Visit Kerala Bhawan for authentic South Indian in the heart of Delhi

Whether you are from North, East, or West India, the love for South Indian food is universal. Who can ignore hot tangy authentic sambar and coconut chutney with soft idlis and crispy dosas?! Finding the authentic taste of South India's staple food isn't a cakewalk.

You may come across good South Indian food in many restaurants but Kerala Bhawan in central Delhi can perhaps be your most trusted option. Their canteen which belongs to the Kerala State Public Works Department is completely rooted in culture. The best part is that you can safely binge here without poking a hole in your wallet.

Generally, the Kerala Bhawan is an abode for legislators and other politicians from Kerala who travel to New Delhi for official duties. But the canteen has made it a hangout spot for people from many regions. As you enter, the saporous aroma can already have you craving some food at the guest house canteen 'Samrudhi' in Kerala Bhawan.

The place provides a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes cooked with regional spices such as veg thali, fish fry, masala dosa, ghee dosa, thattu dosa, kappa, poratta, veg curry, juices, egg curry, chicken curry, meat, thali, and biryani, which are mouth-watering and the taste of which will hover around your mind for a very very long time.  It is difficult to pick a favourite as several dishes are so unique and delectable.

The place remains open on all seven days of the week and it runs in three shifts during the day. The timing is 8-10 am, 12.30-2.30 pm & 7-9.45 pm. Lunchtime meals are a huge hit, which provides rice meals (vegetarian, chicken, and fish) served with pappads and endless refills of lentil and bean side dishes. For dinner, parathas are provided in place of rice, while appams (pancakes made with onion and coconut) are offered for breakfast.

I talked to a few people there in the canteen to know their experiences. Kishor Kumar, a Keralite working as a business development manager in Delhi says, "I am coming here since 1996, it's almost been 25 years. Biryani and chicken curry with laccha parathas are the most loved dishes here. The best things about this canteen are quick access, fast delivery and low budget. The place is almost full during weekends."

Hemlata who is a doctor by profession and a native of Tamil Nadu says, " I am living here in Delhi for the last 3.5 years for a job and this place provides the ultimate joy of homelike food for me. The food is cheap and authentic."

For reaching Kerala Bhawan, one can get down at Barakkhamba road metro station. From there, any auto from there will drop you at the Kerala Bhawan on Janpath lane. For reaching the canteen without any hassle one can take the back entry gate.