India, a land of vibrant spirituality, yoga, textiles, colors, and a captivating heritage, has beckoned explorers throughout history with its tantalizing spices. Just picture a succulent bite of Tandoori chicken and in an instant, one will be transported to this land of mystery and diversity. Its irresistible blend of garam masala, red chili powder, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and more, take the foodie on an exquisite culinary journey. Before they know it, they are on their gluttonous third portion. Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors – so diverse that even a "Top 25" list of best dishes barely scratches the surface.

It's incredible how cherished regional dishes traverse thousands of miles captivating food enthusiasts in opposite corners of the country. Wander through the leafy lanes of Mumbai's upscale Bandra suburb, and one will face an epicurean dilemma. Should they savor opulent North Indian fare or indulge in the flavors of Southern Chettinad cuisine? Perhaps the bustling business districts of BKC and Lower Parel will entangle their colleagues' taste buds, or molecular delights and other fusion dishes.

But the allure of Indian cuisine isn't limited to large metropolises, surprisingly, cities known for their spirituality and international tourists also offer culinary delights that capture the hearts and taste buds of visitors. Spiritual places like Rishikesh and Varanasi, beckon foreign tourists in large numbers with gems like Chotiwala restaurant, the verandah at the stately Rambagh Palace, and the cluster of fine-dining restaurants at the Taj Ganges. 

Indian sweets, also called Mithai, and desserts are criminally underrated – whether it is the syrupy Rosogolla from Kolkata, the soft and chewy Petha from Agra, celebratory Pithas from Assam, the flaky Soan Papdi of Gujarat, the royal Mysore Pak from Mysore, Gajar ka Halwa and Gulab Jamuns found everywhere in North India and even southern metros. And then, every state in India has its version of Laddu, a round sweetmeat that is made from a variety of ingredients including coconut and even sesame seeds. The same holds for Kheer – a pudding which depending on the region could be made from rice or vermicelli.

The world on your plate

While Indian luxury restaurants have gained acclaim from national and international artists, sportspersons, chefs, and heads of state, the culinary prowess of restaurants based in India extends beyond its borders.  While some restaurants stick to original recipes, others give an Indian twist of their own. The World's 50 Best Restaurants’ website has listed India-based restaurants that also serve International cuisine. Take for instance, Grand Hyatt’s China House serving Cantonese fair, The Leela Palace’s Megu serving Japanese, and Mediterranean Qualia set in the towering and the elite, The Lodha World Towers.

Kuuraku, a Japanese restaurant brand, and a TableCheck client, has opened locations across India, captivating foodies with its authentic Yakitori, handmade noodles, and pleasant atmosphere.

Multicuisine restaurants have long thrived in India, with establishments like Ahmedabad's Arbre Cafe, also a TC client, serving as the inspiration for countless fairytales about the country's culinary scene. And let's not forget about the hotels that have become gastronomic havens. The Crowne Plaza in Kochi, yet another TC client, stands tall as a culinary destination, boasting a cluster of restaurants that cater to every palate and mood. 

Indian cuisine has garnered a devoted following beyond its shores too. Tune in to the finale of a popular British cooking show, and witness the contestants crafting kebabs and chicken tikkas as their pièce de résistance. Meanwhile, the esteemed World's 50 Best Restaurants for 2023 ranks Indian culinary gems like Dubai's Trèsind Studio at number eleven and Bangkok's Gaggan Anand at seventeen.

India’s love for dining out

Indians' love for dining out is exemplified by an astounding statistic—45 million people indulged in their favorite restaurants in 2021, even amidst the challenges of social distancing and masking during the pandemic. Gone are the days when dining out was reserved for special occasions. While many still find comfort in the delightful flavors of their regional delicacies followed by Indianised versions of Chinese food and Pizza, an increasingly adventurous subset of Indians craves culinary experimentation. In a heartening development, the foreign tourism front has also witnessed a delightful resurgence. The Jan-April 2023 period has seen a remarkable 166% rise in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, showcasing a renewed interest in India as a foreign destination after the challenging times of the pandemic. 

The cuisine of India is a fascinating medley of flavors and ingredients. Travel the 1.2 million miles of this culinary wonderland to create unforgettable memories. 

TableCheck is excited to introduce its reservation system capabilities to Indian Hospitality businesses. From managing online reservations to optimizing restaurant operations, these amazing restaurants and hotel properties in India can use TableCheck as their reservation system to provide award-winning experiences to their guests and maximize their F&B revenue.