A Foodie’s Guide to Regional Cuisines Along India’s Bus Routes

For the love of food and travel, here’s your ultimate flavor trail across India by bus.

Because Some Journeys Are Measured in Meals

India is not only a country of different cultures and languages, it’s a vast thali of flavors, smells, and traditions that awaken with every mile. If you’re one of those who gauge a journey not only by the destination but also by the food that you sample along the way, then join us for the ultimate culinary experience.

With zingbus, your journey turns into a canvas of tastes, where local cuisines become your stops.

Whether you’re an old pro food influencer or a die-hard street food enthusiast, this carefully crafted guide will have your taste buds singing and your travel wish list longer.

Delhi to Jaipur: The Royal Platter

Route: Delhi to Jaipur

Foodie Highlights:

• Delhi:
  
  • Paranthe Wali Gali: A delicious start in Old Delhi with piping hot parathas stuffed with everything from potatoes to pomegranates.
  • Chole Bhature: Fluffy, golden bhature paired with spicy chickpeas is a breakfast you’ll dream about.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Murthal Dhabas: Stop by the iconic dhabas like Amrik Sukhdev for buttery parathas and thick lassi.
    
• Jaipur:
  
  • Laal Maas: A rich, spicy mutton curry that defines Rajasthani heat.
  • Ghewar: A festive dessert soaked in syrup and perfect with a glass of milk.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit around the Teej Festival to see these dishes at their cultural peak.

Mumbai to Goa: Coastal Spice Trail

Route: Mumbai to Goa

Foodie Highlights:

• Mumbai:
  
  • Vada Pav: A humble street snack that’s now a national icon.
  • Bombil Fry: Crispy and flavorful Bombay duck, a must for seafood lovers.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Konkani Snacks: Try sol kadhi and surmai tawa fry from roadside stalls along the Konkan coast.
    
• Goa:
  
  • Goan Prawn Curry: Creamy, tangy, and absolutely comforting.
  • Bebinca: A 7-layered Indo-Portuguese dessert that melts in your mouth.

Pro Tip: Hit up Mapusa Market for locally made sausages and spicy recheado masala.

Delhi to Manali: Mountain Meals

Route: Delhi to Manali

Foodie Highlights:

• Delhi:
  
  • Kebabs at Khan Market: A carnivore’s heaven before you begin your ascent.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Highway Dhabas: Warm up with rajma chawal and kadhi pakora near Chandigarh.
    
• Manali:
  
  • Siddu: A steamed local bread filled with poppy seeds and jaggery.
  • Trout Fish: Locally sourced and delicately spiced.
  • Thukpa: A Tibetan-style noodle soup that’s both filling and healing.

Pro Tip: Stop at Kullu en route for apple cider tastings and fresh fruit jams.

Delhi to Lucknow: Awadhi Aromas

Route: Delhi to Lucknow

Foodie Highlights:

• Delhi:
  
  • Butter Chicken at Daryaganj: Because classics never go out of style.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Agra’s Petha and Bedai: A sugary-salty combination worth pausing for.
    
• Lucknow:
  
  • Galouti Kebab: Tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat grilled to perfection.
  • Lucknawi Biryani: Fragrant, subtly spiced rice cooked with marinated meats.
  • Sheermal: A mildly sweet saffron flatbread that pairs like a dream with korma.

Pro Tip: Visit Tunday Kababi in Aminabad for a time-traveling meal.

Delhi to Rishikesh: Sattvic Bites

Route: Delhi to Rishikesh

Foodie Highlights:

• Delhi:
  
  • Street-side Chaat: From golgappas to aloo tikki, start your trip with a tangy bang.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Haridwar Aloo Puri: A holy combination that never misses.
    
• Rishikesh:
  
  • Chotiwala Thali: A full vegetarian spread served on banana leaves.
  • Lassi and Lemonade Stalls: Refreshing drinks on every street corner.

Pro Tip: Rishikesh is alcohol-free; compensated with herbal teas and organic cafés.

Bangalore to Coorg: Filter Coffee Meets Spice

Route: Bangalore to Coorg

Foodie Highlights:

• Bangalore:
  
  • Darshini Cafés: Start with idli-vada, masala dosa, and filter coffee.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Mysore Pak from Mandya: Rich, ghee-laden, and travel-perfect.
    
• Coorg:
  
  • Pandi Curry: Spicy pork cooked with Coorgi vinegar (kacampuli).
  • Noolputtu: Rice noodles that go perfectly with Coorgi chicken curry.

Pro Tip: Pair your meal with Coorg coffee brewed fresh at plantation homestays.

Chandigarh to Dharamshala: A Himachali Food Affair

Route: Chandigarh to Dharamshala

Foodie Highlights:

• Chandigarh:
  
  • Butter Naan & Dal Makhani: Punjabi staples to fuel your hill journey.
    
• On The Road:
  
  • Roadside Maggi Stalls: Nothing like steaming Maggi with a mountain view.
    
• Dharamshala/McLeodganj:
  
  • Tingmo with Shapta: Steamed Tibetan buns with stir-fried meat.
  • Momos: The local pride. Try cheese, mutton, and spinach varieties.
  • Bhagsu Cake: A sweet, crumbly chocolate and caramel dessert exclusive to Bhagsunag cafes.

Pro Tip: Sit at a rooftop café and try butter tea while journaling your travel bites.

How zingbus Makes Your Food Journey Even Better

zingbus is not merely about point A to point B; it’s about the stories in between, particularly the edible ones. Here’s how zingbus delivers for the travelling foodie:

• Curated Routes: From Delhi to Manali, Lucknow, Jaipur, or Rishikesh, zingbus traverses key food routes.
• Dependable Stops: Several zingbus routes have scheduled stops at local gems, be it dhabas in Punjab or bakeries in Goa.
• On-Time Guarantee: No skipped meals or hurried bites. With zingbus’ on-time guarantee, you can experience regional food without worrying about delays.
• zingprime Membership: With perks such as On-time guarantee, additional discounts, and no cancellation fees, your culinary plans stay free and easy.
• Comfort First: Roomy seats allow you to digest in peace and strategize your next gourmand attack.

Popular Monsoon Routes to Try:

• Delhi to Manali: Enjoy steaming thukpa and trout as the rain patters on the Himalayan roofs.
• Chandigarh to Dharamshala: Slurp butter tea while watching clouds kiss the hills.
• Mumbai to Goa: Monsoon-spiced fish curries taste better with a salty sea breeze.

Your Stomach Is Your Best Travel Compass

Forget itineraries of museums and monuments. Follow the rumblings of your belly. With zingbus, every highway is a heritage food trail, every stop a taste test, and every journey a feast waiting to happen.So pack your hunger, bring an empty stomach, and jump on a zingbus. Because the ride is tasty.