A true foodie is one that loves to explore not just unique and mouth-watering dishes but also one who has an eye for architecture and ambiance. This piece of information will take you 100 years back and will introduce India’s iconic food joints of all eras, which is still going strong all thanks to their flavors and food philosophy set in that time.
UNESCO’s classification of ‘heritage sites’ ends with only forts and palaces, but I think these restaurants are no less monumental. These sanctums of good food, drinks, and conversations go way back in time, some of them existed even before India was independent, and few are older than the British Raj.
We are in an age where new restaurants shut down within months of their opening, but not these, they have stood the test of time. Here’s a list of a few places that are 100-years-old yet have managed to be just as popular as they were when they opened.
Dorabjee And Sons, Pune
This restaurant was started by Sorabjee Dorabjee in 1876. It was initially a tea stall but was later expanded. Now this place is known for its authentic Parsi Irani dishes, which are traditionally prepared on a charcoal fire.
The interesting part is they still use the same menu that they did in the years gone by, where the rates were mentioned in annas. It is an almost 145 years old restaurant.
Leopold Café, Mumbai
This was founded by Iranris in 1871. It got its frame after 2002, becoming Mumbai’s iconic Irani cafe.
This place has a long history, it has witnessed 2008 tragic terror attacks, till date there are bullet holes in the walls and broken mirrors still hanging from the 26/11 terrorist attacks, a haunting but necessary reminder.
This place was immortalized in the novel ‘Shantaram’, by Gregory David Roberts. This is a multi-cuisine cafe and bar. Its desserts and beer towers are the things that bring in all the crowd.
They are also popular for their dishes like Mutton Keema, Roast Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Chocolate Ecstasy, Sandwich, Pasta, Dal Makhani, Burger, Cheesecake, and Paneer Tikka.
Shaikh Brothers Bakery, Guwahati
This bakery is known for its cakes, pastries, and bread ever since 1885. Now their menu includes hotdogs, different kinds of sweets, burgers and many more. A well-maintained balance between their sweet and savory dishes.
Their website stated that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru was known to be “extremely fond” of the bakery’s cheese straws.
Karim’s, Delhi
When one remembers the charm of Old Delhi and does not mention the aromas coming out of Karim’s that are located in the by lanes of the capital, is nothing less than a crime. Established by Haji Karimuddin in 1913.
He brings life to the regal culinary knowledge, taught to him by his ancestors, who had worked in the royal kitchen of the Red Fort.
It has ties to the time when the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar ruled. This culinary space is famous for its kormas, koftas, and biryanis, for all the non-veg lovers this is the place where they can experience a meal that will take them on a journey back into time.
Also Read: Not In India But World’s Oldest Vegetarian Restaurant Still Serves Some Amazing Indian Food
Flurys Bakery, Kolkata
Starting an early morning in Kolkata with a quintessential English breakfast and the sweet fragrance of apple pie is how I imagine a wonderful day. And this 88- year-old, Flurys Bakery makes it possible.
This bakery was first established by a Swiss couple in 1927. They take pride in having award-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray, as one of their most faithful patrons.
Glenary’s, Darjeeling
This is a 100-year-old bakery-cum-restaurant, it has been known since the British era. It was originally set up by an Italian named Vado, located on Mall Road.
Being a cult destination in Darjeeling. The mountains are not the only thing mesmerizing people, having breakfast at Glenary’s is a delight too.
The bakery offers apple pies, cinnamon buns, meat pies, tarts, marzipans, chocolates, and Darjeeling tea, known to be one of the best teas, in the whole of Darjeeling. They have everything to make one’s breakfast memorable.
This list is not exhaustive, there are several timeless gems lurking around the corners of our chaotic cities, all bringing delight to our taste buds. Go out and give these a visit, they will surely not disappoint.
Image Sources: Google Images
Sources: Times Of India, India Food Network, Bharat Times, +More
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