South Indian food may be one of the widely eaten cuisines in India but finding the true taste of South Indian cuisine has always been difficult. Most restaurants stocks up on some Dosas and Idlis ignoring the other essential parts of South Indian fare. One of my favourite South Indian restaurants in Delhi is Dakshin, as it provides for a comprehensive menu from all the 4 South Indian states. But as Dakshin is my favourite for non-vegetarian fare, Padmanabham has become my favourite for vegetarian South Indian food. Established by Chef Bakshish Dean, it serves out a Bhojanam from one particular state every day.
What to eat at Padmanabham?
The menu features variety of Idlis and Dosais including the famous ones like Ghee Podi Idli, the Thattai Idli, the Ghee Roast, the Paper and the Set Dosa, but there are also quite a few that aren’t known that well: the Keerai Idli, Mirappakai Idli along with Chettinadu and Jini Dosai.
There’s also a smattering of quintessential South Indian vegetarian delicacies including Paniyarams, Vadais, Upmas along with some Ghee Pongal.
Bhojanam at Padmanabham
Even with all these expressions of South Indian food, what really stands across to me are the Bhojanams: a full course meal served over Banana leaves with a rotating menu that includes a selection of vegetable curry including Thengai Saddam, Thakkali Saddam along with a selection of rice including Tamarind Rice and Curry Leaf Rice.
Each day of the week is dedicated to bhojanam from a different state. Along with the Bisi Bele Bhaath very rich in flavour and aptly spiced dish that you will find in South India. Do head to Padmanabham to try out some authentic South Indian fare.
