Cuisine Tour
Cuisine Tour with Royal Holidays is the perfect experience for food lovers and culinary enthusiasts who want to explore the rich, diverse, and flavorful world of Indian cuisine. This tour takes you on a gastronomic journey across some of the most vibrant food regions of India, allowing you to savor local dishes, learn traditional cooking techniques, and immerse yourself in India’s food culture.
What to Expect on a Cuisine Tour
Explore Regional Culinary Traditions
India’s culinary heritage is as diverse as its culture, with each region offering a unique blend of flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods. Whether you’re in the rich, spicy kitchens of Rajasthan, tasting seafood in Goa, or exploring the aromatic, rice-based dishes of South India, a Cuisine Tour with Royal Holidays gives you the opportunity to explore these regions' authentic and delicious food.
North India: Known for hearty, flavorful dishes like Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, and Chole Bhature, North India offers a blend of Mughlai and Punjabi cuisines.
South India: Discover the flavors of Dosas, Idlis, Sambar, and tangy coconut-based curries, along with the region’s extensive vegetarian options.
West India: From Goan seafood curries to Pav Bhaji and Dhokla, Western India offers a vibrant palette of street food and coastal delicacies.
Eastern India: Savor the subtle and sophisticated dishes of Bengal like Machher Jhol, Macher Paturi, and Rasgulla, alongside the lesser-known food gems of Odisha and the North-East.
Hands-On Cooking Classes
The Cuisine Tour with Royal Holidays isn’t just about eating—it's about learning! Participate in hands-on cooking classes where local chefs will teach you how to prepare some of the most iconic dishes of each region. You’ll learn techniques for making traditional curries, breads, desserts, and snacks, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These cooking sessions offer insight into local culinary customs, spice blends, and food culture, allowing you to recreate these dishes at home.
Food Market Visits
An essential part of the tour is visiting local food markets. These markets are a sensory overload, offering a glimpse into the vibrant food culture of India. You’ll see a variety of spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and fresh meats and seafood, many of which may be unfamiliar to you. You’ll also learn how to shop for ingredients and spices used in Indian cooking, and have the chance to try street food specialties like Chaat or Samosas.
Tasting Regional Street Food
Street food is an integral part of India’s food culture. On your tour, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the most popular and beloved street foods from different parts of the country. From Pani Puri in Mumbai, Dahi Puri in Delhi, and Pav Bhaji in Mumbai, to Kathi Rolls in Kolkata, and Vada Pav in Pune, these tasty snacks will leave you craving for more.
Dining at Iconic Restaurants and Family Kitchens
The Cuisine Tour includes special dinners at both iconic, high-end restaurants as well as local family kitchens and homes. This gives you a unique opportunity to taste both traditional recipes passed down through generations and modern interpretations of classic dishes. Dining with local families offers a warm and intimate insight into Indian hospitality and food culture.
Special Food and Drink Pairings
India is also known for its vibrant drink culture, from Chai and Lassi to Masala Chaas and Sweets Wine. During your tour, you’ll explore food and drink pairings that bring out the best flavors in both. Experience the richness of Indian chai, the refreshing tang of sweet lassi, and the diverse world of Indian wines and local spirits like Feni in Goa.
Cultural Insights and Culinary Heritage
As part of your culinary journey, you’ll also gain cultural insights into how food has shaped India’s history and society. Learn about the origins of famous Indian dishes, the role of spices, and the significance of food in religious rituals and festivals. From Ayurvedic cuisine in Kerala to the lavish royal feasts of Rajasthan, the tour provides context for the rich culinary heritage of India.
Popular Destinations for a Cuisine Tour
Rajasthan – The Land of Royals
Known for its royal kitchens, Rajasthan’s cuisine includes rich, flavorful curries, kebabs, and sweets. Experience iconic dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, and Ghevar in the heart of the desert. Visit palaces and forts where grand feasts were once held, and enjoy cooking classes in palatial kitchens.
Delhi – The Heart of Street Food
Delhi is a food lover’s paradise, where street food is a major highlight. Explore local markets like Chandni Chowk, where you can sample delicacies such as Parathas, Chole Bhature, and Kebabs. Delhi is also home to a variety of Mughlai dishes like Korma, Biryani, and Shahi Tukda.
Goa – Coastal Cuisine
Goa is famous for its seafood and Portuguese-influenced cuisine. Enjoy dishes like Prawn Balchão, Fish Curry Rice, and Bebinca (a traditional Goan dessert). Visit local seafood markets and experience vibrant cooking sessions with local chefs.
Kerala – The Spice Coast
Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is famous for its coconut-based curries, rice dishes, and spices. Learn how to prepare dishes like Kerala Sadya, Avial, Puttu, and Appam. Kerala’s rich history in spices also means you’ll discover the art of blending and using spices like cardamom, cloves, and turmeric.
Bengal – Flavors of the East
Bengal offers a distinctive food experience with its use of mustard oil and spices. Taste dishes like Machher Jhol (fish curry), Shorshe Bata Maach, and Rasgulla. Explore local fish markets and learn how to prepare Bengali specialties with expert chefs.
Tamil Nadu – Authentic South Indian Cuisine
Explore the South Indian cuisine of Tamil Nadu, famous for its Dosas, Sambar, and Idlis. Visit local eateries and enjoy home-cooked meals that highlight the diversity of South Indian cooking, including vegetarian curries, rice dishes, and unique desserts like Payasam.