Indian food is intensely regional — expect far more than "curry": wheat and tandoor in the north, rice and coconut in the south, fish and sweets in the east, and thalis and street food in the west. Eat where it is busy, ease into street food rather than diving straight in, and mind a few temple and dining courtesies along the way.
Regional cuisines
North India leans on wheat breads, tandoor-cooked meats and rich, dairy-based gravies — think butter chicken and naan. South India is built around rice, with dosa and idli as breakfast staples, generous use of coconut, and noticeably sharper spice than the north; Kerala in particular is known for its seafood and the elaborate sadhya feast served on a banana leaf — see our Kerala hub for more. East India, especially Bengal, is known for fish curries and an extraordinary sweets tradition. West India offers the Gujarati thali — a sweet-savoury-sour balance across many small dishes — alongside some of the country’s best street food in cities like Mumbai.
Veg, non-veg & street food
India is arguably the easiest country in the world to travel as a vegetarian — vegetarian food is the default in large parts of the country, not an afterthought, and restaurant menus clearly mark dishes with a green dot (vegetarian) or a brown dot (non-vegetarian). Street food is one of the best reasons to visit, and the safest approach is simple: choose stalls that are busy with locals, watch your food being cooked fresh and hot in front of you, and stick to bottled or filtered water. Ease into it gradually rather than sampling everything on day one, and your stomach will thank you.
Dining etiquette
Eating with the right hand is traditional and still common, especially outside big-city restaurants — the left hand is considered unclean for eating. A thali is an all-you-can-eat regional meal served on a tray of small dishes, and refills are expected and normal, not an imposition on the staff. Tipping is optional, typically around 10% at sit-down restaurants, and appreciated rather than required.
Temple & cultural etiquette
Remove your shoes before entering a temple, and dress to cover shoulders and knees — some temples also restrict entry for non-Hindus or prohibit leather items, so check signage or ask before entering. Always ask before photographing people, particularly at religious sites or in rural areas. Public displays of affection are frowned on in much of India, especially outside major cities. India decriminalised same-sex relations in 2018, but attitudes still vary considerably by region — a degree of discretion is sensible in smaller towns.
- Busy stall = fresh food — a queue of locals is a good sign, not a bad one.
- Watch it cooked hot in front of you.
- Skip pre-cut fruit, ice and tap water in your first few days.
- Carry hand sanitiser and use it before eating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian food very spicy?
It varies enormously by region — South Indian food tends to run spicier than North Indian, and you can always ask for a dish to be made mild.
Is it easy to be vegetarian in India?
Extremely — vegetarian food is the default across much of the country, and menus clearly mark dishes with a green (veg) or brown (non-veg) dot.
Is street food safe to eat?
Yes, if you choose busy stalls with fresh, hot, freshly-cooked food and stick to bottled or filtered water — ease into it over your first few days.
What should I wear when visiting a temple?
Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering; some temples have additional restrictions, so check signage or ask locally.