Our Favourite State Bhawans For Homely Regional Food

Be prepared for an experience of dining in a Gujarati home (which translates to 'don’t go expecting a Rajdhani or Suruchi'). The Special Thali gives you unlimited portions of rice, Gujarati dal, kathod, two sabzis, chapatti/thepla, farsaan of the day, khichri, dessert and chaas. The menu is not expansive, but for a simple wholesome meal served with love, Gujarat Bhavan has our vote.

While the state guest house is not open to public, this association for promoting Karnataka Cultural Heritage houses one of our favourite Sunday breakfast joints. This quintessential South Indian restaurant serves the best sambar—and limitless bowls of it! Try the Tiffin Thali for a taste of all their goodness, and their Mysore Masala Dosa. Long queues over the weekends, but totally worth the wait!

Although they boast of some great, non-vegetarian fare, we recommend ordering the vegetarian thali to get a taste of everything on offer. You can always order the prawn curry and the chicken fry separately for a meaty kick. Non-vegetarians are spoilt for choice on the weekdays; their mutton curry and chicken fry is something you have to try. They have Hyderabadi biryani for weekend lunches (best for a hungover Sunday meal). Make sure you’re there before 1.30 PM!

Apart from the regular dosa, idli and vada, Tamil Nadu House has some great finds, the Chicken Chettinad Biryani topping our list. They also have a bunch of Chinese dishes like chilli chicken, manchurian and fried rice. To sample a little of everything, opt for the South Indian thali (sambar, rasam, rice, kara kalambu, curd, chapati etc).

After finding great success in Shahpur Jat for one of the best fusion Bihari cuisines, Potbelly has made its mark at Bihar Niwas, too. The decor is minimal (but tasteful), though the food is what keeps us coming back for more. For starters, their thirst quenchers aam panna and masala lemonade are quite refreshing.Their chicken pakoras and fish choka with marua puri (with two different chutneys) are a must-try, but what steals the show everytime we go there is their litti choka and the khada masala chicken.

Maharashtra Sadan is value for money, and the variety and quantity quite extensive. Apart from the different thalis they serve (Parsi, Kandeshi, Marathawada, etc.) you must order their chicken kohlapuri and fish malwani. Their puran poli is the best you’ll ever taste (as good as homemade). Don’t leave the table without ordering their srikhand.

The seating is indoors and they also offer great breakfast options (yay!). Also, since it's located close to the India Gate, we guess, a short walk after a meal would be good, right?

Other than being a State guest house, Banga Bhawan also has an authentic Bengali restaurant. If you are desperate for proper Bengali food this is the place to be. If you want to leave here with a heavy stomach and a light heart, you must try the thalis they offer. The Kosha Mangsho and the Prawn Malai curry are their best selling dishes. It is open from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Bihar Bhawan serves Bihari food to satiate your appetite with the true flavors of Bihar. Extremely pocket friendly and delectable authentic dishes of Bihar. The Sarso wali Machhali is an immensely popular dish of theirs. It is basically a fish curry with a mustard-based gravy. Litti-Chokha, Bhuna mutton, chicken curry and a myriad of other dishes are awaiting to be tasted. They open 12 PM to 9.45 PM.  

Gam’s Delicacy is a revamped Assam House restaurant. They serve their food in traditional assamese Kansha plates. The restaurant is swanky, complete with marble and glass. We suggest you order a vegetarian thali with two dals, vegetables, pitika, khar and kheer. If your food feels incomplete without a little meat or fish, don’t worry, there are several pork, mutton, chicken, and even duck preparations to try. You have not tasted Assamese food without having had duck with bamboo shoot. For some this must will be place for discovery, while for others it is a reminder of home. Gam’s Delicacy opens in short intervals, from 7.30 AM to 10.30 AM and then from 1 PM to 10.30 PM. Here, you will spend no more than the decent amount  of INR 500 for two.