Humans are wired to always look for something new, and unexplored. The world might be experimenting with global cuisine and fusion flavours, too, but some age-old, tried and tested flavours never fail you.
Old restaurants hold a certain charm. They have stood the test of time, bring back nostalgic memories and the food is simply delicious. Here are some pre-Independence eateries you must visit.
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Karim's, Delhi: Located in the crowded Chandini Chowk, Karim's is all about ancestral Mughal recipes passed on for generations. Started by Hazi Kareemudin in 1913, the menu originally had just two items—alu ghosth (mutton with potatoes) and dal. Patrons have travelled from around the world to have a meal at the original outlet. The place is known for its varied crowd.
Leopold Cafe, Mumbai: If you have read Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts and how the author landed up in Leopold when he first came to the city, you might have had the urge to visit this famous cafe. The cafe located in Colaba Causeway, one of Mumbai's famous shopping hub, was established in 1871 by Iranis. It was initially a store and a pharmacy before it was turned into a restaurant. The multi-cuisine restaurant is one of the few Irani cafes that is still doing well. It was one of the places that was attacked during the November 2008 terror attacks. The owners have retained the signs of the damage.
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Shri Sagar, Bengaluru: Shri Sagar is one of Bengaluru's most famous small eateries. Known as CTR, the place is known for filter coffee and masala dosas. Established in 1940s, the place is a popular choice for a quick bite. Try out their feather-light idlis, too.
Indian Coffee House, Kolkata: An institution in itself, the Indian Coffee House was established in 1942. The historic place has been a meeting place for artists, poets and other intellectuals. Located in College Street, the place has had visitors like Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Manna Dey, Satyajit Ray and Ravi Shankar. The Indian Coffee House has close to 400 branches across India.
Mavalli tiffin room, Bengaluru: This eatery was founded by Parampalli Yajnanarayana Maiya and his brothers in 1924. The place serves food from Udupi and coastal Karnataka. During World War II, when rice was in short supply, MTR invented the now famous rava idli. This eatery has maintained its high standards of cleanliness and hygiene over the years.
Dorabjee and sons, Pune: This humble eatery was started in 1878 by Dorabjee Sorabjee. What started out as a small tea stall, slowly expanded to serving traditional lunches. The place is known for authentic Parsi fare like Dhansak and Salli boti.
Tunday Kababi, Lucknow: The mention of Lucknow itself makes one crave for kebabs. Tunday Kababi, established in 1905 by Haji Murad Ali, is known for the famous galouti kebabs and biriyani. Tucked away in a narrow gali in old Lucknow, the place still uses the same mix of spices for its meat preparations.
Glenary's Darjeeling: This quaint little bakery and cafe is over 100 years old. It was established by an Italian called Valdo Glenary. It was later bought by a worker and his family who became the manager. It is known for baked delicacies like apple pies, cinnamon buns and meat pies.
Flurys, Kolkata: This famous tearoom on Park Street was established by a Swiss couple in 1927. The place that started out offering Swiss and other international delicacies, now offers all day dining options. The restaurant is currently being managed by Apeejay Surrendra Group. Known for its rum balls and meringue, the place is said to be favoured by Satyajit Ray.
Britannia, Mumbai: This is another Irani cafe. Opened in 1923, this Parsi eatery still exudes old-world charm. This is the place Mumbaikars head to, when they are looking for some authentic Parsi fare. The current owner, Boman Kohinoor, walks around making small talk and taking orders.
Paragon, Calicut: Known for authentic Malabar cuisine, this restaurant was established in 1939 by Govindan Panhikeyil and eventually taken over by his son P.M. Valsan, and grandson Sumesh Govind. The restaurant offers authentic Moplah and Thiyya cuisine. The eatery has branches in places like Dubai and Kochi.
