Winter-perfect foodies' trips in India – Part 1

You look at delicious food and think “will definitely travel for food”. Has this happened to you? If yes, you are in the right place. Because not only we love amazing destinations, but are also in search of really good and authentic cuisines to try out and bring to you.

Fun Fact: A majority of our travel time revolves around food. It starts from what to eat, and ends with what’s there to eat.

When food becomes the reason to travel, it’s a whole different kind of adventure. So let's embark on a gastronomic adventure and find out what delicious fares await us at these cool destinations.

Read more: 12 highway dhabas in India that are every foodie's dream

The beach haven, that is, Goa, is perfect this time of the year. The rains have eased up and soon the state will be gearing up for the tourist season. Winter in Goa is a good time for some local poi or poee bread, the traditional Goan dessert bebinca, banana breads, and the best of Konkan cuisine. Also, think seafood!

On your way to Kerala for some Malabari cuisine - now that’s one way to make your friends jealous! From Karimeen fry at some local toddy shop and seafood specials aboard a kettuvallam to pure vegetarian and vegan meals, Kerala has some of the best food experiences you can have in India.

Haters will say it’s stereotyping but if you skip makke ki roti and sarso da saag with a hearty glass of lassi when in Punjab, did you even experience Punjab? For the best experience, do village tours. Food that’s served there is authentic Punjabi, made from the freshest of ingredients, straight from the fields! Also, Amritsari kulche, Amritsari fish and naan are unmissable.

Have you tried authentic Kumaoni food? There’s only one way to get this experience – travel to Uttarakhand. The most important part of a Kumaoni meal is what goes into it – the ingredients. Locally sourced organic ingredients give that signature Kumaoni taste. Go for phanu, bhang ki chutney, aloo ke gutke, jhangore ki kheer, bhatt ki dal, Kumaoni dal bade, chainsoo, singori to name a few. Food is best when cooked over an open fire.

When we talk about winter food, pahadi cuisine always comes to mind. And our favourite pahadi destination Himachal Pradesh is always here for the rescue. Be it in bustling Shimla or remote Spiti, food is something that will give you extra warmth. Don’t forget to try the local traditional food like siddu, madra (in Chamba and Kangra), babru, tukdiya bhath, bhey (spicy lotus stem), aktori, dhaam, thenthuk and thukpa in Spiti to name a few.

Now that the temperature has already eased up plenty, exploring Rajasthan becomes easier and so much fun. Rajasthani meals are known for their spice level, but fear not, winter’s the perfect time to experiment with Rajasthani spices. Go for the iconic and spicy laal maas (for the non-vegetarians), dal bati churma, ker sengri, pyaz ki kachori, mirchi vada, gatte ki sabzi, kalmi vada.

When you are in the city of nawabs, food should be a priority. We kid you not, food in Lucknow is that good. Take for instance, tunday kebab, galauti kebab, kulcha-nihari, Lucknowi biryani, Nargisi kofta, sheermal, kulfi falooda, these food items have a fan base. Go and see for yourself.

Read more: When in Lucknow, do not miss these experiences

Go to Hyderabad and sideline food? Blasphemy! Haleem, Hyderabadi Biryani, Hyderabadi dum ka murgh, mutton dalcha, Hyderabadi baingan (brinjal), mirchi ka salan, Shikampuri kebab…we’ll just leave these here.