The Republic Day eating out guide

For most of us, Republic Day begins with patriotic songs in Hindi playing on full volume from loudspeakers. But there’s a lot more that you can do on this day, apart from enjoying a mid-week break. We’ve found some great places to go eat at, all over the country. Here are our top picks.

Mumbai
NRI – Not Really Indian

Daal Bati at Not Really Indian

At NRI, the Republic Day spread is all about celebrating the cultural specialties of India. The menu includes traditional delights like the Rajasthani Daal Baati, Notun Aloor Dum (Bengali style baby potatoes in spiced gravy) served with a special Koraishutir Kochuri (green pea stuffed kachuri), Chhole Kulche from Amritsar among others.

Where: Maker Maxity, North Avenue 2, Bandra Kurla Complex,
When: Ongoing, till January 29
Call: 3000 5040

Seven Kitchens, The St Regis Mumbai

If a holiday to you means a chance to brunch, then Seven Kitchens may have just what you need. Apart from standard breakfast features, the brunch includes a spread of regional fare like Murgh Awadhi from Lucknow, Kerala style spicy Mutton Pepper Fry, Kalayavatanyachi Usal (black gram spiced lentil Maharashtrian-style preparation), Bengals specialties like Macher Jhol (fish curry), Dum Bengali Aloo and more. The meal also includes an array of dishes from across the globe, for those with preference for international cuisine as well as desserts.

Where: Level 9M, The St. Regis Mumbai, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
When: January 26, 12.30pm to 4pm
Call: 6162 8422
Cost: Rs 2999 onwards, Rs 8000 for Moet Magnum brunch (plus taxes)

Papacream

Strawberry ice cream

For those in the mood to cheat on their diet, Papacream sweetens the deal with its delicious offer all day long on Republic day. The pastel-hued ice-cream place is offering some of its classic flavours at Rs 26, in special tri-coloured cones, no less. Flavours include classics like Blueberry, Belgian Chocolate or seasonal ones like Strawberry and Espresso plus a whole range of sorbet flavours like Red Raspberry Sorbet, the Virgin Mojito Sorbet and more.

Where: Shop no 1, Bldg. No. 20, Plot 39 H 20, Ground floor, Group MHP II Site, Oshiwara, Jogeshwari West (Landmark – Opp Gold’s Gym)
18, Cambatta Building, J.T Road, Churchgate,
When: January 26, 10am to 12am
Call:  6556 6557 (Andheri) / 65177272 (Churchgate)

Delhi

Capital Kitchen, Taj Palace

Uttapam and sambar at Taj Palace, New Delhi

Even if it wasn’t a special meal (which it is), the food at Capital Kitchen definitely stands apart. A thematic bar will be serving regional beverages like Kahwa (dry-fruit infused tea from Kashmir), filter coffee, lassi, aam panna, jal jeera, fragrant Darjeeling tea and more. The buffet spread will feature delicacies across the length and breadth of the country, to offer a culinary tour, of sorts. The buffet will also house live counters dishing out street food favourites like appam, dosa, kebabs, Indian breads and more.

Where: Taj Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
When: January 26, 12pm onwards
Call: 011-6650 3732
Cost: Rs 2050 (plus taxes)

Gurgaon

Latitude, Vivanta by Taj

Tiranga kebab platter at Latitude, Vivanta by Taj

At Latitude, an India-inspired buffet curated by executive Chef Subrata Debnath promises to be the highlight of your day. The food will be in line with the festivities, sporting a tri-coloured theme across gourmet and street food delights. Tiranga kebab platter, Kesari Shahi Murgh, Raan-e-Josh (slow cooked spiced lamb meat), Zafrani Subz Pulao (saffron-spiced rice with vegetables) and more will be served as part of appetisers and mains. Desserts include tri coloured barfi and Chhena Asarfiya (special curd cheese dessert) to end the meal on a high note.

Where: Lobby Level, Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon, NCR
When: Januray 26 to 28, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7.30pm to 11.30pm
Call: 0124-6673000
Cost: Rs 2500 with taxes (special 50% discount for defence personnel – in service or retired)