In our first 24 hours in India, we explored the rich culture and cuisine, visiting historical sites and trying authentic Indian dishes. From the stunning tomb of a Mughal emperor to the vibrant streets filled with food vendors, we experienced the warmth of Indian hospitality and the diversity of its culinary offerings, including mutton brain curry and butter chicken. Join us as we recount our adventures and the flavors that captivated our taste buds.
We are on a mission to try and see all that India has to offer. In this series, we will be traveling through India, trying great food, and visiting amazing sites. If this interests you, be sure to tune in, like, and subscribe as we do what we do best: travel and eat.
After landing in India, finding our hotel, and finally getting some rest, we woke up ready to try breakfast at the hotel. This was just to save time before heading out on our first adventure of the day.
We hopped into a tuk tuk, a popular mode of transport in India, to visit a tomb of a past emperor. The ride was exciting, with a lot happening around us. A special thanks to Leah for navigating this experience. One thing to note is that you can use Uber in India, which made our ride to the tomb very affordable, costing us only about $1.
The tomb we were visiting was built for Emperor Humayun and is a significant tourist attraction. It was constructed in 1570 and is the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, predating the Taj Mahal by 85 years. The architecture is a beautiful blend of red sandstone and white marble, surrounded by smaller buildings and tombs for nobles. We enjoyed walking through the octagonal buildings, snapping photos, and learning about the history of this stunning site.
After exploring the tomb, we realized we were quite parched from all the walking. We noticed lime soda vendors everywhere, offering refreshing drinks for just 50 cents. They squeeze fresh limes into cups and mix them with soda, providing a quick and tasty way to cool down.
We then made our way down a street called Maratgali, looking for a restaurant we found on Google called Kareem's Restaurant. The street was bustling with shops and street food vendors, making it an exciting place to explore. However, we also encountered beggars and vendors, which is common in busy areas. It’s important to be cautious and not to give money in public, as it can attract a crowd.
Upon arriving at Kareem's, we were impressed by the atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in Mughal cuisine, which is a blend of various Indian cultures. We ordered several dishes, including goat curry with almonds and a variety of mutton dishes. The food was exceptional, and we were eager to dive into the flavors.
The mutton dishes we tried were rich in spices and flavors. One standout was the badam pas, a delicious curry with chopped mutton that was unlike anything we had tasted before. We also enjoyed a goat-filled flatbread, which was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The meal was complemented by a spicy green chili sauce that added an extra kick.
At the end of our meal, we were surprised with a mouth freshener made of sugar and aromatic spices, which was a delightful way to conclude our dining experience.
After our satisfying lunch, we needed a break and found a café called Blue Tokai, where we enjoyed a great cup of coffee. We rested for most of the afternoon before heading out for dinner at a place called Havmore Restaurant, recommended by locals.
At Havmore, Leah decided to try the classic butter chicken, while I opted for something adventurous: mutton brain curry. The restaurant served us traditional Northern Indian condiments, including a creamy mint chutney and crunchy pickled onions.
Leah's butter chicken was rich and creamy, full of flavor and comfort. My mutton brain curry was surprisingly tender and blended well with the spices, creating a unique and enjoyable dish. The naan we ordered was massive and seasoned perfectly, making it a great accompaniment to our curries.
Overall, our first day in India was filled with incredible experiences, from exploring historical sites to indulging in authentic Indian cuisine. We were amazed by the flavors and the warmth of Indian hospitality. As we plan for the next day, we look forward to more adventures and culinary delights, including a street food tour to experience even more of what India has to offer. Stay tuned for our next episode!
