Words by Matt
If there’s one thing I realised on my trip to India, it’s that food isn’t just something people eat. It’s how they connect, celebrate, and share their culture. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but who made it, where it’s eaten, and the stories that come with it.
I didn’t go to India with a checklist of restaurants. I just followed the food. From the chaos of street stalls in Delhi to a quiet breakfast in someone’s home in Jodhpur, the eating moments were some of the most memorable parts of the whole trip.
Starting the Day Right in Delhi
One of the most interesting things I did was join a “Food and Faith Walk” in Old Delhi. The idea was to explore the local food scene while also learning how food and faith are closely linked in everyday life. Walking through those narrow lanes full of smells, smoke, and sound, I was completely hooked from the start.
We stopped at a few different spots. There were buttery stuffed parathas, light and airy daulat ki chaat, and the always-delicious chole kulche. We sipped chai outside a mosque, tasted sweets near a Hindu temple, and wandered past tiny shrines where people were dropping off food offerings as part of their morning rituals.
It wasn’t just a food tour. It was a glimpse into how food fits into the rhythm of daily life. You could really feel the layers of culture and tradition in every bite.
Market Wandering
Markets in India are something else. They’re busy, colourful, and full of life. In both Jaipur and Udaipur, I spent time just wandering through the spice stalls, watching people do their daily shop, and chatting with local vendors.
There were mounds of turmeric, strings of red chillies hanging from wooden beams, and sacks of spices I couldn’t even name. One vendor in Udaipur handed me a sample of mango slices sprinkled with salt and chilli. It was sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. I was hooked.
Another taught me how to sniff out fresh garam masala, something I’ll definitely try to remember back home. These markets weren’t about shopping. They were about getting a real feel for what everyday cooking looks like here.
Street Food Moments
Street food in India can feel a little overwhelming at first, but once you dive in, you’ll never want to stop. I quickly figured out that the places with long queues were where I wanted to be.
In Amritsar, I grabbed jalebi straight from the fryer and followed it with a thick lassi served in a terracotta cup. The lassi was smooth and cold, topped with nuts, and perfect after a hot morning.
In Varanasi, I had kachaudi sabzi for breakfast. It’s a crispy fried bread served with spicy potato curry. It came on a little steel tray with just the right amount of mess and flavour.
Street food in India is fast, fresh, and full of character. And it’s about more than just food. You’re eating elbow to elbow with locals, watching food get made right in front of you, and getting a taste of the city’s energy at the same time.
Breakfast in Jodhpur: My Favourite Meal
Of all the amazing meals I had in India, the one I keep thinking about was breakfast in a family home in Jodhpur. It was part of a community-based host experience, and honestly, it was the best part of the whole trip.
There was no fancy set-up, just warmth and generosity. I sat cross-legged on a rug in their home and watched breakfast being made in the kitchen. It smelled incredible before I even saw the food.
We had poha, which is flattened rice cooked with spices, onions, and peanuts. It was light, fresh, and had just the right amount of heat. There was also masala chai, sweet and spiced and poured into small glasses that never seemed to run out.
The family chatted with me about food, festivals, and what their kids liked to eat. They made sure I was full and happy. And I was. It was simple, personal, and completely unforgettable.
A Few Things I Picked Up
- Every meal comes with a story, even the quick ones.
- Breakfast is worth making time for. Some of my best meals happened before 9am.
- Chai is always a yes. No matter how many cups you’ve already had.
- You don’t need a menu or a restaurant to eat well in India. Some of the best food came from carts, homes, or tiny corner stalls.
Wrapping It Up
India is a place where food is everywhere, all the time, and everyone has something to say about it. Whether you’re eating in a temple courtyard, at a roadside stall, or in someone’s living room, you’re not just getting a meal. You’re getting a story, a connection, and a bit of insight into how people live.
For me, eating local was the highlight of the whole trip. Not because I was chasing the most famous dishes, but because I let the food lead the way. That’s how I ended up having one of the best breakfasts of my life in a family home in Jodhpur, and why I’ll always remember the crunch of a fresh jalebi or the smile of a street vendor handing me a hot paratha.
If you’re heading to India, go hungry. You won’t regret it.
If you’d like to join Matt on one of his food tours through Italy, check them out here.
