Food & Cuisine in Agra
Food info sections | Eating locally
Food in Agra is heavily influenced by the rich, culinary traditions of the Mughal Empire. During the long period of Mughal rule, the Persian and Afghan traditions they brought into India mingled with local practices, giving rise to a completely unique cuisine. Agra also offers plenty of variety in other regional cuisines. For budget food, visit the Taj Ganj area.
While in Agra, try the endless varieties of hot kebabs, or the sweet petha - get ready to ask for more!
After you've spent hours shopping in Agra, check out our Agra restaurant guide below to find the best places for eating out in Agra. We also have general information for finding the best food in India.
Food & Cuisine in Agra
The meat dishes of north India owe their refinement to the introduction, by the Mughals, of lavish ingredients like cream, yoghurt, dry fruits and nuts to staple food. Agra is a paradise for meat lovers. The kebabs in particular are a gourmet's delight. These morsels of meat which are delicately flavoured with spices are either fried or baked in an earthen oven called the tandoor. There are several varieties of kebabs like boti kebab, seekh kebab, galouti kebab and malai kebab, made from lamb and chicken. Fish tikka (succulent pieces of fish marinated in spices and cooked in a tandoor) is a sought after delicacy.
Most authentic Mughlai dishes consist of thick gravies blended with milk, cream or yoghurt and sometimes garnished with nuts; these are eaten with varied forms of flatbreads such as naan, tandoori roti or parathas. In the big restaurants look out for mild and creamy kormas, pasandas which resemble steaks and are cooked in an almond gravy and koftas that melt in your mouth. Don't forget to try the tender tandoori chicken that comes in a hot, red colour (you can order a mild version, too!). A Mughlai meal in Agra is not one you will forget in a hurry.
Upmarket restaurants in Agra cater to international tastes, too. Several hotels in Agra serve beer. You can also quench your thirst with the cold, flavoured non-alcoholic drinks sold in several places in town.
Street Food in Agra
If you're feeling adventurous, drop in for a meal at a dhaba, the unassuming roadside shacks found in all north Indian cities which serve delicious, freshly cooked, piping hot food at unbelievably low prices. They are low on appearance, but guaranteed to flatter the taste buds. Especially for budget travellers, they're a wonderful alternative to the large restaurants in Agra. Many of these dhabas are exclusively vegetarian joints.
Chaat is street food that covers a variety of snack foods. They are made of chickpea or wheat flour, served with lashings of spicy, sweet and sour sauces, yoghurt and a choice of salads. You'll find them all over Agra. Every chaat shop is crowded, which speaks volumes for their immense popularity. Try the dahi bhalla (patties made of potatoes or pulses, served soaked in spiced yoghurt), golgappas or pani puri (small bite-sized fried shells filled with spiced potatoes and a thin, eye-watering sauce) or paneer tikka (chunks of Indian cottage cheese marinated and tandoor-baked to perfection). Other all-time favourites are samosas and kachoris.
Sweets in Agra
If you have a sweet tooth, you've picked the right destination to indulge yourself. There are more sweets here than can be consumed during a holiday. Agra is well known for its pethas - chunks of ash-gourd preserved in syrup. There's a dry, white version, while the syrupy, Angoori variety is yellow. Both are worth the dentists' bills.
Agra is awash in sweet shops and every outlet worth its name will sell mounds of these snacks. The Mecca of such snack food outlets is Double Phatak near Sikandra. For bhallas and pani puri, try Sadar Bazaar and Belagunj. Kinari Bazar is another popular area among locals for sweets and snacks.
North Indian Breakfast
Do not leave Agra without partaking of the sumptuous north Indian breakfast served in all restaurants in Agra. Typically, this consists of a choice of parathas (shallow-fried flatbreads), either plain or vegetable-stuffed and served with fiery hot pickle, chutney and yoghurt. End on a sweet note with jalebies that trail syrup. It's virtually breakfast and lunch rolled into one!
Agra is famous for the Mughlai cuisine as well continental and north Indian dishes. The restaurants in Agra are fantastic for a meal out. Some of the best restaurants in Agra are provided by major hotels in the city. Some popular restaurants of Agra are:
