Situated in the heart of Ahmedabad on Gandhi Road, Chandravilas Restaurant is a name that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Established in the early 1900s, this legendary eatery has stood the test of time, offering traditional Gujarati dishes that have remained true to their original recipes.
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From a small tea cart to becoming a beloved restaurant, Chandravilas continues to attract food lovers from all over. In this article, we will explore the rich history, delicious specialities and famous personalities who have dined out there, as well as how the legacy of this 124-year-old iconic restaurant has been preserved to this date.
History And Origin
Chandravilas began its journey in 1900, when Chimanlal Hemraj Joshi, at the young age of 20, started a small tea cart. Situated on a bustling bylane, it quickly became popular for its unique flavours and excellent service. In just a few years, Joshi’s humble tea stall evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, selling up to 18,000 cups of tea in a single day!
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The restaurant's name grew as it introduced the concept of the Gujarati thali, a wholesome platter of various traditional dishes. The thali, which first appeared in 1925, was sold for just one rupee and included dal, rice, rotis, vegetables, and sweets. The aroma of their dishes was so distinctive that people could smell it from a kilometre away. Chandravilas became a culinary landmark, with people travelling from all parts of Gujarat to taste its specialities.
Specialities To Enjoy At Chandravilas
One of the key attractions at Chandravilas is their iconic fafda-jalebi combo, which has been an instant hit since it was introduced in the early 1900s. Fafda, a crispy gram flour snack, is served with sweet, syrupy jalebi, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. It became so popular that on Dussehra, people would line up outside the restaurant to enjoy this dish.
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Another highlight on the menu is the Gujarati thali, which remains as authentic as ever. It includes freshly made rotlis, bhakhri, dal, kadhi, and a variety of vegetable dishes, all served with accompaniments like pickles, salads, and sweets. Many loyal customers also love the famous ratalu puri (sweet potato with fried bread), which has been a favourite for decades.
Famous Personalities Who Visited Chandravilas
Over the years, Chandravilas has hosted several iconic figures, adding to its fame. The restaurant’s walls are decorated with black-and-white photographs of distinguished personalities who have dined there. Among them are Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor. Mahatma Gandhi, a frequent visitor, enjoyed the simple yet flavourful Gujarati cuisine served at Chandravilas. Sardar Patel, too, found comfort in the taste of their famous ratalu puri. When Raj Kapoor visited Ahmedabad as a guest of a local theatre owner, Chandravilas was the restaurant chosen to serve him.
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Now, under Pavan Joshi, the fifth generation of the Joshi family, the restaurant thrives once more. Its offerings have expanded to include famed delights like jalebi fafda alongside their renowned daal. Today, Chandravilas continues to serve its signature dishes with the same passion and dedication that began over a century ago.