India’s unmatched culinary diversity has once again earned global recognition. In the latest TasteAtlas ranking of the 100 Best Food Cities in the World, six Indian cities have secured prestigious spots, reaffirming India’s status as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations. Based on hundreds of thousands of global food ratings and reviews, the list celebrates cities known for iconic local dishes, legendary eateries, vibrant street food scenes and rich food heritage.
Mumbai Ranked 5th – India’s Highest-Ranked Food City
Mumbai has made India proud by securing an impressive 5th position globally, making it the highest-ranked Indian city and one of the few non-European cities in the global top 10. Often called the street food capital of India, Mumbai’s food scene thrives on bold flavours and affordability.
Must-try dishes:
Vada pav, pav bhaji, bhelpuri, ragda pattice, Bombay biryani
Iconic food spots:
Leopold Cafe, Ram Ashraya, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Nawab Saheb
Amritsar Ranked 48th – The Heart of Punjabi Cuisine
At 48th place, Amritsar stands out for its soul-satisfying Punjabi food, rich in butter, spices and tradition. The city is a haven for lovers of slow-cooked, hearty meals.
Must-try dishes:
Amritsari kulcha, dal makhani, sarson da saag, palak paneer, phirni
Famous eateries:
Kesar da Dhaba, Bharawan da Dhaba, Bade Bhai Ka Brothers
New Delhi Ranked 53rd – A Culinary Crossroads
India’s capital New Delhi ranks 53rd, offering a diverse food culture that ranges from street food to royal Mughlai delicacies.
Must-try dishes:
Butter chicken, chole bhature, aloo tikki, nihari, dal makhani
Popular restaurants:
Bukhara, Dum Pukht, Saravana Bhavan
Hyderabad Ranked 54th – Home of the Legendary Biryani
Hyderabad takes 54th place, famed for its Nizami culinary heritage and world-renowned biryani.
Must-try dishes:
Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, mirchi ka salan, rumali roti
Top food destinations:
Shah Ghouse Cafe, ITC Kohenur restaurants, Jewel of Nizam
Kolkata Ranked 73rd – East India’s Food Paradise
Kolkata, the City of Joy, ranks 73rd, known for its unique balance of savoury street food and iconic sweets.
Must-try dishes:
Kathi rolls, phuchka, chicken rolls, rasgulla, rosogolla
Famous eateries:
Allen’s Kitchen, Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar, Tamarind
Chennai Ranked 93rd – The Soul of South Indian Cuisine
Chennai rounds off the list at 93rd place, representing the timeless flavours of South India.
Must-try dishes:
Idli, dosa, sambar, Chicken 65, Madras curry, filter coffee
Popular food spots:
Annalakshmi, Peshawri, Shree Mithai
India’s Culinary Legacy Shines Globally
The inclusion of six Indian cities in TasteAtlas’ 100 Best Food Cities in the World is a testament to India’s deep-rooted food traditions and evolving dining culture. From humble street stalls to century-old restaurants, Indian cuisine continues to captivate food lovers across the globe—proving that India truly is a food lover’s paradise.