Eating our way around India.

Surviving a month in India without getting Delhi belly is probably one of my greatest achievements. Don't think we did that by just avoiding the cuisine all together though... Here's some of the best things we ate that you should look out for if you're in the country.

Thali was one of our favourite discoveries, and fast became a staple meal during our time in Rajahstan. Traditionally a South India dish, we actually had our best Thali's up north. Ranging from 70-300rps (depending on how classy the place and whether you opt for the fish, meat or veggie versions), Thalis usually consist of 2 roti, a poppadom and a small serving of steamed rice, these to accompany at least two curries, a Dahl, a portion of curd and occasionally a chutney. Eat with your hands and tuck in. 

Lassis are curd based drinks that can be served salty, sweet or mixed with fruit. Ranging from 20-120rps depending on the place and the flavour combinations. Mango lassis are a firm favourite in India, but I'd always recommend going with the fruit in season. The best we had were from blue lassis in Varanasi (pictured), which was more like a yogurt than a drink, and Lassiwala in Jaipur which was served plain (sweet) in disposable clay pots. 

It was the recommendation of many to 'go veggie' during our time in India, and although some would argue that that was a shame as it meant we missed out on some foods, it wasn't an issue for us as the vegetarian food is so readily available, so varied and so tasty. We ate veg curries most days; ranging from the simple mix veg to the more adventurous malay kofta (an almond, potato and cauliflower kofta served in a creamy cashew sauce). Paneer is a soft cheese which makes an appearance in almost every veggie dish, and if you're a fan you should definitely try palak paneer (with spinach) and paneer masala. The cashew curries are also great and we has an excellent cashew and pineapple at laughing Buddha in Hampi. Be adventurous, the combinations are great.

A couple of translations:

Palak: spinach

Aloo: potato

Paneer: soft cheese

Gobi: cauliflower 

Mutter: beans

Chana: chickpeas

Chapati/ roti cost between 5-20rps and are eaten with almost every meal. Some have them instead of rice and others have them alongside. The simplest are plain, and are made with water and whole meal flour and cooked without fat making them the healthiest option. Parathas and naan can be stuffed with everything from potato to spinach to cheese and garlic. 

Chai is such an institution in India, and so quickly becomes part of your daily routine, that I almost didn't include it in this list. The sweet, milky spiced tea is served everywhere, and regularly offered a gift from shopkeepers, hoteliers and villagers alike. It's the perfect start to the day, but isn't for those who don't have a sweet tooth. The best we had was in the Shantaram slum in Mumbai for 6p. Amazing. 

Momos are steamed buns which are very similar to gyoza. I preferred them with less spice as they reminded me of the Japanese snack from home. They're actually Tibetan, and can be filled with vegetables, chicken or fish. 

Shakarkandi are a steamed sweet potato street food that's native to Delhi. It's guilt-free too, which is always nice. Vendors chop the piping hot spuds onto a tapas-sized plate then douse it with lemon juice. It's then sprinkled with chaat masala which is a combo of black pepper, chilli, cumin, dried mango and sugar to name but a few. Only 20rps too. 

Petha is a traditional Indian sweet, native to Agra. It's made from white pumpkin and is similar to Turkish delight. We weren't the biggest fans; the texture was a bit strange. But for 50rps, when in Rome, right? 

Manchurian's are popular across India and can be found on most menus that boast a multi-cuisine offering. Be it chicken, prawn, mushroom or another vegetable, the main ingredient is battered and deep fried then stir fried in a Chinese-style sauce with green peppers. 

Goa is the place to go for fresh seafood. Squid, shark, snapper; prawn, lobster or scallops: you can buy by the kilo, or opt for tandoor. Just keep an eye on the restaurant cleanliness as shellfish in particular is always a little risqué, even more so if you're trying to avoid Delhi belly. 

Bhel puri is a puffed rice street food at its most famous on Chowpatty beach in Mumbai. It's similar to Bombay mix, only 'wetter'. Puffed rice is mixed with peanuts, red onion, chilli, tomato, potato, fresh parsley and spices. Eat with your hands for a healthy (and spicy!) between meal snack.