Just when you think you’ve had about every possible style of meal in India, you get hit right with another irresistible option. We’re talking, of course, about the Bhavans. Touted as the markers (and makers) of their respective states, these fine establishments have long since brought regional food and their hospitality to our tastebuds, while also being gentle on our wallets. Of course, no one can beat the capital when it comes to its bhavans, there may be one for every state popping up soon if we can help it. They have long since been a place of gathering for communities, where people could appreciate the finest of their states while also indulging their cultural curiosity at the places around them. They are very often run by state governments, which is often a factor in why the costs are so low, but we’re seeing a few chains try their hand at handling these fine establishments of cuisine. What we know for sure is, whether your heart desires a good beef chilli, perhaps with a side of ribs, or whether it desires some thepla washed down with chaas, we’ve got every listing to satisfy any craving you could possibly have.
Although the Andhra Bhavan is known for its extensive non-vegetarian fare, veggie customers can take advantage of the other things they have on offer, like their South Indian Thali but their Mutton Fry and Curry, Chicken Fry and Curry week are their bestsellers. We rely on our ‘pre-Zomato’ trained skills, which indicate that any restaurant that’s teeming with life and has a line must obviously have food worth talking about, and we are not wrong on this front. You’d be hard put to find a day when Andhra Bhavan is not busy.
What You’re Getting: Their Non-Veg Thali and Veg Thali are the best way to get a bit of everything but we recommend trying the prawn curry and chicken fry for that extra meaty push. Andhra Bhavan also serves a pretty delicious South Indian Thali. Their Sunday special, Hyderabadi Biryani is not to be missed, it reeks of authenticity, with its long grain basmati rice and meat spiced to perfection.
What it will cost you: Bring a friend because at Rs.300 for two you’re going to need all the help you can get to finish this.
II. Jakoi - Assam Bhavan
Easily the most aesthetically pleasing bhavan in Delhi, Assam Bhawan serves up the best of Assamese cuisine. The staff are originally from Assam, which further adds to the authenticity. If you’re uninitiated to Assamese food, the staff are happyto guide you to the tastiest options on the menu. It has an outdoor area which is beautiful to sit at during the cooler months where you can enjoy the experimental dishes like pigeon and duck meat.
What You’re Getting: The Parampara Thali is the number one option. The thali comes with daal, duck meat, rice and steamed fish, and also comes with a dessert which makes it rather filling, but if that sounds a bit much you can never go wrong with the duck curry in black lentil sauce. As we said earlier, this place isn’t shy with experimentation so if you’re game, try the pigeon or duck meat.
What it will cost you: A bit pricier than most bhawans at Rs. 900 for two, but you’ll forget about the pinch in the wallet the second you take a bite.
III. Banga Bhawan
If you love fish, there’s no reason you should miss Banga Bhawan. Unlike its other Bengali counterparts, Banga Bhawan only uses traditional methods of cooking Bengali food. Their food is mainly cooked in brass utensils, where you will heavily see the love of mustard oil and coconuts on the plates. They are also perfect for vegetarians.
What You’re Getting: Run by Bijoli Grill, a popular caterer in the city, you can expect that almost everything is delicious. From their Maach Bhaat, to their Kosha Mangsho, Chittal and Rohu, you will not be disappointed. Their vegetarian options like aloo posto and aloo dum are some you will have. Even carnivores won’t want to give this a miss.
Cost: Not too shabby at Rs. 650 for two people
IV. The Potbelly -Bihar Bhavan
It’s not every day that you can say you tried Bihari food, but for many, The Potbelly provides the perfect atmosphere for the most delicious and authentic Bihari food. It’s decorated beautifully and you will definitely not complain about prices here because the food is tasty, generous with portions and moderately priced. There are very few places to try the best of Bihar other than Chanakyapuri, so we recommend giving this a go.
What You’re Getting: Their Bihari Burger, Litti Chokha, Mutton Chaamp and Pakoda Basket. There’s really nothing quite like it.
What it will cost you: This is probably the most expensive of the Bhawans at Rs. 1000 for two, but one bite of burger and you won’t be able to register the price tag anymore
If there’s one thing about Gujarati food, it’s that you know your vegetarian selection is going to be sorted. Known for lavish vegetarian thalis, this bhawan is the place where every Gujarati worth their salt is going to be found. When the dhoklas are in abundance, and the thepla rule supreme, why would you even want to go anywhere else?
What You’re Getting: The special Gujarati Thali contains unlimited portions of rice, gujju-style dal, sabzi, chapatti or thepla, kathod and farsaan of. Your meal is paired salad, pickle, papad, dessert and a long glass of chaas.
What it will cost you: With those unlimited refills this really pays for itself at Rs. 250.
Dosa lovers rejoice because you’re probably not going to find anything that can top this R.K Puram haunt. While South Delhi is quite known for its dosas, you’d be hard pressed to find a palce that serves Karnataka Sanghas variety in breakfast foods. If you can’t make up your mind, try a little of everything like their tiffin thali.
What You’re Getting: Dosa, Idli and Utthapam. They also do a mean sambar. The indecisive people can opt for their tiffin thali, which is a little of everything. This place is best for breakfast.
What it will cost you: A breakfast for kings begins @ Rs. 300 for two people
With every specialty from Kerala offered right here, it’s a wonder why anyone needs to travel. People who have been missing their beef will be happy to hear that you can eat it right hear, sans controversy. We’d tell you this place was good on the seafood front, but we guess that’s pretty redundant. Never mind that because once you see how pocket friendly they are, with their unlimited sambar and the faint scent of coconut, you’ll be transported to a land where backwaters and beaches have you reach out for your imaginary naariyal pani.
What You’re Getting: Their beef chilly and curry are off the charts and are best soaked up in some crispy malabar parottas. Vegetarians should go for the veg thali which has rice, veggies, sambar, rasam, thoren, papad, pickle and buttermilk.
What it will cost you: Rs. 150 for two people, we can’t believe our eyes
VIII. Nagaland House
While we love our Northeastern food, it’s always a little disappointing to see that commitment being marked with a hefty price tag. Fortunately Nagaland House has spared us on that front with a place that is rare, original and cheap. It happens to be the one stop destination for pork lovers in the city, so carnivores will certainly love it here
What You’re Getting: Pork Ribs, Smoked Pork, served with Bamboo Shoots. Their Dried Fish, Chicken Curry, Roasted Tomato Chutney, Dry Fish Chutney and Chilli Chutney will blow your mind. VEgetarians can opt for a wholesome veg thali, though we’d think non-vegetarians may appreciate this place the best.
What it will cost you: Rs. 350 for some real naga chilli.
IX. Odisha Niwas
The Odiyans have made it quite difficult for cultural cuisine scavengers to find them, but every now and then we get lucky. It’s a proper canteen that was previously run of the Odisha government, but has since been taken over by Dalma, a chain of popular Odisha Restaurants. They are known for their simplicity, good service and original cooking. You can tell this place is the real deal by the number of Oriya people lining up.
What You’re Getting: Their Chuna Maach, Dalma, Vegetable Besar, Mahur, Macho Becar and sweets such as Chokuli Pitha and Chenna Poda should not be missed. It’s the best way to get introduced to this cuisine.
What it will cost you: Imagine tasting any other cuisine as tasty for a mere Rs. 300 for two? We can’t
X. Tamil Nadu House
Don’t think we forgot our spice lovers, because coming up is Chettinad cuisine. For those that aren’t familiar, Chettinad is a region in Tamil Nadu famous for its chicken and the most spicy and aromatic flavours you can possibly imagine. This isn’t your standard idli dosa place, though they do offer it if spice is your cup of tea.
What You’re Getting: Obviously the Chicken Chettinad curry or fry, topped with a chicken chettinad biryani and if you’re still hungry, a Chettinad Thali. Wash it over with copious amounts of filter coffee.
What it will cost you: Variety really is the spice of life @ Rs. 600 for two.
Researched by Meharunnisa Sahib