At the same time, the food habits vary so widely from one region to the other as is beyond the imagination of the westerners accustomed to more or less standard food choices. It is difficult to give a comprehensive description of Indian food and what the foreigner might expect because of the wide diversity referred to above. In the eastern region rice forms the staple diet. Fish and sweets are very common. Also avoid cut fruits and food which is not thoroughly cooked.
Tea is India's favorite drink and many of the varieties are enjoyed throughout the world.
Coffee is increasingly popular. There is a huge variety of excellent Indian beer. There is also good Indian-made gin, rum and brandy. Time Orientation Business establishments are open 10 to 5, Monday-Friday and 10 to 1 Saturday. Foreign banks open earlier and close at the same time or later.