Let’s be real—when Indians say, “Let’s go on a road trip,” what they really mean is:
“Let’s plan our route around legendary food joints and pretend it’s about the scenery.”
Here’s how it usually goes:
Step 1: The Research Isn’t About Roads, It’s About Rasam
“Bro, I found this dhaba 40 km off-route, but apparently their aloo paratha has been blessed by gods.”
Suddenly the 5-hour trip is now 8 hours long, because food detour toh banta hai.
We once did a 30 km detour in Maharastra just for Misal Pav. Worth it. No regrets. Full stomachs.
Step 2: Packing Snacks Like It’s a Space Mission
Chips, theplas, namkeen, cake rusk, dry fruits, and 5 different types of achaar…
Even before you hit the highway, someone’s already opened the dabba and said, “Bas ek bite le lo.”
Step 3: The Mandatory Tea Stop (x500)
Every 20 km: “Ek chai ho jaye?”
And if there’s bun maska or samosa, aur kya chahiye zindagi mein?
Step 4: Google Maps Becomes Zomato
You’re supposed to be checking directions but instead you’re reading reviews like:
“Paneer was soft. Washroom was clean. Would recommend.”
5 stars. Turn left.
Step 5: ‘That’ Famous Place Everyone Knows About
Arey bro, tum Ayodhya gaye and didn’t stop for that legendary kachori-jalebi combo near Hanuman Garhi? Cancel the trip. Every state has at least one joint that has achieved mythical status. You miss it—you’ve basically failed as a traveler.
Step 6: Food Photo Shoots That Delay Everyone
Nobody’s allowed to eat until the photographer gets the perfect shot of chai steam or biryani overhead drizzle.
Lighting, angles, aesthetic plate positioning—it’s a ritual.
Step 7: “Bas Light Khaana” Before Bed = Full Thali + Dessert
“Let’s eat light tonight” always turns into a mini feast. Butter naan, dal makhani, gulab jamun… and someone always says, “Yaar, thoda zyada ho gaya.”
Bonus: Return Trip Means Repeat Orders
On the way back, the same food stops are non-negotiable.
“Yeh toh tradition ban gaya hai yaar.”
Because in India, the journey is the destination—especially if that destination is a plate of hot jalebis at 7 AM from a roadside stall in some village you can’t pronounce but will never forget.
In the end, every Indian road trip is basically a food tour with a little sightseeing sprinkled in between meals.