Delhi is not just the capital city but is also the food capital of the nation as well. "When in Delhi, don't count your calories and stop watching your weight," says a foodie heart because the city offers a plethora of mouth-watering delicacies that you can't afford to miss. Be it the street food of the charismatic by-lanes of old Delhi or the age-old plush eating joints, Delhi has it all. Being the national capital of India, Delhi holds a significant position, culminating the cultural and culinary essence of all 29 states and 7 union territories. It houses state bhavans for each and every state, and almost every bhavan has a canteen serving the best of regional food.
The state bhavan canteens in Delhi serves the best of authentic regional food of various states and most of them are open to public as well. The following are the must-visit state bhavan restaurants in Delhi to bring out the various flavours of our diverse country.
(Also Read: 6 Dishes from Udupi Every South Indian Food Lover Must Try)
State Bhavan Restaurants In Delhi
1.Andhra Bhavan
Andhra Bhavan is one of the most famous canteens among all, serving traditional Andhra Food to the public for the past many years. It is usually over crowded, so make sure you reach early enough to make some space for yourself in the restaurant. It is a popular breakfast joint which serves some delectable puffed idlis, dosa, vada, sambhar and some soulful filter coffee as well. The canteen also serves some really good biryani, mutton fry, chicken fry, Andhra thali, chicken curry, prawn curry and more.
Where: 1,Ashoka Road, Near Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi
When: 8am - 10:30am, 12noon - 3pm, 7:30pm - 10pm
Cost for 2: Rs.300 (approx.)
2.Gujarat Bhavan
Do you like your food a little sweet? If yes, then you ought to be a Gujju by heart. Dhokla, Khichda, Gujrati Thali, Halwa and Kadhi are few of the best served Gujarat delicacies here. A simple yet homely ambience reflects the authenticity of the Gujarati culture.
Where: 11, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri
When: 8am - 10am, 12:30pm - 2:30pm, 7:30pm - 10pm
Cost for 2: Rs.400 (approx.)
3. Bijoli Grill, Banga Bhavan
Craving for some authentic Bengali food? Satiate your craving for Bengali food here at Bijoli Grill which offers a plethora of traditional Bengali dishes and is truly a heaven for all the Bengalis living away from their city of joy. Fish, Luchi, Thali, Kosha Mangsho, Mutton Kosha, Mishti Doi and Daab Chingri are the must-try dishes here.
Where: 3, Hailey Road, Barakhamba Road
When: 1pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm
Cost for 2: Rs. 800 (approx.)
4. Karnataka Food Centre
Though the place is always a bit crowded, especially on the weekends, you can always hit the restaurant to have a quick bite because it's really worth your both time and money. Filter Coffee, Thali, Mysore Masala Dosa, Vada Idli, Upma, and Uttapam are few of the most savoured delicacies here.
Where: Delhi Karnataka Sangh Building, R K Puram
When: 8am - 11pm
Cost for 2: Rs.450 (approx.)
5. Baankaahi, Assam Bhavan
Order some sterling Assamese food from Baankaahi and relish the nostalgic taste of Assam. Baankaahi was a canteen before but now, it has changed into a cult delivery-only restaurant which offers a variety of Assamese delicacies like Khar, Kharoli, Mati dal, Fish tenga and many more. Pork fry and fish thali is a must-try here.
Where: 1, Assam Bhavan, Sardar Patel Marg
When: 12noon - 10:30pm
Cost for 2- Rs.600 (approx.)
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6. Viva O' Viva, Goa Niwas
Goa Niwas is a casual dining restaurant known for its authentic and pocket-friendly Goan cuisine. The restaurant serves some really good sea food including Fish, Peri Peri Prawn, Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Xacuti, Prawn Balchao, Prawn Curry etc. The live music and courteous staff and of course, the traditional Goan food makes you stay here for long
Where: Goa Niwas, 14, Bir Tikendrajit Marg, Chankyapuri
When: 12:30pm - 3:30pm, 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Cost for 2: Rs. 1,000 (approx.)
7. Maharashtra Sadan
Craving for some authentic spicy Maharashtrian food? Head to Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi straightaway and gorge on some lip-smacking Vada Pav, Maharashtrian thali, Misal Pav, Poha, Puran Poli, and Kolhapuri Mutton, which are also the most loved dishes served here.
Where: Behind Baroda House, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, India Gate
When: 7am - 3pm, 7pm - 10pm
Price for two: Rs.300 (approx.)
8. Tamil Nadu House
Tamil Nadu House is a popular canteen, which serves the swathe of south-Indian and Chettinad cuisine. Their South Indian Thali consists of pooriyal, karakuzhambu, kootu, rasam, sambhar and paysam. Chicken Chettinad, Chicken Biryani, Chicken 65, and Parotta are also some must-try dishes here.
Where: Opposite Chanakya Theatre, Chanakyapuri
When: 7am - 11am, 12:30pm - 3:30pm, 7pm - 10pm
Cost for 2: Rs.600 (approx.)
9. Samridhi, Kerala House
If you are looking for something inexpensive and reasonably good at the same time, then this place is just perfect for you. Though it has a limited seating and is crowded most of the times, it won't ever disappoint you with the taste and quality of the authentic south-Indian food served here. Meat Fry, Chicken Curry, Fish Fry, Buttermilk and Biryani are the most loved and demanded dishes. Fish Fry, Chicken Curry and Malabar Paratha are available only in the evening here.
Where: 3, Jantar Mantar Road, Near Patel Chowk Metro Station, Janpath
When: 12:45pm - 3pm, 7pm - 9:30pm
Cost for 2: Rs.350 (approx.)
10. Jammu and Kashmir House
The rich aromatic Kashmiri delicacies served here at Jammu and Kashmir House will not only tantalise your taste buds but will also satiate your foodie soul. Mouth-watering Nadru Yakhni, spicy Rogan Josh, and flavoursome Waazwaan are the must-try dishes here. It's truly a heaven for a non-vegetarian; so next time you crave for some authentic yakhni pulao or rogan josh, head straight to the Jammu and Kashmir House.
Where: 9, Kautilya Marg, Chankyapuri
When: 12:30pm - 2pm, 7:30pm - 9pm
Cost for 2: Rs.500 (approx.)
11. The Potbelly, Bihar Niwas
This particular canteen has been given to a private restaurant chain to run which has proved to be of great help in attracting people. The Potbelly restaurant in Bihar Niwas offers authentic Bihari cuisine and is taking their food game to the next level with some interesting fusions. Liti Chokha, Aam Panna, Thali, Sattu Drink and Chicken Pakora are few of the most loved dishes here. The service is prompt and the staff is courteous. The lovely décor, cozy rooftop ambience and the delicious Bihari food presented in a fascinating manner makes this particular restaurant a hidden gem.
Where: Bihar Niwas, Plot 15, Behind Yashwant Place, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
When: 1pm - 11pm
Cost for two: Rs. 1,000 (approx.)
Satiate your appetite with true flavours of the regional delicacies in Delhi by heading to these amazing state bhavan restaurants/canteens, which are not only pocket-friendly but also serve some authentic, delectable food that you'll love.