10 Indian Restaurants From Pre-Independence Era That Still Exist

The culinary world is ever-evolving with fusion foods and contemporary treats. However, the nostalgic-laden foods of the past still hold an undeniable charm.

Here is the list of 10 restaurants still going strong since the pre-independence era with their same old food attracting mass.

Britania and Co, Mumbai: Located in South Bombay amid the iconic buildings, this Parsi restaurant was built in 1923 by the late Boman Rashid Kohinoor to serve the British officers near the Fort area.

Glenary’s, Darjeeling: Specializing in baked treats like apple pies and cinnamon buns, this iconic eatery was founded by an Italian named Vado which was later overtaken by a local worker 110 years ago.

Flurry’s, Kolkata: Founded in 1927 by a Swiss couple Mrs and Mr J Flury, this charming restaurant still attracts visitors with its old-world decor. It was taken over by Apeejay Surrendra Group in 1965 and now has 40 outlets in and outside of Kolkata.

Karim’s Old Delhi: Starting in 1913 near Old Delhi’s bustling Jama Masjid area, this restaurant is famous for its kebabs, chicken jahangiri, mutton stew and korma. Started with only 2 dishes, and now the restaurant has 50 outlets in India and the UAE.

Dorabjee & Sons, Pune: Pune’s oldest Parsi restaurant was established in 1878 by Sorabjee Dorabjee. The restaurant now serves authentic Parsi foods like mutton cutlets, chicken cutlets, and dhansak, with moderate pricing ranging from Rs 200 to 400.

United Coffee House, Delhi: Started in 1942 by Lala Hans Raj Kalra, United Coffee House is said to be Delhi’s first Western-style café. With British-themed aesthetics and vintage colours, this restaurant has Indian, European, and Continental menus.

Indian Coffee House, Kolkata: Used to be the hangout place for the students of Calcutta University and Presidency College, this restaurant still attracts intellectual mass. Founded in 1876, it serves aromatic coffee, egg/chicken sandwiches and cutlets.

Mavalli Tiffin Room, Bengaluru: Opened in 1924, as Brahmin Coffee Club on Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Fort Road, it was later renamed as Mavalli Tiffin Room. Now the restaurant specializes in South Indian dishes and strong filter coffee.

Leopold Café, Mumbai: Opened in 1871, this multicuisine cafe serves Chindian and Italian foods at an affordable cost.

Hari Ram & Sons, Allahabad: One of the oldest street food shops, founded in 1890, now serves delicious snacks prepared with pure desi ghee like masala samosas, khasta kachori, chaat, and palak ki namkeen.