9 Indian restaurants upholding regional cuisines

India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and flavours, with each region boasting its own distinct culinary identity. From the rich and aromatic Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow to the bold and spicy flavours of South India, the country’s food landscape is as varied as its geography. Some of the finest restaurants across India have taken on the mission of preserving, celebrating, and innovating regional cuisines, offering authentic dining experiences that transport diners to the heart of each culture. Whether it's through time-honoured cooking techniques, locally sourced ingredients, or immersive ambience, these establishments are keeping India’s rich culinary heritage alive. Here’s a look at five standout restaurants that continue to uphold regional cuisines, offering a taste of India’s diverse gastronomic legacy.

INDIA'S REGIONAL CULINARY DELIGHTS

1. Dum Pukht, New Delhi

What has been said about Dum Pukht that hasn't been spoken of before? Among the most legendary Awadhi restaurants in India, Dum Pukht is housed at the eponymous ITC Maurya. It emphasises the richness of the culinary heritage of the Awadh region with traditional offerings like Kakori Kebabs and Dum Biryani, made using the "dum" an age-old slow-cooked technique using a sealed top. The restaurant’s opulent ambience, which reflects the grandeur of Awadhi heritage, further immerses guests in the history and traditions of the region, making it a comprehensive experience.

2. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai

The Bombay Canteen, in its effort to reinterpret some of the more classic dishes, such as Puran Poli, Misal Pav, and Bhakri, has creatively given them a fresh and new approach. The restaurant showcases the culinary richness of Maharashtra by emphasising locally sourced ingredients like kokum, jaggery, and seasonal produce. Sustainability is also encouraged through supporting local farmers and using ingredients in alignment with traditional practices.

3. Naar, Himachal Pradesh

If you are seeking a culinary experience in the lap of serene mountains, let it be the one at Naar. The restaurant offers exclusive local flavours of the Himalayas with a rustic yet contemporary vibe. Get a taste of their smooth and authentic hand-churned butter with fresh trout too sourced from the streams nearby. Over time, this restaurant has been on people's bucket lists due to its warm and rustic vibe offering all the exclusively authentic flavours in all their dishes, making the overall experience immersive and connecting its guests to the last and its traditions.

4. Indian Accent, New Delhi and Mumbai 

Indian Accent by chef Manish Mehrotra is a restaurant which serves authentic dishes but with a modern twist. The Blue Cheese Naan and Saag Tart are among the restaurant's top pics. It is located in various locations in multiple locations in India and has international branches as well, ranging from New Delhi to Mumbai to New York.

5. Rooh, New Delhi

Rooh Delhi offers a dynamic menu influenced by the six Ayurvedic flavours, combining Indian cuisine with culinary expertise. This restaurant offers a wholesome experience to all its guests with its warm and sophisticated interiors of the heritage haveli in which it is set up, offering regional dishes with contemporary techniques with dishes like the Kashmiri Duck Kulcha and Malai Scallops. All in all, it offers a bold reimagination of all Indian flavours.

6. Avartana, ITC Hotels in New Delhi and Chennai

Using a modernist perspective, Avartana at ITC Hotels reinvents South Indian food with a delectable tasting menu that astonishes and delights. Avartana offers an overall culinary diversity of the southern states by adding a modern touch and an artistic touch to the locally sourced ingredients and accumulating them to form art on a plate. Delicious dishes, which set them apart from the authentic presentation and taste are dishes like the Molecular Rasam. Every dish at Avartana is an artistic interpretation of its talented chefs and offers an unparalleled fine dining experience.  

7. Farmlore, Bengaluru 

Farmlore is located in the countryside near Bengaluru and as the name suggests, it offers an exclusive facility of farm-to-table elevating not only your dining experience but also sustainable gastronomy. This restaurant gets the ingredients for your dish freshly plucked from the farms nearby and curates seasonal menus showcasing heirloom veggies, indigenous grains and ethically sourced meat. Every dish at this restaurant is a tribute to India's diverse food culture and is presented with a modern twist. The scenic views of the countryside add a cherry on top of the experience at Farmlore.

8. Inja, Delhi

Located in Delhi, Inja, whose name and cuisine are a fusion of India and Japan, takes its guests on a gastronomic roller coaster ride. This dining space offers inventions like Khasi Udon and the Gobi 65 sushi roll. The restaurant serves as a standout destination for those eager to explore the fusion of two distinct culinary traditions.

9. Hosa, Goa

Goa is a cosmopolitan culinary hub and an addition to this culinary feast is Hosa. The brainchild behind the famous Indian Accent brings Hosa, a Southern Indian coastal feast set in an old Portuguese home. Stand-out dishes like the Curry Leaf Butter Crab and Baked Fish Polichatthu are not to be fixed when enjoying a laidback meal at this quaint restaurant. 

 

Text by Riya Jha