writing a blog, or just craving authentic flavors—this guide covers it all.
1. Delhi – Capital of Street Food & Mughlai Flavors
Famous Dishes
Delhi’s food reflects Mughal, Punjabi, and street food culture.
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Chole Bhature
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Paratha
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Butter Chicken
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Kebabs
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Aloo Tikki & Chaat
Famous Food Shops
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Paranthe Wali Gali – Stuffed parathas since 1870
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Karim’s – Iconic Mughlai food
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Bittu Tikki Wala
Best Food Markets
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Chandni Chowk
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Jama Masjid food lane
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Connaught Place
🔗 Reference: https://delhitourism.gov.in
2. Mumbai – Street Food Capital of India
Famous Dishes
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Vada Pav
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Pav Bhaji
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Misal Pav
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Bombay Sandwich Bhel Puri
Famous Food Shops
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Ashok Vada Pav
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Anand Stall
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Cannon Pav Bhaji
Best Food Markets
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Juhu Beach
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Crawford Market
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Mohammed Ali Road (Ramzan special)
🔗 Reference: https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
3. Amritsar – Soul of Punjabi Cuisine
Famous Dishes
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Amritsari Kulcha
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Chole
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Lassi
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Butter Chicken
Famous Food Shops
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Kesar Da Dhaba
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Ahuja Milk Bhandar
Best Food Markets
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Hall Bazaar
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Lawrence Road
🔗 Reference: https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in
4. Kolkata – City of Sweets & Fish Curry
Famous Dishes
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Kathi Roll
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Machher Jhol
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Mishti Doi
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Rosogolla
Famous Food Shops
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Nizam’s
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Arsalan
Best Food Markets
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New Market
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Park Street
🔗 Reference: https://wbtourism.gov.in
5. Hyderabad – Biryani Heaven
Famous Dishes
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Hyderabadi Biryani
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Haleem
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Double Ka Meetha
Famous Food Shops
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Paradise Biryani
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Shah Ghouse
Best Food Markets
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Laad Bazaar
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Charminar night food street
🔗 Reference: https://www.telanganatourism.gov.in
6. Jaipur – Royal Rajasthani Flavors
Famous Dishes
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Dal Baati Churma
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Pyaaz Kachori
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Ghewar
Famous Food Shops
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Rawat Mishthan Bhandar
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LMB Sweets
Best Food Markets
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Johari Bazaar
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Bapu Bazaar
🔗 Reference: https://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
7. Lucknow – Nawabi Cuisine & Kebabs
Famous Dishes
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Galouti Kebab
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Nihari
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Sheermal
Famous Food Shops
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Tunday Kababi
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Idris Biryani
Best Food Markets
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Aminabad
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Chowk
🔗 Reference: https://uptourism.gov.in
8. Chennai – Authentic South Indian Taste
Famous Dishes
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Idli
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Dosa
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Sambar
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Filter Coffee
Famous Food Shops
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Murugan Idli Shop
- Saravana Bhavan
Best Food Markets
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T Nagar
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Mylapore
🔗 Reference: https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in
9. Indore – India’s Cleanest Street Food City
Famous Dishes
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Poha Jalebi
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Bhutte Ka Kees
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Garadu
Famous Food Shops
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Sarafa Bazaar
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Chappan Dukan
🔗 Reference: https://www.mptourism.com
Final Thoughts
India’s food culture is not just about taste—it’s about stories, history, people, and tradition. Exploring Indian food city-wise helps you understand the true soul of India, one plate at a time.
From Delhi’s chaats to Hyderabad’s biryani, Indore’s night markets to Kolkata’s sweets, every city offers something unforgettable.
