Best of the West – Highlights of West India Foodie Itinerary Ideas
Mumbai
Why Go?
Workers from across India, seeking to make it ‘big’ in the bright lights, bring authentic regional food to Mumbai including India’s best range of creative street food (like Vada Pav, Behl Puri and Pao Bhaji).
Try Parsi cuisine, originally from Persia…most fun at Britannia and Co.
Don’t miss the dabbawallah unwritten delivery system that takes thousands of home cooked lunches to workers every day.
Visit local food markets and Sassoon Dock fish market.
All set against stunning colonial architecture…and surprisingly innovative and creative high density living in Mumbai’s many ‘slums’.
Check out:
Reality Tours and Travel – Excellent, great value tours around Mumbai that include the famous Mumbai street food, the dabbawallah delivery system and a socially responsible, sensitive Dharavi slum tour.
Where to Stay?
Colaba is the best area to stay, and a night in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (while quite expensive) is a once in a life time experience.
Another good spot in Colaba is the Ascot Hotel – more budget friendly prices, but still an excellent location.
How to get there?
Mumbai is a major airport in India and good airlines often have specials. Check out Singapore Airlines for regular specials.
Jodhpur
Why Go?
Dine with fantastic rood top views of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort and beautiful ‘Blue City’.
Head to the clock tower to try regional snack food favourites including the famous rich lassi, have lunch with a local village family and experience a delicious Rajasthani thali at Gypsy Dining Rooms.
Where to Stay?
But also consider Castle View Home Stay for an amazing view, very thoughtful and kind host and great prices.
How to get there?
Mumbai to Jodhpur return $186 Jet Airways (online booking).
Jaisalmer
Why Go?
Dine roof top on the massive, sandcastle-like fort that rises out of the desert, above this ‘Golden City’ and enjoy regional Rajasthani dishes in between visiting gorgeous havelis and perhaps enjoying a camel safari.
Where to Stay?
Gorgeous, well priced rooms with window seats, each a different colour and lovely roof top spot for drinks and breakfast.
How to get there?
Hire a good sized car (e.g. Toyata Innova) from one of the many car and diver businesses.
(About 4.5 hours from Jodhpur. Stop for a snack or lunch at Manvar Resort and Desert Safari Camp or Samsara Resort long the way).
Goa
Why Go?
A distinct Portuguese influenced cuisine in a setting of post colonial architecture featuring whitewashed churches and colourful villas as well as beautiful beaches.
Lunch at a spice plantation, visit local Mapusa market on a Friday and marvel at the lush greenery of rice paddies and coconut palms.
Where to Stay?
Anjuna
(home to the famous Wednesday Flea Market)
or Marbella Guest House (Candolim)
How to get there?
Mumbai to Goa return $152 Jet Airways (online booking).
Fine Eating 