A culinary tour: 10 regional food specialities that you must try

We love to travel. The excitement of exploring new places, experiencing a new culture and trying local specialities make us a happier person.

Food is probably the best part of travelling for many. Indian food is a feast for the taste buds. Each city has its own unique flavour. There is always something delicious you can try while travelling that could win your hearts and add to the joy of travelling.

Here is our list of top 10 regional foods specialities that you can’t afford to miss:

MYSORE PAKAnyone who has a sweet tooth can tell you that Karnataka’s beloved mithai, Mysore Pak, is nothing less than delightful. Even if you are bursting at the seams, if Mysore Pak is on the table, you have to dig in.  The delicacy, oozing with ghee and sugar melts in the mouth, leaving a sweet taste and rich aroma. Mysore Pak has its origin in the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and it definitely is one of the most popular sweets.

HYDERABAD BIRYANI

There is nothing more tempting than the aroma of freshly-cooked Hyderabadi Biryani – rich with pure ghee, saffron and chicken cooked to melt in the mouth with tenderness. Born in the royal kitchens of Nizams, Hyderbad Biryani is usually served with Raitha and Mirch-ka-salan.

MADDUR VADA

The fine and crispy Maddur Vada is a perfect snack with a cup of hot tea. Originating in the small town near Maddur in Karnataka, Maddur Vada has a crunchy crust and a soft core that melts in the mouth. It’s usually served with chopped onions, sambhar and chutney that elevate its taste.

DHARWAD PEDADharwad is a small town in Karnataka that is much-loved for its Dharwad Pedas. Made of mixed dry fruits & jaggery, Dharwad Pedas are delicious. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

MADURAI JIGARTHANDA

This famous drink of Madurai has an interesting origin. Jigarthanda was made to cool the hearts of Muslim settlers in India. Made of almond pisin (Gum), ice cream and milk; every sip of Jigarthanda is refreshing and delightful.

KERALA POROTTA

Flaky yet fluffy, crisp yet soft; the Malabari Kerala Porotta go perfectly with many dishes. This flatbread is so delicious you can gorge on several in a single meal. The flaky thin layers serve as the perfect cover for enveloping deep South Indian stir-fries.

LUCKNOW KEBABLucknow’s kebabs give you a sneak peek into royalty. Prepared with exotic spices, herbs and garnished with dry fruits, Lucknowi kebabs are a fine blend of Persian flavors and Awadhi style cooking. The most popular ones are Boti Kebabs, Shammi Kebabs, Galouti Kebabs and Kakori Kebabs.

TIRUNELVELI HALVA

The whiff of Tirunelveli Halwa is enough to make you feel hungry. This sweetmeat is so delicious you would savour each morsel like never before. The Halwa originated in the kitchens of Rajput cooks who were hired by the Zamindar of Chokkampatti (a village near Tirunelveli), and since then, this dessert has been winning hearts of thousands of people.

LADAKH BUTTER TEAThere is no better feeling than sipping a cup of hot butter tea amidst snow-capped mountains and sprawling landscape in the much-loved Ladakh. This signature tea of Ladakh is prepared by adding butter and salt to boiling milk, and is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

KASHMIRI DUM ALOOThe speciality of the valley, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, is one of the most loved vegetarian dishes. The taste of potatoes fried in mustard oil and dipped in a rich, spicy gravy will make you feel you are in paradise. Kashmiri Dum Aloo is garnished with caramelised onion and served hot with rice or naan.

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