India, as a nation, is often defined by its colourful culture. And food is clearly one of the best ways to recognise this. From humble cafes to restaurants, every food joint here has a story to tell. On the occasion of this Independence Day, here are Pre-Independence eateries from across India.
Pre-Independence Eateries Across India
1. Tunday Kababi
Known all over the world for their hearty, melt-in-the-mouth galouti kebabs, Tunday Kababi started way back in 1905. It is said that Haji Murad Ali, the chef who started this eatery, had lost his left hand in a kite accident. Nonetheless, he won everyone’s hearts with his delicious, flavourful kebabs. So, make sure you don’t miss out on indulging in these kebabs in Lucknow, apparently cooked with over 160 spices!
Established: 1905
Where: 168/6, Old Nazirabad Rd, Mohan Market, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
When: 11 AM to 12:30 AM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx.
2. Pancham Pooriwala
Breakfast at Pancham Puriwala. #Mumbai Chole and Puri pic.twitter.com/xAHt7KcoJW
— 🇮🇳 Vidyasagar Jagadeesan🇮🇳 (@jvidyasagar) February 10, 2023
With a little money in his pocket and a delicious puri bhaji recipe in his heart, Pancham Sharma walked 1000 km and started this iconic eatery. One of Fort’s must-visit food joints today, people visit Pancham Puriwala to gorge on lip-smacking “aaloo bhople ki sabzi” with piping hot puris. What’s interesting though, is that it was born over 180 years ago, and is one of Mumbai’s oldest!
Established: 1848
Where: 10, Perin Nariman St, Borabazar Precinct, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 9 AM to 11 PM
Cost: ₹300 for two approx.
3. Britannia and Co.
Serving the best of authentic Parsi cuisine, Britannia and Co. was established in 1923. Eating at this iconic food joint is pretty much like time-travelling. The rustic interiors, wall décor, tables and chairs are quite reminiscent of an era that was. The mutton and chicken berry pulao are their signature dishes, and spell pure delight!
Established: 1923
Where: Britannia and Company Restaurant St, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: Monday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Cost: ₹1,000 for two approx.
4. Shri Sagar
If you find yourself looking for some authentic filter coffee and masala dosa, look no further. Serving some hearty South Indian dishes since the 1920s, Shri Sagar or CTR (Central Tiffin Room) is your place to go! You can find this humble food joint in Malleshwaram, and gorge on their famous benne masala dosas, and some amazingly soft idlis.
Established: 1920
Where: 7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka
When: 7 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: ₹150 for two approx.
Also Read: 30 Inspiring Quotes By Indian Leaders That Have Significance Even Today
5. Karim’s Delhi
When it comes to the food capital of India, the answer isn’t usually different from its political one. Delhi houses some of the best eateries that dish out heaven on a plate. Karim’s Delhi is one such iconic restaurant serving the best of non-vegetarian fare in Chandni Chowk, for a long time. The eatery is apparently more than 100 years old and is quite famous for its succulent meat dishes.
Established: 1913
Where: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi,
When: 9 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹1,600 for two approx.
Also Read: 6 Lesser-Known Bengali Dishes That Will Transport You To The Lanes Of Kolkata
6. Dorabjee and Sons
Serving some of the most delicious, authentic Parsi food in Pune, Dorabjee and Sons was started in 1878. What started as a small tea stall by Dorabjee Sorabjee years ago, is now an iconic food joint. Their signature dishes include traditional dishes like Dhansak, Pattrani Machi and Salli Botti. Also, don’t forget to gulp down some raspberry soda with such a delicious spread.
Established: 1878
Where: 845/846, Dastur Meher Rd, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx.
Also Read: Head To Shabree In Pune For Authentic Maharashtrian Food
7. Kesar Da Dhaba
Amritsar always invites you to savour wholesome, hearty meals in its dhabas. And a trip there is incomplete without a visit to Kesar da Dhaba. This place serves amazing Punjabi delights like dal makhani, palak paneer, paranthas and phirni. It was started by Lala Kesar Mal in 1916, near Lahore. Later, it shifted to India after the country gained independence in 1947. Meanwhile, here are 10 foods from Amritsar you must try.
Established: 1916
Where: Chowk Passian, Gali Rajpura, near Telephone Exchange, Amritsar, Punjab
When: 12:30 PM to 10:45 PM
Cost: ₹450 for two approx.
8. Bademiya
Bademiya started in 1946, just before India gained independence and is today famous for its biryanis and kebabs. Its founder, Mohammad Yaseen had a long beard, and people would lovingly call him Bademiyan. This iconic food joint now sits behind the Taj Mahal Hotel and serves some amazing meat dishes made with the same, years-old recipes.
Established: 1946
Where: Bademiya, Tulloch Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 12 PM to 3:30 AM
Cost: ₹500 for two approx.
9. United Coffee House
Housing some vintage décor and carrying a famed legacy before our Independence is the United Coffee House in Delhi. This place started as a coffee shop in 1942 by Lala Hans Raj Kalra but later turned into a fine dining restaurant. A popular hub for tourists and ministers alike, United Coffee House still echoes the splendid delicacies people enjoyed years ago. On that note, here is another such coffee shop in Delhi, known for its amazing coffee.
Established: 1942
Where: Rajiv Chowk, E-15, Block E, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi
When: 10 AM to 11:45 PM
Cost: ₹4,500 for two approx.
10. Leopold Cafe
A visit to Colaba is undoubtedly incomplete without savouring some delicious food and beer at Leopold Café. Another iconic pre-independence food joint, Leopold was started in 1871. The Irani cafe made headlines in 2008 when it was attacked by terrorists, but quickly bounced back. Today, it remains a favourite for foreign tourists and locals alike.
Established: 1871
Where: Police Station, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, near Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Cost: ₹2,500 for two approx.
Also Read: 20 Iconic Eateries In Mumbai To Give You The Feels
11. Glenary’s
When it comes to all the amazing food joints, how can we leave the valleys behind? Well, Glenary’s is an iconic eatery sitting in Darjeeling, the picturesque hill town in east India. A restaurant, bakery and pub rolled into one, it was founded more than 100 years ago. Don’t forget to try their staple baked delights and desserts like apple pie on your visit there!
Established: 1938
Where: Nehru Rd, near Clock Tower, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
When: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Cost: ₹1,200 for two approx.
Also Read: Enjoy A Cup Of Coffee At The World’s Highest Cafe In Nepal
12. Vidyarthi Bhavan
A favourite among all college-goers, Vidyarthi Bhavan serves some of the scrumptious dosas in Bangalore. It was started in 1943, just a few years before we gained Independence. What’s interesting is that the quality of food has remained the same through all these decades. So, now you know where to get the crispiest dosas in Bangalore!
Established: 1943
Where: 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Rd, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka
When: Saturday to Thursday, 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2 PM to 8 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx.
13. Rayar’s Mess
Made it to the legendary Rayar’s Mess. No taam jhaam, just great food. #Chennai pic.twitter.com/caMLtjtmf4
— 𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚜𝚑 (@Brikesh) November 17, 2022
Sitting tightly packed in Mylapore, Chennai, Rayar’s Mess is always bustling with its patrons. Srinivasa Rao started this tiny, iconic food joint more than 80 years ago, which is popular even today. Digging into some warm idlis and dosas served on a banana leaf with a delicious coconut chutney; now that sounds heavenly!
Established: 1935
Where: 31, Arundale St, Madhavaperumalpuram, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
When: 7 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 8 PM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx.
14. Nizam’s Restaurant
This place in Kolkata is highly popular for its scrumptious kathi rolls. In fact, it is said that kathi rolls originated at this very place. Nizam’s Restaurant in Kolkata apparently opened in 1932. Today, you can savour more than 20 varieties of delicious, flavourful kathi rolls here. You can have them made in rumali rotis as well, a deviant from the traditional parathas. Till then, here’s a virtual tour of the bustling city.
Established: 1932
Where: 23 & 24, Hogg St, near Axis Bank Atm, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
When: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx.
15. Bharawan Da Dhaba
What started as a quintessential dhaba has now evolved into a full-fledged air-conditioned eatery near Town Hall in Amritsar. Bharawan Da Dhaba started its journey in 1912 and has stood strong through many turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic and the partition.
Established: 1912
Where: Near Town Hall, Subhash Park, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab
When: 7 AM to 12 AM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx
16. Indian Coffee House
An inextricable part of the cultural heritage of Kolkata, Indian Coffee House is the definition of an establishment. Relish tea, coffee or omelettes and connect with the intellectuals of the bygone era who did the same here!
Established: 1942
Where: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Square West, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
When: 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx
17. Flurys
Established in 1927 by Joseph and Frieda Flury, a couple from Switzerland, Flurys’s outlets can now be found in major cities across the country. Known for its extraordinary baked goods, its offerings are diverse and meticulously prepared.
Established: 1927
Where: 18A, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal
When: 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost: ₹1,000 for two approx
18. Delhi Mistan Bhandar
Special Sweets of Shillong, served at Delhi Mistan Bhandar. pic.twitter.com/00sQAchnIy
— Mowsam Hazarika (@mowsamhazarika1) April 27, 2024
Looking for delicious North Indian fare in the Northeast? Well, Delhi Mistan Bhandar has been serving just that since before our country became independent. Relish lip-smacking chhole bhature, gulab jamun, and much more.
Established: 1933
Where: Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya
When: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx
19. Joshi Budhakaka Mahim Halwawala
This sweet shop in Mahim has been serving sweets since before our Independence was declared. Established by Giridhar Mavji in 1784, patrons have been loyally relishing their sweets for more than 200 years now. Ice Halwa or Mahim Halwa is said to have originated here.
Established: 1784
Where: 6 West, Mahim Koliwada, Mahim West, Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 8 AM to 9 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx
20. Mavalli Tiffin Room
Mavalli Tiffin Room, popularly known as MTR is arguably the most popular and legendary tiffin place in Bengaluru. They are also known for their breakfast mixes that are sold all over the country.
Established: 1924
Where: 14, Lal Bagh Main Rd, Doddamavalli, Sudhama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
When: 6:30 AM to 11 AM and 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx
21. Cafe Mondegar
Located at the start of the bustling shopping street of Colaba Causeway, Cafe Mondegar is never deserted. Regardless of what time you go there, you will always find crowds of people not only inside the restaurant but also outside.
Established: 1932
Where: Metro House, Colaba Causeway, near Regal Cinema, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 8 AM to 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹1,700 for two approx
22. Hari Ram & Sons
Specialising in savoury snacks and farsan, Hari Ram & Sons also offers a variety of masalas. The original shop in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad) is still standing to this day. The fact that it has weathered countless storms and is still standing is a testament to its strength and dedication.
Established: 1890
Where: Loknath, 16, Chowk, Prayagraj (Formerly, Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
When: 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: ₹500 for two approx
23. Cafe Excelsior
Savour old-timey vibes with old-timey bites at Cafe Excelsior at Fort. Think keema pav, caramel custard, cutlet curry and more! Not only is this eatery steeped in history, it is also very pocket-friendly!
Established: 1919
Where: Kitab Mahal, 23, AK Nayak Marg, opp. Excelsior Cinema, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 8 AM to 9 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx
24. Cafe Military
Fort is an area that is dotted with quaint eateries that are as old or even older than your grandfather! Cafe Military is another one of its many old-timey Parsi eateries and it was established in 1933.
Established: 1933
Where: Alli Chambers, Nagindas Master Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 10 AM To 9 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx
25. Kalathi Rose Milk Shop
Forget the new milkshake franchises, this rose milk shop has been serving exquisite rose milk to people since before 1927. Imagine that! It has survived almost 100 years by just serving this refreshing beverage. That itself should tell you how amazing the rose milk must be.
Established: 1927
Where: 5, N Mada St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
When: 8 AM to 10 PM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx
26. Smith Field Bakery
From hot cross buns to Christmas cakes, this bakery has been serving wholesome baked goods for more than a century now. In this ever-changing world, the bakery offers a refreshing consistency in taste as well as the quality of its ingredients.
Established: 1885
Where: 130, Perambur Barracks Rd, Perumalpet, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
When: Friday to Wednesday, 7:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx
27. Hameedi Confectioners
Established in 1890 in the heart of Mozamjahi Market in Telangana, Hameedi Confectioners has now grown significantly. They even have an outlet in Nampally in Hyderabad. Serving any and every delicious sweet that you can dream of, they’re a historical marvel.
Established: 1890
Where: 5- 5-513, Mozamjahi Market, Telangana
When: 8 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹300 for two approx
28. Grand Hotel & Restaurant
Known for their sumptuous Hyderabadi fare, this restaurant in Hyderabad has been serving since 1935! Their biryani and Chinese have been winning Hyderabadi hearts for generations. Now this is a place that knows its food!
Established: 1935
Where: 4-1-395, Bank St, Troop Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana
When: 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹950 for two approx
So, which of these will you visit first?
With inputs from Drishti and Tooba Shaikh.
Cover Image Credits: @karimsdelhi and @flurysindia/Instagram
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