Hotel Shadab, Hyderabad

For those looking to sample an authentic bite of Hyderabadi fare, Hotel Shadab is the place to go. Its main staple is the beloved local dish of biryani, a delectable layered mixture of rice and curry – usually meat, though vegetarian versions of the dish can be found here as well. The place is often packed up with families, sharing a hearty feast together.

Bukhara, New Delhi

One of India’s leading culinary lights since its founding in 1977, Bukhara, located within the ITC Maurya Hotel, serves cuisine inspired by the rugged Northwest frontier. Chef JP Singh cooks hearty, meat-heavy fare that’s eaten by hand with flaky paratha bread. Within its dark, rustic dining room, food lovers will experience a uniquely Indian version of fine dining.

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Mumbai

Hidden away in a labyrinthine quarter of old Mumbai, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay is the undisputed champion of Gujarati thali. Thali, or a platter of small dishes served in a series of bowls and complemented by various chutneys and breads, is a fantastic way to sample a number of offerings in one go; given its Gujarati culinary heritage, diners here can expect dishes like rotli (flatbread), kadhi (chickpea flour kaporas with yogurt), and shaak (vegetables cooked in gravy), all washed down with a glass or few of chaas (buttermilk).

Karavalli, Bangalore

Recently refurbished, the 22 year-old  Karavalli pulls from a huge array of traditional Southern Indian cooking communities – from the Kodavas of Coorg to the Syrian Christians of Travancore, with even a touch of Goan Portuguese inspiration. The result is a unique blend that showcases the region’s incredible diversity.