Agra is not only famous for its stunning architecture but also for its rich culinary heritage, deeply influenced by Mughal cuisine. Exploring Agra’s food scene offers a delicious blend of traditional Indian flavors and Mughal delicacies. Here’s a guide to what you must eat in Agra:

Petha Agra is synonymous with **petha**, a soft, translucent sweet made from ash gourd (white pumpkin). This delicacy comes in a variety of flavors, including **kesar (saffron)**, **paan (betel leaf)**, and **chocolate**. Petha is available in most sweet shops across the city, with **Panchi Petha** being the most famous brand to try. It’s light, mildly sweet, and a unique Agra specialty.

Mughlai Cuisine Agra’s Mughlai food is a must-try, with its rich, aromatic flavors and indulgent use of spices, nuts, and cream. The Mughal emperors brought this cuisine to Agra, and it continues to be a highlight of the city’s culinary offerings. Some iconic Mughlai dishes include: - Kebabs*: Juicy and tender, you can try a range of kebabs, such as **seekh kebab**, **shami kebab**, and **galouti kebab**. - Biryani: Fragrant rice cooked with marinated meat, spices, and saffron, served with raita. - Tandoori Chicken: Chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, cooked in a clay oven for a smoky flavor. - Murg Musallam: Whole chicken stuffed with minced meat and spices, roasted to perfection, a royal dish loved during Mughal feasts. For an authentic Mughlai meal, visit restaurants like **Pinch of Spice**, **Jahanpanah**, or **Esphahan** in the luxury hotel Oberoi Amarvilas.

Bedai and Jalebi For a classic North Indian breakfast in Agra, try **bedai** (or **bedmi puri**), a crispy, fried wheat bread served with a spicy potato curry. This is typically paired with **jalebi**, a sweet, deep-fried treat soaked in sugar syrup, providing a perfect balance of sweet and savory. You can find this popular breakfast combo in street-side stalls and local eateries like **Deviram Sweets**.

Dalmoth A savory snack that originated in Agra, **dalmoth** is a crunchy mixture of fried lentils, nuts, and spices. It’s spicy, tangy, and a great snack to munch on while sightseeing. Packaged dalmoth is also a popular souvenir to take home from Agra.

Paratha Head to the famous **Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar** to try delicious **parathas**, a type of flatbread stuffed with various fillings like potatoes, paneer (cottage cheese), or cauliflower, served with spicy pickles, yogurt, and chutney. This filling dish is a favorite for breakfast or lunch.

Tandoori Dishes Agra’s tandoori dishes are renowned for their smoky, chargrilled flavors. Whether it’s **tandoori chicken**, **paneer tikka**, or **tandoori roti**, these dishes cooked in a traditional clay oven are a culinary delight. You can find excellent tandoori food at both upscale restaurants and local eateries.

Bhalla Another savory snack to try is **bhalla**, made from mashed potatoes shaped into balls, deep-fried, and served with chutneys, curd, and spices. It's a delightful street food commonly found in local markets.

Kachori **Kachori** is a popular snack in Agra, a flaky, deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy lentil mixture or potatoes. It’s often served with chutney or spicy aloo sabzi (potato curry) and is perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.

Rabri A creamy, rich dessert made from condensed milk, **rabri** is flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts. This sweet treat is often enjoyed after a heavy meal and can be found in most local sweet shops. For the best rabri, head to **Chimman Lal Puri Wale**.

Eating in Agra is a culinary journey, offering a taste of the city’s Mughal heritage and local flavors, from savory street food to indulgent royal feasts.