When we say India, we don’t mean Mumbai or Chennai or Kolkata or even the national Capital, Delhi. The five alphabets refer to the entire 3.3 million square kilometers that represent the country, they refer to the 29 states and 7 union territories, and most of all they refer to the diverse and vibrant mix of cultures brought together by over 1.3 billion people.
We’ll give you a moment to take all that in.
Similarly, when we say ‘Indian food’, we are not suggesting just dal, roti, naan, samosa (not Indian, by the way), butter chicken, idli, and dosa, because those two little words encompass a multitude of dishes categorised under a number of sub-cuisines, which you need to try at least once to really be able to say that you’ve had “Indian food”. Lucky for you, we’ve made that task a tad easier by putting together a state-wise bucket list of all the places in Delhi that serve up a Pan-Indian fare. Check it out!
1, Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, Delhi-01 | 011 23382031
The canteen at Andhra Bhavan offers authentic Andhra-style food for prices that’ll take you back to the days of Doordarshan. The meals are set for breakfast, lunch and dinner but one must order the non-vegetarian side dishes like chicken fry and mutton curry.
A291, Okhla Phase 1, Delhi | +91 8527666683
Binge out on juicy kebabs, top-notch biryanis, smoky tandoori breads and other mouthwatering Hyderabadi delicacies.
Dilli Haat, INA, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi
Stuff yourself with spiced up Arunachali food at Dilli Haat’s Momo Mia. Stuff yourself with delicious bamboo shoot gravies and wash it down with chilled root beer.
D 28, Near Sapna Cinemas, Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar 4, New Delhi-24 | +91 9654195176
A humble restaurant in the Amar colony market of New Delhi, Gharua Exaj scores high on the food, service and quality.
S 20, Near Uphaar Cinema, Green Park Extension Market, Green Park, Delhi-16 | +91 8447963810; 011 65544411
If you are looking for authentic and delicious Northeastern food, try Rosang Soul Food. It is a cozy little restaurant with sufficient amount of space and snug seating arrangements. The place serves Assamese and Naga cuisine.
116 C, 4th Floor, Shahpur Jat, Delhi-49 | 011 41612048
This café has become synonymous with delicious Bihari food. They are pioneers in serving classic Bihari dishes with finesse. Apart from serving Litti Chokha, they also have other traditionally prepared Bihari delicacies like Sattu Cooler, Chaaps and Maher.
H 15, Vikas Marg, Metro Pillar – 37, Laxmi Nagar | +91 9310225681
Many Litti lovers in the locale frequent this modest eating joint. The delicious and crispy Littis are fried till they are of a beautiful golden brown, stuffed with spiced up Sattu and can be complemented with the authentic Chokha, made of Aloo (potato) and Baingan (eggplant).
Chhattarpur, New Delhi | +91 9311344404
Allow yourself a bite of authentic Goan cuisine complete with rich prawn curries, Xacuti and Vindaloo.
Goa Niwas, 14 Bir Tikendrajit Marg, Behind Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 | 011 26118370; 011 26118370
A representative of Goa in the Capital, the state bhavan is known for its great Goan cuisine and Sea Food. It has a modest décor with local Goan music in the background. Do try their Stuffed Whole Chilli Crab and Sea fish Curry.
15 A /56, Ajmal Khan Road, Opposite Lane To Roopak Store, Karol Bagh, Delhi-05 | 011 45000255
Located in the heart of the city, Suruchi is the most popular destination for Gujarati food lovers. Serving authentic regional specialties with a homely feel and flavor, the food here is sure to tickle your taste buds.
310/311, 3rd Floor, The Great India Place Mall, Sector 38 A, Noida-201301 | +91 9711996557; +91 7428412126
Big steel plates loaded with Gujarati delicacies; Thaal Vaadi stays true to its name. Serving balanced and nourishing Gujju food in the typical sweet and sour flavors, this place is crowded with Gujaratis and foodies.
12&13, Ground Floor, Ansal Plaza Mall, Palam Vihar, Gurgaon-122017 | 011 33105122
Dine like a true Haryanvi at Tau’s Café with their filling thalis, parathas and lassis.
2nd Floor, 50-A, Hauz Khas Village, Delhi-16 | 011 40678649; 011 41027746
Enjoy a generous share of food that’ll take you to the hills instantly. Devour the juicy momos, and clear thukpa along with food that traces back to Nepal and Tibet.
2nd Floor, Shop 18, Inner Lane, Khan Market, Delhi-03 | 011 33105984
A new addition to the Kashmiri food scene in Delhi, Café Illuminatii serves up delicious Kashmiri food with a hint of contemporary.
The Grand New Delhi, Phase II, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, Delhi-70 | 011 26771234; 011 26705410
Caraway is a classy restaurant that will surprise you with its finger-licking good Kashmiri cuisine. The perfect place to entertain your friends, family, and business associates in a laid-back atmosphere.
Dilli Haat, INA, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi
The Jharkhand Food Stall has a lot to offer to those who love food from Bihar. Jharkhand might have been declared a different state from Bihar but the newly laid border hasn’t been able to do much to disintegrate the food of these two regions. The stall does a delicious Madhwa Roti Saag.
Delhi Karnataka Sangh Building, Sector 12, R K Puram, Delhi-57 | 011 26187357
A budget loving spot for South Indian lovers, the Karnataka Food Centre is a simple place but with excellent food. When here, one must have the Mysore Masala Dosa.
Ground Floor, India Mall, Community Centre, New Friends Colony, Delhi | +91 8802222889
Visit the place whenever you desire simple yet impeccable South Indian food. Some of their best preparations include the Rava Masala Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath and refreshing Butter Milk.
H 2, Second Floor & Third Floor, Above Ogaan, Hauz Khas Village, Delhi-16 | 011 33105045
Dive into your plate on all twos when you dine at the Coast Café. With a beautiful view of Hauz Khas village, the place serves up delicious delicacies from Kerala along with continental grubs.
73, Khan Market, New Delhi-03 | +91 9810877701
The menu is loaded with Parsi, Irani and Bombay’s characteristic food items like the Shrewsbury Biscuit, Irani Chai and the state’s signature Vada Pav. If you ever do manage to make it past the awesome starters, do try the Bohra Keema Pav and Eggs Kejriwal (named after Mr. Devi Prasad Kejriwal and not whom you are thinking of).
Culture Gully – KOD, Great Indian Nautanki Company Ltd., Auditorium Complex, Sector 29, Gurgaon-122002 I 0124 4528000
Shaped in the form of an actual local train, The Mumbai stall in Kingdom of Dreams offers traditional savories from the region like Puran Poli with Shrikhand, Mutton Keema Pav, Kanda Bhajia and Maska Pav Bhaji. *profuse drooling*
E 22, 3rd Floor, Main Market, Hauz Khas, Delhi-16 | +91 8447703774; 011 26516958
Get a feel of authentic Naga cuisine at the Tribal Kitchen. Located in The Village, Dzukou does up some delicious pork items which you can accompany with their wide range of chutneys.
30, 2nd Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi-16 | +91 9650611933; 011 41641687
Treat yourself to a sumptuous Odiya meal at Mandaa. The menu is a delicious balance between fresh greens and meaty seafood.
T-305, 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-70 | 011 40870001; 011 40870002
A true Dilliwala doesn’t need an introduction to this restaurant. One of the best places to dip your fingers in butter chicken and garlic naan, the place also whips up some sinful desserts.
6, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi-03 | 011 23388836; 011 23388839
Go berserk over the innumerable tandoori and tikka options and wash it down with a strong Patiala peg.
30 B, F Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi-01 | 011 47675702
This is how the Punjabis do classy. A high-end restaurant, ‘Quickie; offers an array of North Indian grubs.
15 A /56, Ajmal Khan Road, Opposite Lane To Roopak Store, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-05 | 011 45000255
Situated in West Delhi, Suruchi is a restaurant chain loved for the authentic dishes served here – Rajasthani being one of them.
35, Defence Colony Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi-24 | 011 33105408
Their menu is exhaustive but dishes that must not be missed are the Rajasthani Kachori, Mirchi Pakoda, Aloo Shekhawati and Paneer Ganderi.
180, Tibetan Old Camp, Majnu ka Tila, Delhi | 011 23817714 011 65028944
Gorge at decadent dumplings that are also available in (ahem) beef options at this popular restaurant in the Tibetan Old Camp. That said, do not miss out on their other delicacies like the stir-fried paytsai and moon fan rice.
18, Defence Colony Market, Defence Colony, Delhi-24 | 011 24333658
Sagar Ratna never fails to impress with its quick service and authentic pure vegetarian food. Diners must order the Rava Idli, Uttapam and Rava Masala Dosa.
Shop 1, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi-16 | 011 26960426
Load up on the authentic Tamil fare at Naivedyam complete with rice dosas, rava dosas, rasam rice and, of course, payasam.
A-208, Supermart 1, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon | +91 9910035805; +91 9910035806
Dine like a royal at Kitchen of Awadh with their rich Awadhi kebabs (yes, galouti and kakori too) and some mouthwatering biryanis.
Crowne Plaza, Twin District Centre, Sector 10, Rohini, New Delhi | 011 33107571
Feast at this five star restaurant that offers the royal cuisine of Uttar Pradesh complete with meaty kebabs, biryani, dal tadka with an addition of typical home-style food.
Unit #2, 1st Floor, Aravali Shopping Complex, Alaknanda, New Delhi-19 | 088003 48633
Nestled in a cozy nook of the Alaknanda market, City of Joy is another Bengali restaurant that focuses on food alone. Their décor is simple and their service is quick.
Ground Floor, International Trade Tower, E-Block, Lala Lajpat Rai Rd, Nehru Place, Delhi-19 | 011 3040 2415
Oh! Calcutta platforms the very best of Bengali cuisine. The dishes served here are authentic and their service is flawless.
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