What to Eat in India
There’ s more to Indian cuisine than curry. As a starter, order bhaji, fried onion fritters that you dip in mango chutney. The popular rice dish called biryani has many variants, but most often is made with marinated lamb or chicken, saffron, and spices like cardamon, coriander, and nutmeg. For a tasty snack, try chaat: fried bread or potatoes smothered in chili, yogurt, chickpeas, tamarind sauce, ginger, and spices. Can’ t make up your mind? Order a thaili, a set meal platter of from six to 20 dishes such as rice, papadum, curd, chapati, dal, meat or vegetable curries, sambar, pickles, and sweets. For dessert try kulfi, a popsicle-like sweet made from thickened milk and flavorings like mango, pistachio, rose, or cardamom.
11100 is the number to know in India
Traveling as a solo woman in India you will likely be an object of curiosity. But that’ s not necessarily a bad thing.... Other women may feel protective towards you, and take you under their wing. If you are feeling uncomfortable in a public place, find a group of local women, hover near them, and they will likely be engaging and helpful. Most people will be respectful, but you might encounter what Indians call“ Eve-teasing,” that is, catcalls or verbal harassment. If you feel threatened, dial 100— the emergency number for police that works all over India.
Traveler tip
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Check out the Fab India stores
Fab India stores are all over the place. They use Indian fabrics and accessories geared for the more modern lifestyle along with a western influence. They have everything: clothes, jewelry, and household items. I have bought their all-cotton hand-embroidered long kurtas to use as nightgowns. They are beautiful and very soft. Branches are all over( even at the airports), and my favorite ones are: 1. Khan Market Central Hall, Above Shop no. 20 and 21, New Delhi 110003; 2. Connaught Place Block A-1, Hamilton House, New Delhi 110001; 3. Greater Kailash( Main store) 14, N-Block Market, New Delhi 110048.
— Esther Perica, 29-time traveler, Arlington Heights, IL
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