What is North Indian food? It's your butter chickens and makhanis, but it is also so much more. And it's not everything that comes out of Delhi. No, in our quest to find Bangalore's best North Indian restaurants, we've learned so much from the chefs who helm these restaurants to the food we've eaten. These North Indian restaurants in Bangalore have food from regions such as Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab (including undivided Punjab), Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Rajasthan. From Mughlai to Awadhi, and Garhwali to Himalayan, here's your guide to the city's best North Indian restaurants and what to order when you are there.
Awadhi To Garhwali: Where To Eat City's Best North Indian Food
Loya
Loya means 'to feast' according to the Bakarwal shepherds of the Himalayan regions. Located inside Taj West End, the entire menu at Loya is not just about forgotten North Indian dishes but also nearly lost cooking techniques. Think Pahadi mutton curry and dhungar cooking. The menu is extensive and covers regions of Punjab to the Himalayas. There are elements of theatre when it comes to serving certain dishes—the Dal Ki Chaat for instance is prepared at the table for you by the chef. The ingredients are sourced regionally and locally, and despite the extensive menu, you don't feel overwhelmed. Instead, you want to try something and more.
Must-Try: Dal Ki Chaat, Bharwan Karare Kulcha, Ghost Chilli Murg Tikka, Kangra Khodiya Gosht, Gola Paratha, and Badana Pearls
Price For Two: INR 6,500
Falak
Falak, which means sky in Urdu, brings to the table a menu of lesser-known dishes and forgotten classics from Awadh, Old Delhi, Amritsar, and Multan (in Punjab, Pakistan). Masterchef Farman Ali and Chef Prabhjeet Lehal are behind the menu which has a lot of focus on the slow-cooked process. The ingredients are sourced from various parts of India and we are told that the butter they use to make their signature dal makhani is brought from Amritsar. Oh, and their Nihari is one of the best we've had ever—it gave us literal goosebumps.
Must-Try: Dal-E-Falak, Shani Nalli Nihari, Raan-E-Sikandari, Tandoori Chicken, Koyla Atta Chicken, Moge Wala Kukkad, and Bhalai Ka Tukda
Price For Two: INR 4,000
Parsa's
If you are not familiar with Kashmiri Wazman, a trip to Koramangala is in order. Parsa's serves, wazwan, a multi-course Kashmiri meal consisting of several meat-based dishes that are generally served at Kashmiri weddings. That's the highlight of the restaurant along with the fact that they have chefs from Kashmir who meticulously make the dishes just like how they would back in Kashmir. They also have a la carte options but come for the wazwan and stay for the Kehwa. Oh and did we tell you that they have a literal sit-down spot for you to enjoy the Kashmiri-style dinner?
Must-Try: Tabak Maaz, Waza Chicken, Mutton Seekh Kebab, Rista, Aab Gosh, Goshtaba, and Wazwan
Price For Two: INR 950
Zarf
At Zarf, the menu has plenty of North Indian options that come from Undivided Punjab to the regions of Awadh. Set inside the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre, the culinary team at Zarf served up some interesting fare along with some theatrics. We love it when the chef comes to the table and talks us through the menu all while preparing a dish in front of us. That happens when you are ordering Dal-E-Zarf, a superb dal that goes well with your assortment of Indian breads. The menu also touches upon several dishes down South as well, which makes sense since Zarf is after all The Indian Kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes: Ajwaini Prawns, Zarf Murgh Tikki, Kakori Kebab, Dahi Kebab 2.0, Bharwan Gucchi, Black Mutton Curry, Khamiri Roti, Dal-E-Zarf, and Gadbad Kulfi
Price For Two: INR 3,000
Tandoor
This legendary North Indian restaurant was one of the first restaurants to introduce and pioneer North Indian food to Bangaloreans. It's inside the Centenary Building on MG Road, and you are heading here for a bit of everything—tikkas, kebabs, rotis, naans, and of course their sublime Dal Makhani. Oh, another thing we need to mention is that Tandoor has been around so long, that when you step into the place, you feel like you're going to a different time altogether—chandeliers, carved chairs, and the feeling like you are inside some haveli in Rajasthan.
Must-Try: Amritsari Macchi, Hara Bhara Kebab, Paneer Malmali, Murgh Kurchan, Shaan-E-Murgh, Paneer Makhani, Dal Makhani, Murgh Badami, and Gulab Jamun
Price For Two: INR 1,700
Royal Afghan
Head to Royal Afghan if you want to try Dal Bukhara, their signature dal that has been perfected over the years. Set inside ITC Windsor, the menu focuses on the North West Frontier cuisine and their menu has been consistently top-notch over the year. Kebabs and raan reign supreme on the menu and there are plenty of options for everyone. We are told that the next time we head here we need to try their Murgh Kurchan. Plus, also ITC Windsor is a unique experience in itself and the al fresco dining here is not to be missed.
Must-Try Dishes: Murgh Malai Kebab, Sikandri Raan, Murgh Tandoori, Dal Bukhara, Tandoori Aloo, Phirnee, and Gulab Jamun
Price For Two: INR 7,000
Manjit Da Dhaba
Manjit Da Dhaba is a no-frills, Punjabi dhaba that serves up everything from lassi to parathas. You shouldn't go here for the ambience, but instead for a wholesome meal that will fill you up nicely so that you can head back home and nap. The menu is straightforward, and pocket-friendly, and you know exactly what you want since it's literally a page and a half. The busy open kitchen is a sight since you can see the cooks and chefs whip out everything in no time. Drink your lassi, have pieces of masala papad, and once you get your meal, enjoy it with dollops of butter.
Must-Try Dishes: Aloo Paratha, Lassi, Shahi Paneer, Aloo Gobi, Dal Makhani, Kadi Pakoda, Paneer Paratha, Mooli Paratha, and Gulab Jamun
Price For Two: INR 200
Rajdhani
Rajdhani is a favourite amongst us for their thalis and their mango seasonal specials. This is your go-to place if you want some hearty thalis, and craving a good Rajasthani/Gujarati meal. But honestly skip the a la carte and go for their unlimited thali which has over 32 varieties of dishes that change in rotation every day. From Dal Batti Churma to Gatte ki Sabzi with Phulkas and Aamras, they serve it all.
Must-Try Dishes: Rajdhani Thali, Dal Bati Churma
Price For Two: INR 1,200
Gramin
The popular North Indian restaurant in Koramangala is known for its rustic ambience, quick service, and full-fledged all-vegetarian affair. They focus on seasonal dishes as well as a wide range of Indian breads to go with the assortment of curries and sabzis. Plus, they serve up options in vegan and Jain preparations. Oh, and their weekday lunch thalis are not to be missed. Simply satisfying and a mistake if you are working afterwards because all you want to do is nap. Also, brownie points for their masala papads and jal jeera.
Must-Try Dishes: Bhindi Rajasthani, Paneer Koliwada, Jal Jeera, Butter Chilly Roti, Butter Kulcha, Lachha Paratha, Makki Ki Roti, Veg Kolhapuri, Papad Curry, Gramin Paneer, Paneer Balti, and Gulab Jamun
Price For Two: INR 1,200
