We have just returned from another fabulous tour of some of the most colourful cities in India.
We started our journey in Delhi, one of the fastest growing cities in the world. There is much history to see and learn dating back to 1000 BC.. It is a city of extremes in every way from Old Delhi to New Delhi. The city has a rich food culture a mixture of its long history and increasing influences of the world. We began with a meal at the best Indian restaurant you will eat in, Indian Accent. Beautfiul innovative fusion Indian food, like Duck Kurachan. Delicious moist shredded duck in a cornetto with herbed yoghurt and chilli chutney. Tandoori bacon prawns and meetha achaar spare ribs all just part of a tasting menu.
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| Duck Kurachan |
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| Cooking chips at the markets |
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| Budding chefs at The Oberoi |
We went from the sublime to the street food of Chandi Chowk in Old Delhi.
We wound our way through a diverse maze of streets procuring food from vendors whose families have been there for 5 generations. Delcious morsels of food that sell out before lunch. This is the everyday life of Delhi and an important part of our food tour. Julab Gaman, Parathas, dal Tarka Samosas mint and coriander chutneys to name a few. The lanes were interspersed with stores selling colourful jewellery, saris, ribbons and braids that are so cheap.
We enjoyed a fun few hours with the head chef of the Oberoi Gurgaon in a cooking class to finish our Delhi stay.
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| Carolyn and Prue also waiting to taste the results of the cooking class |
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| Chillies chillies and more chillies |
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| Your outfit must match your produce |
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| Happy Purple day at the markets |
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| Saying good bye at the Oberoi Udaipur |
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| Night street food |
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| reverence at the Shik temple Kitchen |
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| City Palace Udaipur |
On to Agra to view the Taj Mahal and sample street food of a different kind. Delicious, so inexpensive and freshly made, it sufficed for our evening meal. We were lucky enough to have another cooking class and tour of the Oberoi kitchens.
Jaipur the much loved capitol of Indias largest state and the gateway to Rajasthan. Forts and majestic temples , colour, energy and magic are all part of this amazing city
Cooking classes with Dr Smita ....... in her home. A tiny kitchen but we managed to have lots of input and dined on the rooftop overlooking Jaipur.
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| Block Printing Jaipur |
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| Fabulous colours of the street markets |
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| Afternoon boat ride Lake Pichola Udaipur |
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| Jan and Di waiting to eat after cooking class |
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| The girls at the palace in Udaipur |
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| Dr Smita and husband Manoj our wonderful hosts for cooking classes |
Spice classes in Udaipur were a relaxing way to finish our our trip after touring the food markets there. Beautifully presented produce that unbelievably sells out every day. Piles of colourful ground spices and simmering vats of oil to make chips. Saris hanging from windows and wide eyed children fascinated by the foreigners.
All of this eating is also broken by culture and of course shopping.
Carpets, jewellery, block prints from Jaipur, cashmere shawls and miniature paintings to name some of the purchases that we were lucky to make.
There is so much history to take in and so many sights to see. The people are wonderful,full of humour and eager to please.
The stunning Oberoi Hotels added to the experience. Palaces in themselves with staff that can't do enough for you. One could be forgiven for thinking they are a Maharani.
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| Very hard to swim in this pool Oberoi Agra |
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| Very happy with that relaxed cooking class |
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| Jan and our wonderful guide Ravi |
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| Hot afternoon class in Jaipur waiting for our food |
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| Mandy and Di enjoying their boat ride to dinner at Ambrai Udaipur |
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| Just a taste of the splendour of the Oberoi Udaivillas |
