Who doesn’t love digging into a golden, crispy dosa? But is that all there is to South Indian cuisine? Not at all! From fresh and spicy seafood creations to soul-satisfying thaalis, there’s a world of flavours that is up for you to explore. The good news is that Delhi NCR is brimming with joints specialising in regional cuisines from the South, and some are even going further to bring you a fusion that you could have never imagined—think chicken wings with the Malayali condiment, inji puli, as a glaze. If you’re already salivating at the mention of it, then head to these five best South Indian restaurants in Delhi, where you will find more than just the quintessential spread.
Dakshin Canteen
Located in the bustling Amar Colony, Dakshin Canteen is Chef Ruchira Hoon’s passion project. It is winning hearts with mess-style, no-frills South Indian dishes. Hailing from Kerala herself, Hoon has not left any crumbs when it comes to bringing Delhiites authentic bold flavours from the region, especially if you love seafood. The space is compact and cute, which also means that on the weekends, you might have to wait to get a table. But to know why, order podi prawns, ghee roast chicken dosa, and inji puli wings. If you’re vegetarian, ghee podi idli fries and chilli cheese paniyaram come highly recommended. Their drinks menu also has interesting non-alcoholic options that present a unique take on local mixes, such as puli ananas, which blends tamarind and pineapple with a red chilli salt rim.
Address: Ground Floor, Amar Colony, E-127, Block E, Lajpat Nagar 4, New Delhi
Timings: 12-11 pm on all days
Mahabelly
Mahabelly is another great spot if you are craving the hot and robust flavours of Kerala. With five outposts, there’s ample proof that Mahabelly delivers with its choice of dishes typical of a toddy shop and some that will remind you of the simple but comforting flavours from amma’s kitchen. Start with the classic Chicken 65, and then move on to mains like mango prawn curry or mappila mutton stew. Mahabelly also prides itself on using in-season ingredients, so be open to trying seasonal creations that feature seafood as well as vegetarian options. If you’re a lover of Biryani (who isn’t), the prawn biryani is reason enough to head here!
Address: Outlets in GK 2, Saket, Gurugram and Lado Sarai
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm on all days
Sana Di Ge
Located in Chanakyapuri, Sana Di Ge is a multi-storey restaurant that is known for its freshly prepared coastal dishes. While the long list of creations on the menu traverses along India’s southern coast, featuring dishes from Kerala to Tamil Nadu to Karnataka, you will also find options that represent the Konkan region. With elegant interiors and dim lighting, the restaurant is a brilliant choice for a Sunday family lunch or dinner, but do ensure you’re braced with a big appetite. Their top dishes include crab masala fry, bangada fry (you can also opt for other fish variants such as surmai), and chicken gravy with kori rotti. Since their menu is divided according to the region, you can choose your pick from each and have a grand meal.
Address: Commercial Centre, 22/48, Malcha Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Timings: 12 to 11 pm
Andhra Bhavan Canteen
This joint needs no instruction. Generations of Delhiites flock to Andhra Bhavan Canteen every Sunday, eagerly lining up for their Andhra biryani. But if you are up for trying more than that, then the canteen also dishes out delicious local dishes every day for lunch. The best part is that here you can eat your fill without shelling out a grand. To try a little of everything we suggest you opt for the thali, which includes a motley of curries, fries, and vegetable preparations. Do note that this is not a place for a casual lunch. It runs on a first-come, first-served basis, and the staff does not wait for anybody. However, the flavourful spread does more than just make up for the rush. Ensure that you arrive a little earlier than the peak lunch hour, around 12 pm, to snag a spot as it tends to get really crowded.
Timings: 8–10 am, 12–3 pm, 7:30–10 pm
Address: 1, Ashoka Rd, Hyderabad House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Vellam
If you’re all for experimentation, then this relatively new restaurant in Gurugram is right up your alley. The menu presents the authentic flavours of South Indian cuisine combined with ingredients or techniques you may have not earlier imagined or tried anywhere, think chilled tomato shorba, spice toss fish taco or water chestnut pepper fry. Even the drinks menu promises equal flavour and surprise, with drinks like curry leaf martini and spiced banana old fashioned rum. The experience is elevated further with their elegant interiors, gold accents, tied together with beige and warm yellow accents. We recommend you go with an open mind and enough appetite!
Timings: 12-11:30 pm
Address: Ground Floor, TOWER-A, Global Gateway Towers, Unit 4, Sikanderpur, Sector 26, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
