One of the countless reasons to travel India is the rich array of food options the country offers. But knowing how to spot a “neat & clean” place to eat in India can sometimes make the difference between sleeping through the night, or being up all night. Restaurants, cafes, dhabas and food stalls can vary in appearance and cleanliness. Below are 5 criteria to look for and 5 pointers to help locate your next meal.

5 Criteria to use when searching for a place to eat

1. Outward appearance: Because locations across the country can differ from open fronts, glass front, walled fronts, etc., look for some basic things. Broken signs or glass are a red flag. Indians love to advertise their business so a location absent any signs or lettering is questionable. Awnings are usually relatively clean and free from rips. Glass fronts are clean, sidewalks are swept. In general, the place looks to be cared for. Even in the remote village of Nako, Himachal Pradesh, the Centerview Dhaba had a roadside sign and flags that signaled “this is the place to eat”.
 

2. Floors/tables/chairs: Indians love to turn their tables to maximize business so it’s rare to see a table with the last customer’s meal left behind for a long period of time. And although the table may not be sparkling, a good place is at least free from spills and noticeable messes. Stains on table clothes are to be expected. Floors should appear swept and/or washed yet don’t expect gleaming or you’ll never step outside of 5 star hotels.
 
 
 

3. Hand Washing Station/Toilet: Access to a hand washing sink is commonly found in the corner of most budget and mid-range cafes and dhabas. Restaurants located on the main highways and cities, or 5 star restaurants will have a western set-up with toilet facilities located away from the dining room. If the wash basin is around back by the toilets where they do the dishes and make the food, run don’t walk away from this place.
 
 
 

4. How busy is it?: Nobody wants to eat at an empty restaurant. If the place is like a desert, ask yourself first what time it is. Dining patterns mirror that of Europe’s such that Lunch and Dinner are taken much later than the USA. If a location is empty at 2:00 P.M. for lunch or 8:00 for Dinner, this may be a bad sign. Ask the staff what time they typically get busy as there may be a reason for lack of customers this particular time. Busy locations turn food faster which means fresh ingredients, less chance of being served something that has been lying around all day. And you know it’s good if the locals are eating there.
 

5. What’s on the Menu: Unless you’re traveling in a popular tourist spot with a heavy foreign presence, finding Italian or Mexican in a remote village would not be the wisest choice. If half of the menu is crossed off, that can be a red flag of a dying business which means the food quality may be low. Stick to a place that does one thing and one thing well. Locations that serve Indian, Continental and Chinese are generally mediocre. A South Indian restaurant in the Northern states can be sketchy as well as the opposite.
 
 

5 Suggestions to use when searching for a place to eat

6. Hotels can be your Friends: While it’s generally safe to assume hotels are a sure bet in almost every location, there are exceptions to this rule. Mid-Range and 5 star hotels appeal to foreign travelers as do their dining rooms. Food turnover is high, cleanliness is good and the location is usually near the city sights or activity. Mid-Range to Budget hotels in smaller towns sometimes are the only options depending on population. Check the above points to ensure an individual spot is best for your needs.
 
 

7. Highway Dhabas: Popular, clean, and tasty, these spots range from small mom and pop drive up with one or two tables to the mega-dhaba’s being built along the super highways. Seating for families, large groups or singles, menu choices are simple/ traditional which packs in the customers. On major tourist routes it’s common to see upscale dhabas sprouting out of the sand surrounded by palm trees, small ponds, ample parking and large, white tiled washing facilities with western toilets. Although sometimes a tad on the expensive side these are excellent choices for first time tourists or hungry travelers in a hurry.
 

8. Who’s advertising: Billboard signs clutter the road system of India so follow the advertisers. Any location with multiple signs leading you to their establishment has put money (successful business) into grabbing your attention.
 
 
 
 
 

9. Drivers know best: Yes it’s true, drivers commonly have agreements in place with local establishments along the routes they service. In exchange for bringing in paying guests the driver may get a free meal, place to sleep overnight or a cash bonus. But drivers have years of experience working with foreign clients which has allowed them to learn, very accurately, what foreigners like. With few exceptions they will point their guests or inquiring travelers to the best spots along the roads or in town. One can expect a neat and clean dining area, traditional menu with plenty of options and respectable toilet/washing facilities.
 

10. Guide books: As much as we would like to think we are the first to discover any particular city in India, travel writers have eaten their way through the country for decades. Why not turn to your trusty Lonely Planet, Frommer’s or Rough Guide for suggestions? While not always the most adventurous, their picks are a starting point to work from.