Around the globe, India is well known for its sumptuous cuisine and it couldn't have achieved the feat it wouldn't have been a land of spices and rich culture. Due to India's diversity, the country has a wide range of foods to offer. And no denial that a good meal can lighten the mood, and in India, there are many ways to do that.
Here we have listed some of the oldest restaurants in the country those that are more than 100 years old and you should visit at least once soon.
Queen of the hills Darjeeling's one of the most iconic restaurants, Glenary which is over 130-years old. Glenary is in Darjeeling and it is not just visually stunning, but the area where it is built will make you feel as if you are transported out of India to somewhere foreign location.
India's most famous Lucknow¡¯s Tunday Kababi is believed to be established in 1905 by Haji Murad Ali, the one-armed star cook of the Nawab of Lucknow. Tucked away in the narrow gullies in the old area of Lucknow, the eatery still uses the same age-old intricate blends of spices to make its sensational non-vegetarian gourmet preparations.
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The most famous branch of Indian Coffee House is situated in the bustling college street of Kolkata that carries a nostalgia of the past. It used to be Albert Hall until it was renamed as a coffee house after 1947. Established in 1876, the coffee house has had some famous patrons over the years, including Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, American poet Allen Ginsberg, to name a few.
A cult restaurant, Britannia is where Mumbaikars head to when they are in need of some seriously traditional Parsi fare. One of Mumbai's most loved restaurants, Britannia first opened its doors to British officers stationed in the Fort area in 1923.
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150-years-old Leopold¡¯s Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants and bars in Mumbai. It came under international attention when it was one of the targets during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Founded in 1871 by Iranis, this cafe shot to fame after the 2002 Mumbai attacks and to date there are bullet-riddled walls and mirrors from the 26/11 terrorist attacks. The place is a favourite among tourists and of course locals.
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Karim¡¯s at Jama Masjid is the oldest outlet of the restaurant chain and it was established in 1913. The eatery has become a favourite of the locals. Its homely Mughal dishes are mouthwatering and quite different from other similar restaurants. The Jama Masjid section provides a rich ambience too.
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A charming, old restaurant in Pune, Dorabjee and Sons was started by Dorabjee Sorabjee back in 1878. Initially a humble little tea stall, the eatery soon started serving traditional lunches that quickly became popular. Most interestingly, they still have the menu from the years gone by where rates are mentioned in annas.
Shaikh Brothers Bakery rapidly became one of the most preferred bakeries in Guwahati, established by Shaikh Ghulam Ibrahim way back in the late 1800s. As per experts, this bakery was Assam¡¯s passage into Western confectionery at that point in time. Now, the menu also includes hotdogs, burgers, sweets, and more. As per their website, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru too was known to be "extremely fond" of this bakery's cheese straws.
Allahabad's Hari Ram and Sons is known for serving one of the best snacks when you visit Loknath street. They have been making the savouries at their own shop for more than 100 years. The small shop sees a crowd throughout the day and you can go to this place for some amazing chai and snacks.
Kesar Da Dhaba is a vegetarian Punjabi Dhaba in Amritsar, Punjab, India, that originated as a small restaurant selling dal and roti set up by Lala Kesar Mal, a Punjabi Hindu in Sheikhupura, near Lahore in 1916. It moved to Amritsar after the partition of India in 1947. Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Padmini Kolhapuri, Yash Chopra and Rajesh Khanna are said to have eaten here.
The eatery follows the Udupi tradition of temple cooking under which the use of onion, garlic and radish is prohibited. It's believed to be almost 100 years old, Mitra Samaj is an authentic Udupi restaurant famous for its delicious dosas, bullet idlis and Goli Baje, also known as Mangalore Bajji.
If you are someone who is willing to go on a food adventure throughout key Indian cities, then you need to visit these stores.
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