28 Restaurants That Serve Indian Food Just The Way We Like It

Source: NatGeoTraveller

NGT staff picks their favourite desi meals worth travelling for.

Get to know the Masked Madrasi at Please Don’t Tell, Mumbai. Photo courtesy Please Don’t Tell

Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Not technically a restaurant but one of the most popular khau gallis (street food stalls) in the city, Manek Chowk comes alive after hours. A vegetable and jewellery market by day, the foodies of the city flock to Old Ahmedabad for some great variety of food. The story behind the place is interesting. Though I couldn’t find a written record, the local vendors told me that the semi-circular area is home to some of the oldest jewellery stores in the city. Since the area was a security risk at night, the enterprising owners started a few food stalls that functioned until late at night so that there was always some activity around the store. A few stalls became many, then restaurants followed and soon Manek Chowk emerged as the place to go for a late night meal. Among other things, try the buttery Gwalior dosa (a heart attack on a plate, mind you), pav bhaji and chocolate sandwiches. Manek Chowk, Khadia, Ahmedabad.

-Sejal Mehta, Web Editor

Handi Restaurant, Jaipur

Don’t underestimate the laal maas after your first bite. I did. The spice hits you about a minute later. But it’s an addictive sort of spice that will have you scarfing down the red gravy and succulent mutton along with bajra roti. Ignore the smug waiters who’ll keep refilling your water glass – you’ll be grateful for them after you’re done. Maya Mansion, Opposite GPO, MI Road, Jaipur (0141-4028436).

-Fabiola Monteiro, Web Features Writer

Chokelao Mahal Terrace, Jodhpur

Mehran Terrace rustles up a good Rajasthani thali, but more than anything, I love the spectacular location – sitting under the open sky on the terrace of Mehrangarh Fort, with the city of Jodhpur below you. Mehrangarh Fort, Fateh Pol Road, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (+0291-2549790).

-Niloufer Venkataraman, Editor-In-Chief

Golden Temple, Amritsar

After your morning darshan at the temple, don’t miss the free chai prepared at the langar or community kitchen. I’m not sure if it’s the gud (jaggery) or the elaichi they add to it, but whatever it is, it’s the best chai I’ve ever had. Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab.

-Diviya Mehra, Art Director

Surjit, Amritsar

This dhaba within the main city is known for its tandoori chicken. It’s served as a whole chicken and is freshly prepared. While you are in Amritsar, also visit Makhan for their fish, and head to Lawrence road for aam papad – ask for the guy whose address is “peepal ke ped ke neeche (beneath the peepal tree)”. Ground Floor, Nehru Shopping Complex, Lawrence Road, Joshi Colony, Amritsar, Punjab (0183-3294334).

-Diviya Mehra, Art Director

Ahdoo’s Hotel, Srinagar

Ahdoo’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Srinagar. Go early by around 7.30-8pm, as their food gets over fairly quickly. The Mughal decor of the restaurant takes their authentic wazwaan (traditional Kashmiri feast) a step further. I went back twice in two days, that’s how good their food is. Ahdoo’s Hotel, Residency Road, Srinagar, Kashmir (0194-2472593).

-Diviya Mehra, Art Director

Laxman Da Dhaba, Delhi

Popularly known as IIFT Dhaba, because of its proximity to the university, this is a perfect place for a dinner out on an amazing Delhi winter night. Expect a couple of chairs, tables, and a staff that delivers at the speed of light. Sit out under the stars, with steaming aloo, mooli, gobi parathas and hot chai. Opposite IIFT, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi (+91-9818967110).

-Sejal Mehta, Web Editor

Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala, Delhi

Fried, lentil-stuffed balls dunked in tangy yoghurt – don’t leave the capital without gobbling up the famous dahi bhalla at this popular chaat shop. Chandni Chowk Road, Maliwara Tihara Bazaar, Katra Dhulia, New Delhi (+91-98211208811).

-Neha Dara, Deputy Editor

Rosang Soul Food, Delhi

Delhi’s restaurant scene is the most vibrant in the country. Korean, Kannadiga, Japanese, Bihari, new-age Indian, and, my personal sweet spot, Northeastern cuisine—they all find a place and faithful following in the capital. I eat out as much as possible when I’m visiting, always looking for a different regional cuisine to try out, but I always make time for one meal at Rosang Cafe. The Green Park restaurant puts cuisine from Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and the other seven-sister states in the spotlight. Their dohneiihong (pork belly cooked in black sesame paste) is spectacular as is their kol posola (banana trunk curry) and voksa rep chhum (smoked pork and mustard leaves) with purple wild rice. Ask for the specials: they often have snail curry and boar barbecue, although they do not advertise it. S 20, Near Uphaar Cinema, Green Park Extension Market, Green Park (011- 33106210).

-Neha Sumitran, Senior Editor

Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba, Murthal

The buttery, aloo pyaaz paratha at Sukhdev Dhaba near Murthal will keep you coming back for more. G.T. Road, Murthal, Haryana (+91-8607610002).

-Neha Dara, Deputy Editor

Neugal Cafe, Palampur

Perched on a small knoll overlooking the Dhauladhars, the café near the Palamapur main market is the No. 1 local recommendation for tourists. Take your cup of Kangra tea out on to the hill and watch the Neugal stream gurgle by. The food is strictly average, but it’s the views that are really nourishing. Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

-Karanjeet Kaur, Chief Senior Editor

Peter Cat, Kolkata

If you have ever dreamt of a gastronomic exploration of the world’s best cuisines, you were probably on a food pilgrimage in the City of Joy, Kolkata. Whether you wish to savour authentic Bengali cuisine or indulge in the Chinese offerings at Chinatown, whether you yearn for unrivalled street food or you want to walk into a dizzying assortment of confections at a celebrated sweet shop, Kolkata truly delivers the taste of travel. The grandeur of the Colonial era may have been taken over by lounges and new-age bars, but the vintage charm has been kept alive in the heart of the city especially at this incredibly popular Kolkata Restaurant Peter Cat. This Park Street joint is best known for its legendary Iranian style chelo kebabs (barbequed fingers of spiced, ground-lamb or vegetable mash). These special kebabs available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are prepared in rare spices blended with Persian herbs and served on a bed of rice with butter and egg. The perfect accompaniment to this meal is a glass of Bloody Mary while the best finish to it is a portion of pineapple melba or meringue with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce.18 A, Park Street, Kolkata (033-22298841).

-Ritika Basu, Business Manager

Sonar Tori, Raichak

A meal at Sonar Tori is like a step back in time as you feast on a traditional Bengali thali in a structure that resembles a zamindar’s house, right down to the stacks of revenue forms. It’s hard not to break into a sweat as you work your way through the mounds of rice and bowls of curries and dals. But you’ll leave a very satisfied customer. Sonar Tori, Ganga Kutir, Raichak-On-Ganges, West Bengal (031-74275632).

-Kamakshi Ayyar, Web Features Writer

Grand Sweets, Chennai

If you like nibbling on munchies with your afternoon chai, make sure you visit Grand Sweets in Chennai for their south Indian snacks. The murukku items like thattai are especially addictive – it’s one of the closest thing you’ll get to a Tamilian granny’s own cooking. No.24, 2nd Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai (044-24914213). You can also place your orders on +91-8939993372.

-Kamakshi Ayyar, Web Features Writer

Hotel de l’Orient, Puducherry

This Neemrana property is beautiful by day and prettier by night, with candle-lit tables under a starry sky. Tuck into the Creole and Pondicherry preparations that are a curious, tantalising blend of influences in the former French colony of Pondicherry. We couldn’t get enough of the Creole chicken curry in cashew sauce and the Creole tamarind fish curry. It’s a meal worth lingering over, in keeping with the easeful, leisurely way of life in this balmy seaside city. 17 Rue Romain Rolland, White Town, Puducherry (0413-2343067).

-Saumya Ancheri, Assistant Web Editor

Mum’s Kitchen, Goa

Vindaloo, balchao, cafreal, xacuti – who better to steal your heart through your stomach than a Goan mama? The restaurant serves up an irresistible culinary spread based on traditional recipes procured from Goan Hindu and Catholic mothers. Ask the friendly waiters to help you order; try the keel khatkhatem (bamboo shoot curry) and the pork sorpotel. This local delight is open all year round. 854, Martins Building, Dayanand Bandodkar Street, Panaji, Goa (+91-9822175559).

-Saumya Ancheri, Assistant Web Editor

Star Bar and Restaurant, Goa

A visit to Goa demands a lunch at Star Bar, a tiny local joint by the Mandovi river. En route to old Goa, it’s kind of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot on the Panjim-Belgaum Road. Once you find it (keep an eye out for a “Star Bar” sign on the left side of the road if you’re coming from Panaji), opt to sit outside. The fried tiger prawns are a must-have as well as their shinane (mussels) – both go wonderfully well with beer. For another course, have their fish curry and rice. Don’t forget to toss your seafood scraps to the floor for the cats lazing around. Near Navelcar Hill City, National Highway 4A, Tiswadi, Goa. For more accurate directions, follow Google Maps here.

-Fabiola Monteiro, Web Features Writer

Atithi Bamboo, Malvan

Atithi Bamboo is a simple establishment with bright yellow walls, two dozen Formica tables and chairs, and a large poster featuring pictures of various fish along with their English and Marathi names. Offerings range from rawa-fried sardines, mackerel, king fish, and pomfret to lobster, shrimp, crabs, clams, and rock oysters in a rich coconut-flecked masala. A generous portion of tisriya masala (clams) costs as little as ?60. So does a slab of surmai the size of a quarter plate. A kekda (crab) thali will set you back a princely sum of ?110. As the proprietor of Malvan Kinara in Dadar says, “The taste of the fish in Sindhudurg is something else.” You’ll be inclined to agree, especially after a meal at this local institution. Maghi Ganesh Chowk, Rosary Church Shejari, Malvan, Maharashtra.

-Neha Sumitra, Senior Editor

Brittannia & Co., Mumbai

Established in 1924, this legendary Parsi restaurant run by the lovable nonagenarian, Boman Kohinoor, has ensconced itself deep in the hearts of its patrons. We never tire of the rich berry pulav, bursting with the unforgettable tang of chicken or mutton pieces, kebabs, cashews, fried onions, and tart zereshk berries. Make space for the delectable patra ni machchi, sali boti and chicken cutlets, all best washed down with Duke’s raspberry soda and rounded off with caramel custard. Wakefield House, 11 Sprott Road, Ballard Estate, opposite Old Custom’s House (2261-5264). 

-Saumya Ancheri, Assistant Web Editor

ITC Maratha, Mumbai

I like both Peshawri and Peshwa Pavillion at ITC Maratha. Although Peshwa Pavillion is a 24-hour coffee shop, I have found it to have outstanding food whenever I’ve gone and it’s a great spot to hang with friends, especially if someone is passing through town and you want to meet for a meal near the airport. At Peshawri, I’m not too excited by the decor or seating, but the Peshawari raan, malai murgh, paneer tikka and dal bukhara are all fabulous. Sahar, Andheri (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra (022-28303030).

-Niloufer Venkataraman, Editor-In-Chief

Mahesh Lunch Home, Mumbai

I have a soft spot for Mahesh Lunch Home at Fort. Their tandoori rawas, pomfret green masala, prawn pulao, and superb chicken stew (which you normally wouldn’t order in a fish place but theirs is just yum). 8 B, Cawasji Patel Street, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra (022-22870938).

Niloufer Venkataraman, Editor-In-Chief

A Rama Nayak Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding, Mumbai

This Udipi institution dishes out a healthy thali to cherish, with vegetarian curries, chapattis, red rice, buttermilk, papad and pickles served on a banana leaf, with a payasam of the day, and kesari shrikhand for a lasting sweet finish. LBS Market Building, First Floor, outside Matunga Central Railway station, Matunga (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra (022-24142422).  

-Neha Dara, Deputy Editor

Mee Marathi, Mumbai

A small eatery tucked away in Vile Parle East, Mee Marathi serves some of the best Maharashtrian fare in the city. The place is basic, simple and there isn’t space for too many tables, so be prepared to wait for your turn or parcel away your meal. But it is completely worth the wait. Try the delicious thalipeeth served with white butter and chutney, fresh misal pav, sabudana wada, varan bhaat and wash it down with fresh chaas. The service is incredible, they’re delighted when they know you’re enjoying their food (which you will) so tell them so. 5, Alfa Apartment, Shree Parleshwer Road, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai (022-26134636). 

-Sejal Mehta, Web Editor

Please Don’t Tell, Mumbai

When I visited this new bar one night after work, the food was the biggest surprise. The menu isn’t your usual bar list. The sambhar risotto, titled the Masked Madrasi, is absolutely yummy; I hadn’t had anything like it before. Their whisky sour, which had a smack of sugarcane, is also delicious. Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai (022-30151399).

-Diviya Mehra, Art Director

Sardar Pav Bhaji, Mumbai

Everyone has their favourite pavbhajiwalla but my vote goes hand’s down to Sardar for the best pav bhaji in the city. The restaurant isn’t the cleanest but more than makes up for that with its flavourful bhaji that comes swimming in about 2cms of melted, golden Amul butter. Forget your dietary restrictions and prepare for a meal you’re unlikely to forget soon. Tardeo Road Junction, Opposite Bus Depot, Tardeo, Mumbai (022-23530208).

-Kamakshi Ayyar, Web Features Writer

Shree Thaker Bhojanalaya, Mumbai

Heaven tastes like Thaker’s, a grateful visitor once told me after being introduced to this Gujarati bastion. Their large, shiny thalis, accompanied by buttermilk, are endlessly filled with farsan, khichiya, chutneys, veggies, and a range of dals, rotis and rice preparations good enough to win over non-vegetarians and make you forget about photographing your food. Arrive early to grab a table, dressed in your loosest clothes and prepared to roll your way out. In the summer, Thaker’s serves bowls of arguably the best aam ras (mango pulp) in the city. 31, Dadiseth Agiary Lane, off Kalbadevi Road, Kalbadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra (022-2206-9916). 

-Saumya Ancheri, Assistant Web Editor

Soam, Mumbai

I love Soam not just for the fact that I can have hygienic sugarcane juice, but for almost everything on the menu and for the seasonal specials. I love Gujarati food and this is as good as it gets, in my opinion. Ground Floor, Sadguru Sadan, Opposite Babulnath Temple, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra (022-23698080).

-Niloufer Venkataraman, Editor-In-Chief

Valibhai Payawala, Mumbai

Mumbai’s khau gallis offer a masterclass in nose-to-tail cooking. The rickety stalls that line the streets of Bohri Mohalla in south Mumbai offer stewed trotters, liver kebabs, masala-smacked chicken gizzards, and rolls stuffed with creamy goat brains—not for the weak of stomach. 45 Gujar Street, Bohri Mohalla (23459994). Daily breakfast 5-9am, dinner 6.30-10.30pm.

-Neha Sumitran, Senior Editor