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Food is essential for life, this is a fact well known to people everywhere. Established first in 1945 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Food Day is observed on October 16 every year to highlight this very importance of food in our lives across the globe. In 1979, the United Nations and all its member countries—including India—gave official recognition to World Food Day as an essential day to be observed to highlight issues like food security, hunger and agriculture. In 2023, the focus of World Food Day is on water and the critical role it plays.
In countries like India, food security and agriculture have always been at the centre of the economy as well as the social and cultural heritage of the nation. One of the key aspects of Indian cuisine that the world is now coming around to for both health and culinary reasons, is vegetarianism. The fact that plant-based diets are healthier and less likely to cause long-term health issues is well known, and even the notion that eating seasonally available fruits, vegetables, grains, etc instead of artificially produced ones is more beneficial is now popular around the world.
So, this World Food Day, the focus has to be on highlighting India’s vast vegetarian cuisine—which is not homogenous and has plenty of regional flavours and gems many have no idea about. If discovering this nation’s vegetarian food variety is something you do want to start with, here is a list of restaurants across India that you should visit at least once to explore everything about Indian vegetarian food and its many varieties.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbars Kitchen
1. Naivedyam, Delhi
If you are in the national capital, then visiting a branch of Naivedyam and trying the best of South Indian cuisine is a must. For those new to Indian vegetarian food, South Indian delicacies like Kesari Bath, Mysore Masala Dosa and Dahi Idli can provide a great point of entry. Those who are connoisseurs, however, should try the Chitranna, Tharakari Anna, Idiyappam and Holige Payasam.
Must Try: Naivedyam Thali, Maharaja Dosa, Mysore Pak
Timings: 11AM to 11PM
Price For Two: Rs 800 (approx.)
Location: Shop 1, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi
2. Ramashray, Mumbai
An iconic restaurant in Mumbai, Ramashray was established in 1939 with the intention of providing residents and visitors of the city with the best of South Indian vegetarian food on the go. Known for their quick service and heavy footfall no matter what time of the year it is, Ramashray serves up the best platters of Idli Vada, Bisibele Bath, Goli Bajje, Ulundu Dosa and a variety of Sheera.
Must Try: Bisibele Bath, Idli Vada
Timings: 5AM to 10PM
Price For Two: Rs 200 (approx.)
Location: Plot 352, Ground Floor, Shreeji Sadan, Chandwarkar Marg, Matunga East, Mumbai
3. Gramin, Bengaluru
Located in Bengaluru’s posh Koramangala area, Gramin is known not only for its delectable vegetarian fare but also for its village-themed décor and ambience. From Bhindi Rajasthani and Paneer Koliwada to Makki Ki Roti and Allahabadi dishes, Gramin takes you on a grand tour of the country with unique, regional and vegetarian dishes. Their Thalis are also simply too delicious to miss.
Must Try: Bhindi Anardana, Rose Lassi
Timings: 12PM to 3.30PM; 7PM to 11PM
Price For Two: Rs 1,200 (approx.)
Location: Ground Floor, Raheja Arcade, Koramangala 7th Block, Bangalore
4. Wabi Sabi, Kolkata
Located in Kolkata’s posh Southern Avenue area, Wabi Sabi offers vegetarian and vegan food that you can even tailor into gluten-free options if needed. And despite this global approach and many non-Indian dishes at this place, Wabi Sabi also offers some of the best vegan dishes from Bengali cuisine, like Mochar Chop and Paturi made with banana blossoms. A must-visit for vegetarians when in town, this place is a treat for the tastebuds.
Must Try: Khichuri, Mochar Chop, Mochar Paturi
Timings: 11AM to 12PM
Price For Two: Rs 800 (approx.)
Location: 10, Dr. Sarat Banerjee Road, Southern Avenue, Kolkata
5. Tatva, Hyderabad
Craving vegetarian food with a modern twist? Then Tatva in Hyderabad is just the place you need to visit. Located in Hyderabad’s posh Jubilee Hills area, Tatva offers a variety of vegetarian dishes from around the world. Their Warqi Paratha, Nizami Handi and Alu Ki Tehri are just as delicious as their Mapo Tofu and Sizzling Dolmas.
Must Try: Warqi Paratha, Sizzling Dolmas
Timings: 12PM to 3.30PM; 7PM to 11PM
Price For Two: Rs 1,900 (approx.)
Location: 1st Floor,SL Jubilee, Road 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
6. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Mumbai
This iconic eatery in Mumbai has been around since 1945 and serves up the most authentic Gujarati food in the city. Nestled among the bustling streets of Kalbadevi, this simple and unassuming restaurant is best known for offering authentic Gujarati Thalis packed with a variety of seasonal Gujarati cuisine dishes ranging from starters like Ghughra to Kadhi, Puri, Khichdi and desserts that change every day.
Must Try: Thali, Undhiyu, Aamras
Timings: 11.30AM to 3.30PM; 7PM to 10.30PM
Price For Two: Rs 1,300 (approx.)
Location: 31, Dadisheth Agyari Lane, Off Kalbadevi Road, Kalbadevi, Mumbai
7. Hotel Sarvana Bhavan, Chennai
Founded in 1981 in Chennai (which was still known as Madras back then), Saravana Bhavan is now known as an iconic eatery with branches across India. From a variety of Dosai and Uttapam to dishes like Kaima Idli (made with Kaima rice), Parappu Rice and Paniyaram types, the food at this place is too delicious to miss. The Mini Tiffin platters here are also must-haves.
Must Try: Idiyappam, Filter Coffee, Masala Dosa
Timings: 9.15AM to 12.45AM
Price For Two: Rs 600 (approx.)
Location: 230, Nsk Salai, Arcot Road, Vadapalani, Chennai
8. Seva Café, Ahmedabad
With a unique concept centred around the idea of seva or service, this vegetaraian restaurant in Ahmedabad is not only known for delicious food but also for bringing about social change. Established in 2006 by an NGO called Manav Sadhna, Seva Café’s customers get a bill at the end of the meal saying that their food has been paid for by someone else. Every customer thus gets the chance to pay a sum forward to make sure that a customer who comes in after them gets a free meal too.
Must Try: Mexican Hotpot, Totha & Bread
Timings: 7PM to 10PM (Friday to Sunday)
Price For Two: Depends on you
Location: Shoppers Plaza 3, Opposite Municipal Market, C G Road, Ahmedabad
