Skip the big cities—these underrated spots dish out authentic butter chicken and unforgettable vibes!
India’s food scene is a wild, delicious ride, and while everyone’s busy raving about Delhi or Mumbai, I’ve got a secret: some of the best eats are hiding in smaller towns. We’re talking sizzling spices, recipes that feel like a warm hug from someone’s grandma, and flavors you’ll be dreaming about for weeks. Ready to eat your way through India? Here’s my list of seven must-visit foodie towns—trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
1. Amritsar, Punjab – Butter Heaven
Amritsar isn’t just about the Golden Temple (though, wow, it’s stunning). It’s the food that keeps me coming back. Picture this: a hot kulcha—crispy on the outside, stuffed with goodness, and dripping with ghee—next to a bowl of spicy chole. Then there’s the butter chicken—so creamy and rich it’s basically a love letter in food form. Finish it off with a tall, frothy lassi, and you’ll see why I’m obsessed with this place.
2. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – Kebabs That Melt
Lucknow feels like stepping into a food fairytale. The galouti kebabs here? So soft you barely need to chew—legend says they were made for a king who couldn’t. Pair them with warm sheermal bread or dig into a plate of biryani that smells like heaven. Every bite’s a little piece of history, and honestly, I’d move here just for the food. (Shoutout to Tunday Kababi—you’ve ruined me for kebabs anywhere else!)
3. Pondicherry – Spices Meet French Vibes
Pondicherry’s this cool mash-up of South Indian spice and French flair. I’m talking fresh fish curries with a tamarind kick, served with fluffy appams, or crepes with a spicy twist. The seafood’s unreal—caught that morning, cooked with love. Eating here feels like a mini-vacation, especially with the sea breeze and cute cafes all around.
4. Malvan, Maharashtra – Seafood Dreams
Malvan’s my go-to when I’m craving something bold. This coastal spot serves up prawn curry with coconut and enough spice to wake you up, or crispy fish fry that’s pure joy on a plate. The kombdi vade—chicken curry with these fluffy rice dumplings—feels like a hug from the ocean. It’s simple, loud, and so darn good.
5. Shillong, Meghalaya – Smoky Hill Eats
Shillong’s tucked up in the hills, and its food is a total surprise. I fell hard for jadoh—smoky rice mixed with pork and spices that hit just right. Then there’s tungrymbai, this funky fermented soybean dish that’s weirdly addictive. Even the street snacks, like herb-spiked puri, have a vibe all their own. It’s chill, it’s tasty, it’s my kind of place.
6. Madurai, Tamil Nadu – Old-School Flavor
Madurai’s got temples for days, but the food? That’s the real treasure. Breakfast is soft idlis with a sprinkle of spicy podi, and dessert’s this wild drink called jigarthanda—sweet, creamy, and a little nutty. At night, I’m all about the mutton curry with flaky parottas. It’s messy, spicy, and feels like a party in every bite.
7. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh – Cozy Mountain Bites
Up in the mountains, Dharamshala’s got this chill, hearty food scene. I’m hooked on thukpa—hot noodle soup that warms you up—and momos bursting with flavor. Then there’s siddu, this steamed bread stuffed with whatever’s fresh, slathered in ghee. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to curl up by a fire and stay forever.
These towns are where India’s food magic really happens. No fancy nonsense—just real, honest eats that stick with you. Forget the usual tourist spots; I’d rather be chasing flavors in these hidden corners any day.
So, tell me: Which of these towns would you hit up first, and what dish are you drooling over already?
I’ve visited 3 of them, really nice food