As South Africa prepares to face India in tomorrow’s ICC Women’s World Cup match, there is no better time to celebrate the flavours and spirit of India.
Whether you are dreaming about your next big trip or just want to experience the country through its food, this guide takes you on a journey through some of India’s most captivating destinations. Here is how to explore India one bite at a time.
Kerala
Known as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is a paradise of coconut palms, winding canals and spice-heavy air. In Kerala, life moves slowly. Its food is as rich and welcoming as its landscapes. Try a traditional sadya, a colourful vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with rice, curries, pickles and papad. Seafood lovers will enjoy Karimeen Pollichathu, pearl spot fish marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaf before being grilled. Pair your meal with a glass of sweet chai or drink fresh coconut water straight from the shell while watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea.
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Goa
For South Africans who love the coast, Goa feels instantly familiar. It has long stretches of golden beaches, swaying palms and a relaxed rhythm that makes it easy to slow down. Once a Portuguese colony, Goa still reflects a blend of European and Indian cultures, especially in its food.
Seafood is the star here. Start with a bowl of Goan fish curry, which combines coconut, tamarind and spice into a perfectly balanced dish. For something bold, try prawn balchão, a tangy and fiery favourite. To end on a sweet note, order bebinca, a traditional dessert made from layers of coconut milk, eggs and ghee. When you are not eating, you can rent a scooter and explore the colourful lanes of old Panaji or visit a spice plantation to see how cardamom and black pepper grow in the warm Goan soil.
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Delhi
India’s capital city is a place of contrasts where centuries-old monuments stand beside modern glass towers. For travellers who love food, New Delhi offers a taste of India’s incredible diversity all in one city.
In Old Delhi, head to Chandni Chowk, one of the busiest markets in the world. Try chaat, a crunchy and tangy mix of potatoes, chickpeas and chutneys that locals adore. For a classic meal, order butter chicken from Moti Mahal, the restaurant where the dish was first created. You can also enjoy smoky seekh kebabs straight off the grill.
If you prefer something modern, New Delhi’s trendier areas like Hauz Khas and Khan Market are filled with rooftop restaurants serving creative versions of traditional favourites. You might find tandoori momos, Indian-inspired cocktails and desserts infused with rose or saffron. It is a city where every bite tells a story.
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Puducherry
Puducherry is a serene coastal town that blends French elegance with Indian warmth. Its cobbled streets, pastel villas and quiet seaside promenade make it one of the most peaceful escapes in southern India.
The food here clearly reflects its dual heritage. Start your day with masala dosas or fluffy idlis at a local café, then enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the French-style bistros serving fresh baguettes and buttery sauces. Try prawn curry with coconut rice for a dish that captures the town’s fusion of flavours. Before leaving, you must try the locally made chocolate. Auroville is also worth a visit. It is a nearby spiritual community known for its organic coffee and sustainable living.
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Jaipur
In Rajasthan’s capital, everything feels grand. Jaipur’s palaces, forts and bazaars create a world of colour and craftsmanship that feels straight out of a storybook. It is also home to some of India’s most distinctive food traditions.
Start with dal baati churma, a comforting combination of lentils, baked wheat dumplings and sweet crumbles. If you enjoy spice, order laal maas, a deep red mutton curry made with local Mathania chillies. Cool off afterwards with a glass of lassi, a yogurt-based drink that is both refreshing and filling.
After a hearty meal, stroll through the city’s lively markets where you can shop for block-printed textiles, blue pottery and handmade jewellery. Jaipur’s warmth and colour make it a place that stays with you long after you have left.
As the Proteas Women take on India, it is easy to see how the two nations share the same heart. They’re both passionate, diverse and lively. Whether you are watching from the stands or your couch, let this journey through India’s destinations and dishes show you what a future trip could look like.
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