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Top restaurants in India

India’s cooking styles are as rich and diverse as its civilisation. The dishes are highly seasoned, but the spices are subtle; it takes some time to get used to the flavours, even if you’re familiar with Indian cuisine back home. Don’t be afraid to taste local dishes (provided they’re served hygienically).

Where to eat in India

Most hotels and guest houses in India have somewhere on their premises to eat and drink, whether a simple rooftop terrace or a full-blown restaurant. In off-track destinations where the only places to eat to speak of will be a line of grubby dhabas or chai stalls, you’ll probably opt to eat there. But in major towns and cities at least, dependable independent restaurants are numerous.

Mealtimes in India

As a rule, run-of-the-mill restaurants frequented by Indian workers and tourists open early – by at least 8am – for puri and curd (yoghurt) breakfasts in north India, or fresh idly-wada-chai-coffee in the south; they then switch to rice plate meals, or thalis, at lunch time until 2.30–3pm, when they’ll start serving afternoon snacks, such as masala dosas and samosas. More expensive restaurants open only at lunch times (noon–3pm) and in the evenings (6.30–11pm).

Indians tend to eat late by Western standards, typically sitting down at 9pm – though this doesn’t apply to restaurants in the commercial districts, which fill up as soon as offices close around 6pm. Sunday, when middle-class families often eat out, is the busiest day, and you should definitely book a table if you intend to go to an upscale restaurant then. In fact, it’s generally a good idea to reserve ahead for any high-end establishment; phone numbers are given in our listings where this is recommended.

Paying in restaurants in India

An increasing number of restaurants accept payment by credit or debit card, but you should always check in advance. More workaday places only deal in cash. Bills may or may not include service charges, but a tip of 10–15 percent will always be welcomed by your waiter.

Top restaurants in India