Never judge a book by its cover, or a state building by its appearance. Because hidden inside these bland-looking buildings are foodie heavens. Most state bhawans in Delhi have their own canteens that serve authentic state food. We handpick some for you.
Banga Bhawan
Banga Bhawan may not be the best for its ambience or service, but has on offer some dishy Bengali food. Choose from the fish plate, vegetarian plate, egg plate, chicken plate or mutton plate — it’s a lip-smacking experience. At Rs 35-50, the thalis come with rice, roti, dal, sabzi and the choice of vegetables/fish/egg/chicken/mutton.
Lunch
1 pm to 2.30 pm
Where
Hailey Road,
Tel:
23329730
Sikkim House
The best of Sikkimese cuisine is a daily routine at the Sikkim House. From pan-fried noodles (Rs 65) to chicken/pork momos, this is the canteen for meat-eaters. Try the roast pork Cantonese (Rs 60-65) or Tibetan dishes like thukpa and shwabhaley. Ten chicken momos cost just Rs 60!
Lunch
{{/usCountry}}Lunch
{{/usCountry}}12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
Where
Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, Tel: 26115171
Andhra Bhawan
By far the most commercialised state canteen, this one serves 600-700 people every day. The din may be annoying, but the excellent hospitality and yummy food make up for it. Choose from the sumptuous veg thali
(Rs 70), the fish thali (Rs 80) or the meat option (Rs 70).
Lunch
Noon to 3 pm
Where
Ashoka Road,
Tel:
23387499
New Tamil Nadu House
Authentic Tamil food may seem like an illusion at most south Indian joints, but at this canteen, Chettinad chicken masala (RS 70) with parota (Rs 15) is the real deal. Also try sadhams with vegetables or steamed
vegetables.
Lunch
Noon to 3.30 pm
Where
Chanakyapuri,
Tel:
24193100
Meghalaya Bhawan
It was in January 1972 that Meghalaya was carved out as a full-fledged state and there is no better way to celebrate that than by having a meal at this canteen.
While vegetarians can easily give this canteen a miss — not much for them here — non-vegetarians can gorge themselves on the authentic pork thali and steamed vegetables to go with that. Experiment with the various pork snacks (Rs 40-70) available daily.
Lunch
12.30 pm to 2 pm
Where
Aurangzeb Road,
Tel:
23015605