A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Agra

Food… it’s such a crucial part of the Indian culture. Each city has its own unique flavor and Agra is no different. Yes, Taj Mahal and the other splendid architecture ventures are definitely worth the hype but you haven’t truly experienced Agra if you haven’t tried the food and local drinks here. It is a traveler’s paradise with life bustling at every corner and something inimitable at every turn.

To experience real Agra travel to the nook and corner of the congested streets of Sadar Bazaar where you can shop for local leather shoes while enjoying a plate of spicy treat called Bhallas or Aloo Tikkis. And most definitely don’t miss out on the variety of pethas from Panchhi Petha stores. There is so much to explore in Agra that it’s wisest to hire a cab so that you’ve the freedom to roam about and explore the city at your convenience. 

Elaborating on the convenience part; Agra though the streets are cramped and the roads are rugged but to witness Agra in its true sense in comfort of a car is the best means of transport. If you are travelling from Delhi then book a car through a reliable cab service from Delhi to Agra. With a rented car you can free yourself from the hassles of driving through the cramped streets and the long struggle to find parking etc. Avail a licensed Agra cab service and enjoy the streets of this alluring city. 

Coming to food, whether you’re fond of sweets or savory, Agra has something for you. 

For those with a sweet tooth – 

Try out the Panchhi Petha stores that offer you a vivid variety of flavors while ensuring the quality and hygiene. Also, you would be surprised with the flavors that they have on offer; ranging from kesar flavoured petha to paan flavoured and chocolate flavoured petha etc. Apart from petha you can also enjoy pipping hot Jalebis, a sticky sweet dessert that is often served with a nutty creamy rabdi. It is a delicacy that is served best… whenever you’re hungry! After all, there’s no specific time for desserts now; is there? For Jalebis try Deviram sweets and restaurant or check out Pratappura, Sadar Bazar and even Fatehabad road etc. as these markets have a lot of options for you to pick and choose from. 

Care for some hot and spicy? – 

If savory is the choice that you make then the most famous dish that Agra has on its menu is Bedmi Poori. It is a hot spicy stuffed crispy poori which is served with potato gravy. Deviram sweets and restaurant should be your go – to place for it. After tasting Bedmi Poori, indulge in gluttony at Rambabu Parantha Bhandar. If there’s one thing you could cheat on your diet for, it is these stuffed paranthas that are served with curd, chutney and various pickles. Another savory must try is Dalmoth. It is slightly sweet, little salty and very crunchy. This snack is a mixture of nuts, lentils and spices; and is a perfect option to enjoy an easy evening while sipping chai, coffee or beer. Its available all around but the most famous shops for Dalmoth are the Panchhi Petha stores. 

If you’re in Agra, Mughlai cuisine is not worth missing out on. Try Peshawri where you can get the authentic taste, be it Dal Bukhara, Sikandari Raan or Reshmi Kebabs. You can also try Hotel Jai Hind and restaurant at Sadar Bazaar or Park Restaurant. Lot of street vendors also serve Mughlai tikkas. In fact did you know Mughali food was introduced in Agra and then it reached the other cities? 

Drink up!

When you’re done with eating, head out for some fruit punch shakes served best at Sadar Bazaar while other markets as well have a few vendors. They are refreshing and have some really fancy combination of fruits. Go all out and experiment! While you are experimenting try the Sattu drink especially if you are visiting during the scorching summers. Sattu is Barley and it is considered to be an excellent way to energize and refresh oneself. 

Agra is populated, it’s a little rugged and overwhelming but the thing that you take back from here is that it is welcoming. The warmth of people here will steal your heart and where food is concerned, you’ll go weak in your knees when you taste it and crave for it when you head back home. Carry some back with you to satisfy your cravings… don’t say we didn’t warn you!