Page 707 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  705

Food and Beverage Tax (though
the amount varies), which can
escalate costs considerably.
Check your bill before paying.
Even though a service charge
is usually included, waiters do
expect to be tipped – 10 per
cent of the bill is acceptable.
Roadside eateries and street
vendors are extremely cheap
and don’t expect tip.
Food stalls lining Mall Road, Mussoorie
Paying
type establishments now appear displayed signs “Cooked in pure
in many shopping malls and at ghee” or “Cooked in ghee made Credit cards and debit cards are
tourist sites. These are perfect from cow’s milk”. accepted in most restaurants
places to relax over sandwiches and bars. However, always keep
and a cup of tea. some Indian rupees on hand
Alcohol to pay for meals at eateries in
The serving of alcohol is small towns or at roadside stalls
Roadside and Market restricted, and some states, such and cafés.
Food Stalls
as Gujarat, Bihar and Kerala are
For a glimpse of the original officially “dry”. Liquor is sold
Indian fast-food industry, a through government-approved Recommended
Restaurants
journey through the country’s shops and licensed restaurants.
roadside and market food stalls Prices vary across the country The restaurants on the following
is ideal. Improvised stalls or because of the difference in taxes pages have been carefully
carts, equipped with stoves and between states. Foreign wines selected to provide a variety
other cooking appliances, dish are available at most liquor of cuisine options from across
out tasty meals with speed and shops, pubs and restaurants, the sub-continent. You’ll find
efficiency. The choice ranges where you will also find Indian everything from regional
from vegetarian snacks, such as Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), such specialities to street-food staples
spicy samosas, dosas and idlis, to as beer, whisky and vodka. The and classic tandoori restaurants
tandoori chicken, kebabs, “fish quality of Indian wines and to the less familiar South Indian
fry” and Indian-style Chinese champagne is improving, and cuisine. Quality international
chow mein. Indian sweets, fruit, some brands are even exported. establishments have been
ice cream and a variety of drinks Carrying alcohol for consumption highlighted, as well as restaurants
are also available. Unpretentious in a restaurant is not permitted, that have adopted neighbouring
eateries also serve good food. nor is drinking in public places. cuisines such as Tibetan or
These include North Indian National holidays and notified Chinese. The DK Choice
dhabas (which serve both non- election days are “dry days”, restaurants are extra special.
vegetarian and vegetarian food), when alcohol is unavailable. These are the truly exceptional
Goan beach shacks (which estab lish ments that boast a
specialize in fish curries with rice) Prices and Tipping noteworthy menu, superb
and South Indian Udipi cuisine, presentation, service or
restaurants (which serve only Prices are fixed everywhere, be location, or just offer something
vegetarian meals). For health it in a luxury hotel or at a market unique that simply has to
precautions, see pp740–43. stall. Luxury hotels also levy a be experienced.
Vegetarian Food
India’s excellent vegetarian
food emanates from the
country’s largely vegetarian
population. A simple, but
delectable, meal of fresh
seasonal vegetables, dal (lentil
curry) and a wide choice of
rotis and rice preparations
can be enjoyed anywhere.
Often these are served all
together on a thali (platter)
and are great value. The food’s
quality is endorsed by the Vibrant interiors of Indian Accent, New Delhi

704-705_EW_India.indd 705 26/04/17 11:55 am