I have to admit that I was a bit concerned about what I would eat in India. I’m not a fan of curry, to be honest I really don’t like it. I had assumed that it would be part of most dishes. I was so wrong! The flavors, textures and colors are so varied; there is something for everyone.
My favorite was the Dosa, it’s similar to a crepe but it’s salty and made of rice flour. The batter can also be mixed with onions, peppers and other ingredients or just plain with butter. Dosas are served with an assortment of sauces, some quite spicy, but very tasty.
We enjoyed many local delicacies and some of the tastiest were not at 5-star restaurants, but at a friend’s house. His wife had prepared a feast including String hoppers which are whole wheat noodles and Idli a small pancake which you eat with a lentil sauce called Sambar. There was also a curd-based dessert, which was great, but I can’t remember the name. Everything was delicious!
We ate liberally at places where the locals eat and the high turnaround ensured that the food was fresh. Even after being careful as to where and what we were eating, we still got sick while in Delhi. Not sure if it was food or germs on a banister that made me sick. Perhaps it was something else: travelers’ turista, a day flu, or heatstroke – it really doesn’t matter. Being sick on vacation sucks! It can and does happen, that’s just the way it is. Luckily, I was prepared and had the proper medicine with me. Packing a small first aid kit is always a good idea to avoid having to run around for the proper health remedies.
Not sure what to bring? Have a look at my packing list to see what’s in my first aid kit.
We shouldn’t avoid experimenting with new flavors, and trying new things when traveling, as it’s an important part of the adventure and discovering a new culture. Isn’t that why we travel?
What has been your experience with trying local delicacies?