CULTURE & CUISINE

Restaurants and cafés housed within monuments, art galleries and cultural institutions across India offer a vibrant tapestry of history, tradition and local flavour

- Geetika Sachdev

There's nothing quite like stumbling upon a time capsule-particularly when discovering a destination. Monuments, art galleries and historical buildings form an intrinsic part of a city's cultural heritage, whispering secrets of its glorious past. Similarly, the role of cuisine has often been looked at as an expression of cultural identity.

What if both these elements converge to offer a slice of heritage on a plate? This is the newest trend on the block that's taking over Indian cities, with restaurants and cafés increasingly finding shelter inside landmark heritage structures.

Here's a lowdown of some prominent culinary destinations within cultural institutions across India:

DELHI

No conversation about India's capital is complete without a mention of culture and cuisine. Some of the most iconic heritage structures in the country from the Red Fort to the Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb to India Gate-give the city its character. Unsurprisingly, Delhi's love for food also weaves its way into culture, with many cafés and restaurants reflecting the richness of its past.

A shining example of this concept is Café Delhi Heights set within the iconic Red Fort. It is claimed to be India's first restaurant to have opened inside the premises of a national monument. With minimal seating and subtle décor, the team has attempted to preserve the original setting without tampering with its history.

Another popular spot for Delhi's heritage lovers is Sunder Nursery (adjacent to Humayun's Tomb) that houses the city's first arboretum. Here, Fabcafe by the Lake takes centre stage with its vibrant patio umbrellas and lakeside view. From fluffy idlis to baked samosas, gluten-free desserts to momos, there's something for everyone.