State Bhawan Food

[Shu77]

Hello members, I have joined the forum for my interest in traveling, but my first question for the forum is can someone please tell me what state Bhawan food is? It's something that I have heard people talk about and seen pictures of. What's the specialty of these Bhawan's and where exactly are these located?

 

[Deven]

State Bhawans in Delhi are restaurants that serve authentic regional cuisine from different parts of India. There are over 14 State Bhawans in Delhi, each serving the food of a different state. The bhawans serve the actual authentic food from the state, and for someone who is a food lover and loves trying food from other states then you must visit the bhawans.

Some of the Bhawan's where you can go and enjoy state food are:

Andhra Bhavan: This canteen serves delicious South Indian food, including thalis, biryanis, and dosas.

Tamil Nadu House: This canteen serves a variety of Chettinad and South Indian dishes, including chicken 65, idli, and dosa.

Maharashtra Sadan: This canteen serves authentic Maharashtrian food, including misal pav, vada pav, and puran poli.

Punjab Bhawan: This canteen serves classic Punjabi dishes, including chole bhature, butter chicken, and naan.

Gujarat Bhavan: This canteen serves Gujarati cuisine, including khandvi, dhokla, and fafda.

 

[Prits]

I don't think it's been mentioned but Karnataka Bhawan is also one of the Bhawan to visit. I have been there once and the food was amazing. They serve south Indian food, and the thali is a must-try, as well as the usual dosa and idlis. It does get quite busy during the lunch hours and evening time, so if you want to avoid rush either get there before lunchtime or around 4 or 5ish.

 

[Karan]

India's diverse culture and rich culinary heritage are reflected not only in its homes but also in its state Bhawans scattered across the country. These state guest houses serve as a home away from home for travelers, government officials, and guests from the respective states. One of the most enticing aspects of these Bhawans is the opportunity to savor authentic regional cuisine.

1. Punjab Bhawan: The Land of Five Rivers

Located in the heart of Delhi, Punjab Bhawan serves as an epitome of Punjabi hospitality. The state is renowned for its hearty and indulgent cuisine. When you visit Punjab Bhawan, prepare your taste buds for a feast:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Butter Chicken: A creamy tomato-based curry with succulent pieces of chicken.
• Dal Makhani: A rich and velvety black lentil curry, slow-cooked for hours.
• Makki Di Roti and Sarson Da Saag: A classic winter combination of maize flatbread with mustard greens.
• Amritsari Kulcha: Stuffed flatbread served with chole (chickpea curry).

2. Kerala Bhawan: The Spice Paradise

Kerala Bhawan, nestled in the heart of the national capital, is known for its welcoming ambiance and exquisite cuisine. Kerala, famously known as the "Land of Spices," offers a vibrant and flavorful culinary experience:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Appam and Ishtu: Rice pancakes served with a creamy coconut milk-based vegetable stew.
• Sadya: A traditional Kerala feast with an array of vegetarian dishes, served on a banana leaf.
• Karimeen Pollichathu: Spiced and marinated pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection.

3. Gujarat Bhawan: The Land of Vegetarian Delights

Gujarat Bhawan, representing the western state of Gujarat, is a vegetarian food lover's paradise. The cuisine here is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dhokla: Steamed, spongy cakes made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, often garnished with mustard seeds and coriander leaves.
• Thepla: Thin, spiced flatbreads made with fenugreek leaves and gram flour.
• Dhansak: A Parsi dish with lentils, vegetables, and spices, often served with rice.

4. Rajasthan Bhawan: The Royal Culinary Journey

Rajasthan Bhawan in Delhi takes you on a regal culinary journey through the deserts and palaces of Rajasthan. The state's cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic flavors:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dal Baati Churma: A wholesome dish featuring baked wheat flour balls (baati) served with spiced lentils (dal) and sweet crushed wheat (churma).
• Gatte Ki Sabzi: Gram flour dumplings in a yogurt-based gravy, often accompanied by rice or roti.
• Laal Maas: A fiery red mutton curry made with red chili peppers and spices.

5. Assam Bhawan: The Land of Tea Gardens

Assam Bhawan introduces you to the flavors of the northeastern state of Assam. Known for its lush tea gardens, Assam's cuisine is a delightful blend of spices and unique ingredients:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Assam Laksa: A fragrant noodle soup with a tamarind base, often garnished with prawns or fish.
• Masor Tenga: A tangy fish curry made with tomatoes and elephant apple, a unique fruit native to the region.
• Bamboo Shoot Curry: A traditional dish made from fermented bamboo shoots, often served with rice.

6. Tamil Nadu Bhawan: The South Indian Extravaganza

Tamil Nadu Bhawan offers an authentic South Indian culinary experience in the heart of Delhi. The cuisine of Tamil Nadu is known for its use of spices and aromatic flavors:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dosa and Idli: Fermented rice and lentil pancakes (dosa) and steamed rice cakes (idli) served with various chutneys and sambar.
• Chettinad Chicken: A spicy and flavorful chicken curry with a rich masala blend.
• Filter Coffee: A strong and aromatic South Indian coffee served with frothy milk.

7. Maharashtra Bhawan: The Land of Varied Flavors

Maharashtra Bhawan introduces you to the diverse and vibrant cuisine of the western state of Maharashtra. Known for its street food culture and rich flavors, Maharashtra's cuisine offers a multitude of options:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Vada Pav: A popular street food snack consisting of a spiced potato patty served in a bun.
• Pav Bhaji: A flavorful blend of mixed vegetables cooked in spices, served with buttered rolls.
• Misal Pav: A spicy curry made with sprouted moth beans, served with pav (bread rolls).

8. Andhra Pradesh Bhawan: The Spicy Affair

Andhra Pradesh Bhawan serves as the gateway to the spicy and aromatic cuisine of the southern state. Andhra cuisine is known for its fiery and flavorful dishes:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Andhra Chicken Curry: A spicy chicken curry made with red chili peppers and tamarind.
• Gongura Pachadi: A tangy and spicy chutney made from sorrel leaves.
• Hyderabadi Biryani: Fragrant rice cooked with spices, meat (chicken or mutton), and yogurt.

Conclusion

Indian State Bhawans offer more than just comfortable accommodations; they provide an opportunity to embark on a culinary journey through the diverse and culturally rich regions of India. From the hearty flavors of Punjab to the spicy delights of Andhra Pradesh, each Bhawan represents the culinary diversity of its respective state.

Exploring these Bhawans not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a glimpse into the cultural, historical, and gastronomic heritage of India. So, the next time you find yourself in Delhi or any other city with State Bhawans, make it a point to savor the authentic flavors of India's various states, and let your taste buds travel through this gastronomic adventure.