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India's culinary tradition has developed over many years, influenced by local customs, street snacks, and home-cooked meals. It features a mix of tastes that characterizes the nation. The array includes spicy snacks known as chaats, rich sauces, sweet desserts, and flavorful biryanis, demonstrating immense diversity that the world is beginning to appreciate. The recent TasteAtlas 2025-26 ranking of the 100 Best Food Cities highlights this: Indian food and its cities have become international sensations. Mumbai leads the pack by ranking 5th in the world for the second consecutive year. According to the latest TasteAtlas ranking, Mumbai holds the 5th position, making it the sole Indian city in the global top-10 list.
The city's well-loved street food, such as the zesty crunch of Bhelpuri, the creamy allure of Pav Bhaji, the simple delight of Vada Pav, the sweet satisfaction of Modak, and the nostalgic comfort of Ragda Pattice, have all contributed to its status as a renowned food destination. In addition to street food, TasteAtlas recommends several of Mumbai's famous traditional eateries, including Ram Ashraya, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Cafe Madras, Nawab Saheb, and Baba Falooda, for those wanting to experience the city's rich culinary history. Therefore, whether you are a visitor exploring the shores of Mumbai or a resident seeking a late-night bite, this ranking emphasizes that the city's food scene is lively, dynamic, and recognized worldwide.
It's not only Mumbai. The TasteAtlas ranking features five other cities in India, each with a distinct food culture influenced by local tastes and traditional recipes.
Amritsar — 48th place: Famous for its rich Punjabi dishes, Amritsar has popular meals like Amritsari Kulcha, Palak Paneer, Dal Makhani, Sarson ka Saag, and the sweet treat Phirni. Notable traditional eateries such as Kesar da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba, Bade Bhai ka Brothers Dhaba, Crystal Restaurant, and Pehelwan Kulcha continue to attract food enthusiasts looking for authentic, buttery Punjabi cuisine.
New Delhi — 53rd place: The capital is well-known for its North Indian favorites like Dal Makhani, Murgh Makhani (Butter chicken), crispy pakoras, Chole Bhature, and the classic dessert Gulab Jamun. If you're dining out, consider places like Dum Pukht, Saravana Bhavan, Bukhara, Naivedyam, and The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe.
Hyderabad — 54th place: Hyderabad offers rich flavors from the Nizami period with dishes such as Hyderabadi Biryani, Pesara Dosa, spicy Chicken 65, Haleem, and Karachi biscuits. Well-known spots include Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant, Karachi Bakery, ITC Kohenur, Jewel of Nizam, and Dakshin, which help preserve the city's culinary traditions.
Kolkata — 73rd place: From sweet dishes like Rasgulla, Roshmalai, and Sandesh to the popular street-food item Kathi Roll and the creamy treat Mishti Doi, Kolkata showcases a blend of sweet and savory flavors. Favorite old eateries include Tamarind, Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar, Allen's Kitchen, Peter Cat, and Lakshmi Narayan Shaw & Son.
Chennai — 93rd place: The southern Indian city is a favorite worldwide for its staples like Dosa, Idli, filling Chicken 65, soft Rumali Roti, and comforting Sambar. Popular establishments include Annalakshmi, Peshawri, Bombay Lassi, Shree Mithai, and Smith Field Bakery.
According to TasteAtlas, the top four spots in the global 100 Best Food Cities list belong to Italian cities. Naples is in the first position, Milan is second, Bologna is third, and Florence is fourth.
