You’ve tried Indian food, but have you tried historic Indian food? We bet you haven’t, not like this! Food’s not only something that fills up your stomach, but also your heart and soul. The heart-warming feeling is true of our history too, filled with all its wars and wins, which is what makes India what it truly is. This Independence Day 2025, take a trip back in time, not only by hoisting the flag, but directly through the heart, at the famous Indian eateries! Because, isn’t that the only constant thing that warms your heart?
We bet you haven’t seen it all…but they have! Scroll to get a first-hand taste of the food our freedom fighters dined on during the pre-independence era.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Flurys, Kolkata
Image credit: Unsplash/Ajeet Panesar
Nestled at the heart of Kolkata at Park Street, Flurys has witnessed everything from 1927 to Independence Day 2025 in India, and will continue to do so. Since Flurys is a tearoom, started by Joseph and Frieda Flury, a Swiss Couple, you can almost see a past where Indian leaders gathered around a table, discussing our freedom. Flury’s also served Englishmen, and still serves the most mouth-watering European delicacies.
Hop on cheap flights to Kolkata and explore with all-inclusive West Bengal tour packages, one of the best Indian eateries pre Independence. It now offers a weather-beaten view of a beautiful colonial building, which was a vibrant gathering spot for locals and foreigners alike.
Must try dishes: Penne with lamb meatballs, English breakfast, and plum cake.
Address: 18A, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, India.
Average cost: Approx INR 950 for two people.
Indian Coffee House, Kolkata
Image credit: Shutterstock/pacceka
Intellectual discussions on politics, freedom, and plans without some coffee? Impossible, so hop on cheap flights to Kolkata to sip and step into the shoes of some of the most remembered freedom fighters. It is speculated that Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Mrinal Sen, Manna Dey, Satyajit Raj, and American poet Allen Ginsberg were regular patrons of the Indian Coffee House.
Instead of visiting a museum this Independence Day 2025, take a journey through the quaint alleys to reach the preserved café. The aesthetic, ambiance, and menu remain the same, so open the door of Indian eateries to step into a period where the spirit of revolution burned bright.
Must-try dish: Sada or Masala Dosa.
Address: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Square West, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073, India.
Average cost: Starting at INR 150 per person.
Karim’s, New Delhi
Image credit: Shutterstock/The Road Provides
A short walk from Jama Masjid in Delhi, Karim’s has been a part of every local’s routine since 1913. The meals served here are fit for a royal, started by Haji Karammudin, son of Mohammad Aziz, who was a chef for the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. Hop on cheap flights to Delhi and explore the city with personalized Delhi tour packages to enjoy the Mughalai cuisine at one of the best restaurants in India.
The perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and heart-warming, Karim’s is still one of the most crowded Indian eateries, especially on the Indian Independence Day 2025.
Must-try dishes: Mutton Tikka, Chicken Curry, Shammi Kebab, and Seekh Kebab.
Address: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India.
Average cost: Approx INR 1,600 for two people.
Glenary’s, Darjeeling
Image credit: Unsplash/ThermoPro
Attracting locals for 130 years, since around the 1920s, Glenary’s has perfected its dishes for more than a century! With customizable Darjeeling tour packages, you can dine at the bakery restaurant with a spectacular view of the mountains. Previously named Vado by the Italian owner, one of the top Indian eateries still carries all the British charm and flavour, as their most popular meal is the British breakfast.
It’s massive windows, vintage phone booth, and picture-perfect interiors, it’s easily one of the top Instagrammable famous restaurants in India. It also has an attached bar, namely Buzz Bar, but the best drink they serve has got to be the Darjeeling tea!
Must-try dishes: Beef steak with potatoes, Beef platter, Classic English Breakfast, and Blueberry Muffin.
Address: Nehru Rd, near Clock Tower, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, India.
Average cost: Approx INR 600 per person.
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Leopold Café, Mumbai
Image credit: Shutterstock/Iulian Ursachi
Colaba Causeway’s star, every Mumbaikar dreams of visiting Leopold Café! When the locals of the city of dreams dream about this, then you know you’ve got to secure the lowest airfares to Mumbai today. Offering a delightful blend of European, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, Leopold Café has been stealing hearts and filling stomachs since 1871. One of the top 50 restaurants in India and Mumbai’s first Irani café, history speaks through its walls and flavours.
Book reservations at budget and luxury hotels in Mumbai to visit the Indian eateries, at the heart of the 26/11 tragedy, which has left its mark on the café, literally. You can still see the bullet indents on the walls today. The quality of food here doesn’t miss, so you shouldn’t miss visiting this Independence Day 2025 India.
Must-try dishes: Buff Teriyaki, Tandoori Roast Chicken, and Chilly Lemon Grass Rice.
Address: Police Station, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, near Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India.
Average cost: Approx INR 2,500 for two people.
Overcrowded? Another of the top Indian eateries to try is Mondegar Café in Colaba.
Brittania and Co, Mumbai
Image credit: Unsplash/American Heritage Chocolate
One of the oldest Indian eateries in Mumbai, Brittania and Co., has been serving the best delicacies since 1923. It’s well known for its delightful Parsi cuisine, specializing in its refreshing and spirit-awakening Irani chai. The stories of the past hide here in the beautiful marble-topped tables, bentwood chairs from Poland, the mirrors, and the teak walls. While modernity has overtaken the surrounding lanes and scenery, Brittania and Co. remains a relic of the past, standing inside a colonial bungalow. So, don’t look for Indian restaurants near me, just visit!
Must-try dishes: Chicken/mutton berry pulao, Sali Boti Mutton, Chocolate Mousse, and Veg Dhansak.
Address: Wakefield House, opp. New Customs House, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400038, India.
Average cost: Approx INR 2,000 for two people.
Discover: Colonial Heritage Spots That Saw India’s Golden Bird Era to Visit This Independence Day 2025!
MTR (The Mavalli Tiffin Room), Bangalore
Image credit: Unsplash/Zoshua Colah
If you’re looking for the best South Indian eateries pre Independence, Mavalli Tiffin Room is where your search should start and end, serving the most mouth-watering breakfast dishes! Hop on cheap flights to Bangalore to visit the South Indian spot that has been open since 1924. Reserve the best hotels in Bangalore and try a meal at one of the top restaurants in India, where we’re sure most of Bangalore will gather for a nostalgic bite.
Explore the Mavalli Tiffin Room and much more with thrilling Bangalore tour packages!
Must-try dishes: Rava Idli, Steamed Semolina Cakes, Masala Dosa, and the mixed tiffin for the perfect South Indian meal combo.
Address: 305, 100 Feet Rd, Indira Nagar 1st Stage, Stage 1, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038, India.
Average cost: Starting at INR 300 per person.
Tasted the flavours of the past at most eateries in India? Apply for online visa services for 180+ countries for some more historical punch!
A Quick Summary for the Foodies
When it’s time for food and history, the Indian eateries do not disappoint, as some have been around for over a century. They serve the most flavourful meals surrounded by the rustic furniture and walls that tell a story, on a budget starting at Rs.600 for two people. Some of the most popular pre-independence eateries are Flury’s, MTR, Brittania & Co., Leopold Café, and Karim’s.
FAQs: Indian Eateries
Which is the oldest eatery in India?
Leopold Café is the oldest eatery in India, opened in 1871 by the Iranians.
Which was the first dhaba in India?
Ahuja Dhaba was the first Dhaba in India. It is over 65 years old.
In which city is the oldest existing restaurant in the world?
Restaurant Botín in Madrid is the oldest existing restaurant in the world.
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