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If you want to know North India thoroughly, then don’t just see it — taste it. The smell of each city here is different, and each is told through the food. The whole of India is a treat to the food lovers, with North India making it worth the travel by itself through the mouth-watering and delicious things such as the parathas that are sizzling with butter in the streets of Delhi, kebabs in Amritsar full of smoky flavors, hot and spicy curries in Rajasthan and teas that not only refresh but warm the soul in Kashmir. So whether you’re a street food fan, a homely meal lover, or someone who enjoys royal feasts, North India has something special waiting for you. Therefore, take your food-loving self along, unfasten that belt, and get ready to eat your way through North India — one delicious stop at a time! Delhi: The Melting Pot of Flavors Let's start with a food journey in Delhi, the capital that energizes both the mind and the stomach. The food of Delhi is like a needlework of Mughlai, Punjabi, and street food threads. What can be better than starting your morning with stuffed parathas at the very famous Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk, fried until crispy, and served with tart pickles? Lunch can be made really delightful with the city’s signature Butter Chicken — a meal that originated in Delhi’s kitchens — along with a buttery garlic naan. During the evening, the city’s markets are full of people looking for street foods like golgappas, chaat papdi, ram laddoo, and aloo tikki. Also, before you call it a day, why not kulfi falooda or rabri jalebi — because Delhi always ends on a high note in terms of sweetness. Haryana: Where Simplicity Meets Satisfaction Haryana is just a stone's throw away from Delhi's metro and is a food lover's paradise with honest, tasty, and deeply rooted in the land meals. The food here is a mirror image of the state's farm-based nature — not complex but full of taste. How about bajra roti with a generous serving of locally-made white butter called "nooni ghee", Haryanvi Kadhi Pakora, or the mixture of dals lighted with traditional chulhas? In case of wanting something different, take a chance on Singri ki Sabzi, which is made from desert beans. Complete it all with a glass full of thick and luscious lassi that local farmers endorse. Every bite in Haryana is like being at home — cozy, nutritious, and totally down to earth. Rajasthan: Royalty on a Plate From the humble desert huts to towering forts, the food of Rajasthan is not only a reflection of the state's grit but also of its magnificence. Living in the desert for hundreds of years has made certain foods that are loaded with spices, tastes, and are very creative. Have the iconic Dal Baati Churma, which is one meal made of three parts that consists of very crispy wheat dumplings, spicy lentils, and sweet crumbled wheat dipped in ghee. Laal Maas, which is a spicy mutton curry, is definitely going to put your spice endurance to the test, but in quite a nice way. Vegans are free to eat Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, or Panchmel Dal to their heart's content. And if it is time for sweets, then anything with Ghewar or Mawa Kachori is the best, accompanied by a glass of strong Rajasthani chai. Every meal here seems to be a festive one — loud, bright, and memorable. Punjab: The Land of Food, Faith, and Flavour Panjab is the must-include food trail of Northern India. Start with the legendary Amritsari Kulcha, which is a crispy one on the outside and inside is a mixture of spiced potatoes, usually served with tangy chole and a pat of butter. Lassi so thick that it could be considered a meal itself is what you should drink alongside. One cannot say that they have been to Amritsar without having a dinner at the langar of the Golden Temple, where free meals are served to thousands of people every day — an experience that puts before you the principles of community and love. Dinnertime is the perfect time to gorge on Sarson da Saag and Makke di Roti, or simply have the source’s Butter Chicken. Punjabi dinner should be sealed with Phirni or Pinni for a perfectly sweet ending. Uttarakhand: The Hills of Comfort Food Once you move up to the Himalayas, the food of Uttarakhand changes drastically. It becomes light, earthy, and is full of fresh local produce. Enjoy Aloo Ke Gutke, which consists of potatoes cooked with Himalayan herbs and spices, and Kafuli, which is made of spinach and fenugreek and is both nutritious and flavorful. Phaanu, a dish made from mixed lentils, is really great for cold nights. End your meal with Bal Mithai, the popular fudge-like sweet from Almora, covered with sugar pearls. It is the best of mountain comfort food — quite simple, soulful, and very satisfying. Jammu & Kashmir: Heaven Served on a Plate The lovely valleys of Jammu & Kashmir are where your trip should culminate. Food here is art, poetry, and heritage all rolled into one. Nothing can beat a traditional Wazwan feast for the ultimate experience — a lavish multi-course meal featuring Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gushtaba, and Rista, all made with mild Kashmiri spices and saffron. Vegetarians, however, can enjoy Dum Aloo, Haakh, or Nadru Yakhni (lotus stem curry). Kahwa, a green tea flavored with saffron, almonds, and cardamom, or Noon Chai, a salty pink tea that is just right for cold mornings, are two things that complete the meal of Kashmiri cuisine.
