Nobody can deny that Indian cuisine, like its culture and tradition, is diverse. Every region of the country has something unique and distinct to offer, elevating the country's food culture to a global level. Packed with a variety of flavourful ingredients and spices- no one can resist Indian food. However, when it comes to enjoying the authentic taste of the country, there are a few immensely-loved restaurants in India that have been serving us for decades. Even though there is no shortage of Indian food joints and restaurants, these iconic restaurants, which date back to the pre-independence era, will provide you with the traditional flavours of Indian cuisine. The desire for great food is universal, but India is known throughout the world for taking its food very seriously.
These oldest cafes and restaurants in India may have expanded commercially by opening chains all over the country, but something about their history is magical, and it just might make you fall in love with them. So, if you wish to enjoy that original taste, you have to check out these restaurants in India!
Also Read: 7 Delhi-Based Eateries Since Pre-Independence Era That Are Still Going Strong
Here're 7 Pre-Independence Era Eateries In India You Must Try:
1.Karim's, Delhi
Karim's, founded by Haji Kareemuddin in 1913, has become a byword for delicious Mughlai food. Many 5-star restaurants have featured the cuisine of the emperors, but you'll keep returning to Karim's for its opulent Nihari for breakfast that was cooked all night, the extremely rich Badam Pasanda, Paya, and the Chicken Jehangiri. Karim's started as a tiny shop in Galli Kababian in Jama Masjid and has since expanded to several locations.
- Where: Multiple Outlets
- Price For Two: INR 1000 (Approx.)
2. Tunday Kababi, Lucknow
117 years and counting! In 1905, Haji Murad Ali opened a shop called 'Tunday Kababy' in Lucknow's Chowk area. This restaurant is known for its exquisite tunday kebabs and perfectly cooked meat dishes. The secret recipe for making tunday kabab reportedly contains 160 different spices. The recipe is passed down from generation to generation.
- Where: Khayali Ganj Naaz Cinema Road Aminabad, Lucknow.
- Price For Two: INR 500 (Approx.)
3.Indian Coffee House, Kolkata
Indian Coffee House has long been a gathering spot for students and an intellectual hangout, hidden away among the dark bylanes of College Street (Kolkata's academic centre). Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Manna Dey, Satyajit Ray, Ravi Shankar, and many other notable people frequented this location. Mutton cutlet and chicken kabirazi are must-orders on the menu, which is still very affordable.
- Where: College Square West, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073
- Price For Two: INR 500 (Approx.)
4.United Coffee House, Delhi
United Coffee House, which opened its doors in 1942, has a special place in Delhiites hearts. It is one of the first few restaurants in the capital city to offer fine dining. The place has maintained its pre-independence antiquity and is still visited by diplomats, bureaucrats, and tourists. From International and Indian fare to Oriental cuisine, this famous location offers a wide variety of choices.
- Where: Connaught Place
- Price For Two: INR 2000 (Approx.)
5.Hari Ram & Sons in Allahabad
Hari Ram & Sons, one of the city's oldest street food shops, is well-known among locals, tourists, renowned personalities, and nearly everyone who enjoys street food. This historic eatery, located in Allahabad's Chowk district, was founded in 1890. It is famous for its delectable snacks made with pure desi ghee, as well as other delicacies such as masala samosas, chaat, palak ki namkeen, and khasta kachori, to mention a few.
- Where: Chowk area, Allahabad
- Price For Two: INR 300 (Approx.)
6.Kesar Da Dhaba, Amritsar
Kesar Da Dhaba, an iconic Amritsar Dhaba, was founded in 1916 in Sheikhupura, Pakistan by Lala Kesar Mal and his wife. After India's partition in 1947, it was relocated to Amritsar, where it was frequently visited by Lala Lajpat Rai and Jawaharlal Nehru. The dhaba is famous for its velvety dal makhani, which is garnished with fresh cream before serving and slow-cooked all night. The creamy palak paneer, stuffed parathas, and sinfully rich phirni are all must-order items.
- Where: Chowk Passian, gali rajpura near Telephone Exchange, Amritsar
- Price for two: INR 1000 (Approx)
7.Britannia and Co. in Mumbai
If you've ever been to Mumbai, you've probably heard about Britannia's berry pulao. They'll tell you that the berries are imported from Iran by the owner, Boman Kohinoor. The only way to find out is to visit Ballard Estate and order this famous dish, as well as the salli boti and the caramel custard. Be quick because the restaurant is only open until 4 p.m.!
- Where: Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Price For Two: INR 1200 (Approx.)
So, what are you waiting for? Try out these places and let us know how you liked them in the comment section below.