What to eat South India? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Traditional restaurants are open, as in France, for lunch and dinner, often with a weekly closing day (or two). Some restaurants open only for lunch or dinner. In tourist towns and seaside resorts, restaurants are often open non-stop from morning to night.

Smaller restaurants generally do not accept credit cards, but some now accept payment via an application (GooglePay or other). Mid-range and high-end restaurants almost all accept credit cards.

In the mountains of the Western Ghats and in some tourist places, some places offer you to fill your water bottle for a small fee to avoid the proliferation of plastic bottles.

In big-city restaurants, be sure to check the price list, which will indicate whether government taxes (10%) and service (between 5 and 10%) are included in the price. The bill can sometimes climb very quickly!

Many travelers consider the cuisine of South India to be better than that of the North. The general view is that northern food is very spicy, while southern food is milder. This is not entirely true, as there is a wide variety of cuisines in the South: the central role of coconut in Kerala, the Portuguese influence in the cuisine of Goa, the Mughlai style of Hyderabad, the spicy cuisine of Chettinad, the mutton-based dishes of Madurai... The best meals often come at surprisingly low prices and, although not vegetarian, many travelers enjoy the countless vegetarian dishes on offer in restaurants. The thali, a complete meal traditionally served on a banana leaf and accompanied by rice as much as you like, allows you to sample a multitude in a single sitting. And don't hesitate to try the famous masala dosa, lentil pancakes with vegetables, especially potatoes: a simple dish, but much appreciated by Westerners... and Indians, who eat them for breakfast. The abundance of fish on the coast further enhances the choice at mealtimes, with the catch of the day sometimes displayed on a stall outside restaurants.

Beef. Although cows are sacred in India, it is still possible to find them on the menu of some restaurants, especially in Kerala, where beef is highly prized, even by Hindus. On a national scale, however, its consumption remains marginal, and beef is especially popular with Muslims.

Always eat with the right hand, the left being considered impure.

To avoid illness, avoid raw vegetables, which are often washed in dubious water, and unpeeled fruit.

Also avoid fruit juices cut with water (ask for them without ice or water), and ice creams sold on the street. Always wash your hands before and after every meal. By sparing your stomach, you'll enjoy India's delights all the more!

It's better to opt for typical local dishes rather than (so-called) continental ones. Many a tourist has fallen ill from a dish of pasta or pizza... Of course, this is not a general rule, but at least Indians know the secrets of a good thali or chicken tikka masala...

For fresh fruit juices, Indians often add sugar or salt; if you don't want any, please specify when ordering.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. Some restaurants have a smoking area, separated from the rest of the room. In the tourist areas and along the coast, it is possible to smoke on some open-air terraces. However, ask the waiter or use your common sense (presence of children or families nearby, etc.) before doing so.

Cafés are open during the day, closing in the late afternoon in small towns and in the late evening in large cities. Bars generally open in the late afternoon and close between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., depending on their authorization, which varies from state to state. In Goa, many bars and restaurants close at 2am, and some are open 24 hours a day.

Prices for an espresso or cappuccino in hotels or cafés are much the same as in France. That said, you're in the land of tea, so make the most of it! Prices are considerably lower in street stalls and other small shops.

Imported liqueurs are subject to high taxes, which makes local brands much more attractive.

In India, the legal age for buying and consuming alcohol varies from state to state. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. In reality, however, some establishments (notably in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, and in mid-range and top-of-the-range hotels) serve alcohol to young tourists.

Goa, Karnataka: the legal drinking and purchasing age is 18.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu: 21 years.

Maharashtra: 21 for beer and wine, 25 for hard liquor.

Kerala: 23 years.

It's impossible to visit the country without at least one taste of masala chai, the Indian tea made with milk and spices (ginger, cardamom, pepper, depending on the recipe)... Served piping hot in a small glass, clay or paper cup, it's usually enjoyed standing up, on the go.

Bars in cities and hotels are often the preserve of an exclusively male clientele, with almost no Indian women venturing in (with the exception of the "young" bars in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa...).

Children are obviously not welcome in bars. However, they are sometimes allowed in most restaurants serving alcohol.

Smoking is prohibited in public places. Smoking areas are available in some restaurants and bars. Smoking is tolerated in some bars and restaurants with open terraces in seaside resorts.