Check Out These Top Places to Visit in India for Eid: Food and More
Eid, a festival that resonates with joy, togetherness, and gratitude, is celebrated with immense fervor across India. Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of gratitude and celebration for Muslims worldwide. India, with its diverse cultural tapestry, elevates this festival into a vibrant spectacle of traditions, prayers, and most importantly, food. From shimmering mosques adorned with lights to bustling bazaars and the aroma of rich delicacies wafting through the air, Eid in India is an experience that transcends religious boundaries.
The true highlight of Eid in India is the grand feasts. Families and friends gather to share platters of biryanis, kebabs, and sweet dishes like seviyan and phirni. Cities across the country transform into culinary havens during this time, offering a dazzling array of food in Eid that speaks to India’s rich culinary heritage. From the streets of Old Delhi to the lanes of Hyderabad, Eid festivities bring food lovers together, making these cities the ultimate places to visit in India for Eid. So, whether you’re a gourmand seeking authentic Mughlai flavors or someone looking to soak in the spirit of this auspicious festival, these cities promise an unforgettable experience.
In this Blog
Delhi
Delhi, the heart of India, is an unmissable destination during Eid. The capital’s connection with Mughlai cuisine is legendary, and its streets come alive with festive energy during this time. Food on Eid here is synonymous with indulgence—imagine plates piled high with aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs, and crispy shahi tukda.
The iconic lanes of Old Delhi, particularly around Jama Masjid, are a feast for the senses. Treat yourself to delicacies at legendary spots like Karim’s and Al Jawahar. Don’t miss the bedmi puri with spicy aloo sabzi for breakfast, followed by rich nihari and khameeri roti for lunch. For dessert, the creamy kheer from roadside vendors is a must-try.
- Best Places to Eat: Karim’s, Al Jawahar, Chandni Chowk food stalls.
- What to Eat: Nihari, mutton korma, biryani, and phirni.
Hyderabad
Known as the city of Nizams, Hyderabad takes Eid feasts to a royal level. With a history steeped in Nawabi traditions, Hyderabad’s food culture is a blend of Mughal, Turkish, and regional flavors. During Eid, the city offers a culinary journey like no other, with its famed Hyderabadi biryani taking center stage.
Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Charminar area, where food stalls line up with an array of festive dishes. The haleem, a slow-cooked meat and lentil stew, is a must-have during Eid and pairs perfectly with sheermal. Conclude your feast with double ka meetha, a decadent bread pudding soaked in sugar syrup.
- Best Places to Eat: Paradise Biryani, Shadab Hotel, Charminar stalls.
- What to Eat: Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, double ka meetha.
Lucknow
Lucknow’s culinary heritage is synonymous with elegance and finesse, making it one of the top places to visit in India for Eid. The city’s Awadhi cuisine is famed for its slow-cooked delicacies, rich gravies, and perfectly spiced dishes. Eid transforms Lucknow into a haven for food enthusiasts.
Tunday Kababi, a culinary institution, is a must-visit to savor their signature galouti kebabs. Explore Aminabad’s vibrant food scene for kormas, sheermal, and flavorful biryanis. End your culinary journey with makhan malai, a cloud-like dessert that’s as dreamy as it sounds.
- Best Places to Eat: Tunday Kababi, Dastarkhwan, Aminabad eateries.
- What to Eat: Galouti kebabs, sheermal, makhan malai.
Kolkata
Kolkata’s Eid celebrations are a testament to the city’s love for food and culture. The city blends Mughlai traditions with its own unique culinary style. During Eid, the aroma of biryanis cooked with fragrant Gobindobhog rice fills the air, and roadside stalls buzz with activity.
Park Circus is the hub of festivities, where food lovers gather to enjoy Mughlai parathas, rezala, and tender chaap. For those with a sweet tooth, Kolkata’s signature mihidana and chomchom add a Bengali twist to the traditional Eid menu.
- Best Places to Eat: Arsalan, Shiraz Golden Restaurant, Park Circus stalls.
- What to Eat: Kolkata biryani, rezala, mihidana.
Mumbai
Mumbai’s cosmopolitan vibe is reflected in its vibrant Eid celebrations. The city’s streets, from Bohri Mohalla to Mohammad Ali Road, transform into food festivals showcasing an incredible variety of dishes. Mumbai’s food culture is as diverse as its people, making it a top place to visit in India for Eid.
Indulge in flavorful malpua, creamy rabri, and smoky seekh kebabs. The rich, spicy paya soup served with freshly baked naan is a favorite among locals. The city’s eateries and food carts cater to all palates, ensuring you leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.
- Best Places to Eat: Bohri Mohalla stalls, Noor Mohammadi Hotel.
- What to Eat: Seekh kebabs, malpua, paya soup.
Jaipur
Jaipur, the Pink City, is renowned for its regal charm, and Eid celebrations here are no exception. Known for its rich Rajasthani and Mughlai cuisine, Jaipur offers a unique blend of traditional and festive flavors. During Eid, the city’s food scene becomes a medley of aromatic kormas, biryanis, and sweet delicacies.
Visit the vibrant lanes of Johari Bazaar and MI Road to indulge in authentic Eid treats. The local specialty, laal maas, is a fiery curry that pairs beautifully with saffron-infused rice. Round off your meal with ghevar, a traditional Rajasthani dessert that’s a festival favorite.
- Best Places to Eat: Niros, Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar, Johari Bazaar food stalls.
- What to Eat: Laal maas, biryani, ghevar.
Conclusion
India’s Eid festivities are a culinary celebration that bridges traditions, communities, and flavors. From the Mughlai decadence of Delhi to the Nawabi grandeur of Hyderabad and the Awadhi charm of Lucknow, these cities are the ultimate places to visit in India for Eid. The food in Eid is not just about indulgence but also about the shared joy and warmth that define this festival. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Old Delhi or savoring the regal biryanis of Hyderabad, every bite tells a story of India’s rich heritage. So this Eid, treat yourself to a gastronomic adventure across India’s vibrant cities and make memories that linger long after the last bite.