Culinary honeymoon destinations in India that’ll make you fall in love all over again

If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then these Indian cities are a must-visit for honeymooners! Yes, romantic candlelight dinners are great, but how about relishing dollops of malaiyo during sunrise in Varanasi? Or savouring spicy xacuti post a sundowner in Goa?

If food is your love language, then ditch the tourist traps and season your stay with a bit of epicurean magic at these tasteful retreats.

Varanasi

At Assi Ghat, on the banks of the holy Ganga, it feels as though time itself has stopped to stare and revel in the timeless sanctity of Varanasi. The labyrinth-like alleyways of this ancient city, also amongst the oldest in the world, conceal slow-cooked delicacies steeped in tradition, from back when the land was called Kashi.

Begin your mornings here with a stroll through the bylanes of Thatteri Bazaar, and stop for breakfast at Ram Bhandar, where flaky, hot kachoris await you! Don’t forget to pair it with the spicy aloo subzi, exclusively available during the day. If you’re more about the sweet stuff, nonchalantly indulge in saccharine, crispy jalebis made right in front of you, or a fruity meetha paan.

Next, head to Deena Chat Bhandar for some Benarasi poha or chooda mattar (a must during winter), best tried with shredded paneer on top. Here, be sure to embark on a chaat trail and begin with the iconic tamatar chaat, served with crispy Namak-paara, for the best results.

If you’re visiting between November to February, the morning malaiyo is a must-try. Light and fluffy, this dessert depends on dew drops for its cloud-like texture, achieved through overnight setting of churned milk. A foodie lover’s paradise, when in Varanasi, switch your plate for a pattal or cup for a kullhad and you won’t be disappointed.

Amritsar

Home to the world’s largest free kitchen at the revered Golden Temple, this city offers a culinary odyssey like no other. And it often ventures beyond the butter.

Begin with the best with the langar at the Gurudwara, a mandatory stop, and ensure you’ve reserved enough stomach space for the delectable kadha prashad, made and served with utmost love! Outside, stop for some authentic Amritsari kulche at Pehalwan Kulcha, easily spotted with the crowd ritualistically gathered near the shop. While the chole is an indisputed winner here, it’s the chutney that quietly plays scene stealer.

Next, head to Kesar Da Dhaba at Chowk Passian (locals will happily play guide) to relish dishes made using age-old recipes in that comforting, old-world setting that no 5-star property can replicate. Here, savour the showstopper dish, a slow-cooked Maa-ki-daal, simmered in a copper vessel for eight to 12 hours, or opt for a hearty thaali, where almost everything is made using desi ghee! And to curb those evening hunger pangs, bite into a bun tikki or opt for the dahi bhalla at Brijwasi Chat Bhandar. 

Finally, grab a few scoops of fruit cream at Durga’s, Lawrence Road or sip some chilled lassi at the adjacent Kanha Sweets, for a sweet finish!

Pondicherry

French, Portuguese, and coastal Indian flavours amalgamate into a beautiful cuisine found only in Pondicherry! Brimming with colonial charm and spiritual ethos, Pondicherry is the place that nailed aesthetics before it was a thing. Here, every dish is dished out with a scenic view, in a Europe-meets-Studio Ghibli kind of pleasing way. This land boasts beaches, experimental townships and of course, cutesy cafés that aren’t just here for the ‘gram.

A meal at White Town’s Coromandel Cafe is non-negotiable, which remains engulfed by lush greenery on all sides. Aesthetic to the eye and pleasing to the palate, this piece of Paris in India serves artisanal pastas, labneh cheeseballs, and even an espresso martini.

If you’re heading to Auroville, home to the glorious Matri Mandir, stop for a healthy yet hearty brunch at Bread & Chocolate, frequented for its sourdough pizzas. The chocolate croissant, made using organic ingredients, is as sinful as it sounds, as is the chocolate babka.

To take a break from all the continental fare, the rooftop Rendezvous Cafe Restaurant serves some of the best seafood in town, including chicken ghee roast served with flaky parottas, Konkan fish curry, baked oysters and more.

Mumbai

The city that never slacks or sleeps runs on local trains and endless cups of cutting chai. From the vada pav to pav bhaji, this land gave rise not just to the highest number of billionaires at one point, but also to street food that has captured the hearts of billions, over time.

Start your culinary trail with the unrivalled icon, a piquant bhelpuri, best enjoyed on the city streets, or a dahi batata puri at the celebrity favourite Swati Snacks. Your Bombay bucket list is incomplete without Vada pav, the common man’s meal now savoured by one and all, best tried at Dadar’s Ashok Vada Pav, served with heaps of besan choora. But the real ones know about the vada pav’s NRI cousin, the Bombay Sandwich, best tried at Snowman’s, Breach Candy. Picture this: layers of toasted Wibs bread (don’t bother with gluten-free here), masala potato discs, cucumber, tomato, onions, chaat masala, green chutney, cheese, and of course, the slathers of butter and sev garnishing!

Lately, the city has also embraced café culture, and while the internet will lead you to Bandra for this, Kala Ghoda has the hidden gems with less crowd. Here, Knead serves some of the best vegetarian and vegan continental food, including gluten-free Lebanese wraps and a soul-hugging cheese fondue, straight out of Johanna Spyri’s Heidi! For couples stepping out for an elaborate meal, head to the nearby Khyber restaurant, where the brick-walled ambience will win you over before the creamy dal makhani, or to All Stir Fry in Colaba for an unlimited wok experience (the kung pao sauce is a winner).

If you’re honeymooning during Mumbai’s monsoon, cue the Bollywood music and book a table for two at Gallops, Mahalaxmi. Here, the adjacent racecourse, rotting horses, and comely cabanas set against the city’s sprawling skyline are sure to win you over, as much as the mouthwatering North Indian delicacies (don’t miss the kebabs).

Fine dining, another trend taking over the city’s epicurean scene, is best experienced with satvic options at award-winning Avatara, where you can feast with your eyes too, while the 12-seater Papa’s is ideal for experimental diners with its rotating chef’s menu (be sure to pre-book your spots).

End with a romantic stroll at Marine Drive, but not without thick discs of Parsi Dairy’s malai kulfi or the legendary K Rustom’s ice-cream sandwiches, located nearby. The city of dreams and dreamier food, indeed!

Jaipur

When in the pink city, expect to be treated like royalty, and nothing less. While the laal maas, dal baati churma, and ker sangri are a must-try, there’s more to discover and devour in Jaipur.

Commence with a classic pyaz ki kachori at Rawat Misthan Bhandar, a local favourite, where each kachori is flatter and larger than the average size. But to emulate the lifestyle of a true local, sip on some piping hot chai at Sahi in Chaura Rasta, served with a buttery soft bun maska. Simply satisfying!

To dine like a true Rajput, arrive hungry at Suvarna Mahal, Rambagh Palace, the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, for the lesser-known “safed maas” or claypot-cooked cuisine.

If rustic is more your vibe, visit Chokhi Dhani, a mock village-esque set-up. Here, dig into dal-baati-churma as Ghoomer dancers and musicians regale you with a live cultural performance. 

A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without a taste of its delectable sweets, including the ghevar at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, or the kesar pista kulfi at Pandit Kulfi Bhandaar for some creamy goodness, located minutes away from Hawa Mahal. 

Goa

Make the most of susegad soirees at Goa, where sand and sundowners give impetus to a lively culture, unseen elsewhere in India. The best part about this state? It runs on its own clock, metamorphosing into a bustling beach escapade when needed and just as easily, into a romantic spot for unwinding at night. Part Konkani and part continental, a stay here is every gourmand’s dream come true, where seaviews and seafood dominate the culinary landscape.

For authentic eats, don’t think twice before heading to Martin’s Corner, a shack serving mackerel recheado, mussels masala rava fry, kismur (dried prawns), and Sachin Tendulkar’s favourite, the King Crab. 

To try a classic xacuti, visit Avo’s Kitchen in Assagao, also available in a vegetarian avatar. Meanwhile, Bhatti Village in Nerul, run by Patrick and Merciana D’Souza out of their home, serves a delicious vindaloo and conventional prawn curry.

If you’re visiting Anjuna beach, stop at The Westin for an authentic Goan thali, which comes with spicy recheado and a soothing sol kadi, all made using indigenous ingredients. Elsewhere, at Siolim’s Amancio, a serradura makes for the perfect conclusion to your culinary Goan getaway! 

Image credits: Getty, Westin Goa, Rhea Mulani & Mishri Mulani

Also read: 8 exciting wedding cake flavours to consider if you’re bored of vanilla and chocolate

Also read: The art of curating gourmet grazing tables that fit every kind of wedding vibe