5 Iconic Indian Food Spots Where One Family Has Been Cooking for Decades

Across India, a few family-run eateries have kept tradition alive — serving the same recipes, with the same love, across generations. Let’s take a look at five such timeless kitchens.

1. Tunday Kababi, Lucknow Started in 1905 by Haji Murad Ali, Tunday’s galouti kebabs were crafted for Nawab Wajid Ali Shah — and are still a four-generation family tradition.

Where: Aminabad, Lucknow What to Try: Galouti Kebab — soft, aromatic, and made with a 160-spice blend that has stayed in the family for over a century.

2. MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room), Bengaluru Founded in 1924 by the Maiya brothers, MTR still serves South Indian meals with the same homely charm — across generations.

Where: Lalbagh Road, Bengaluru What to Try: Rava Idli — a wartime invention — and their signature filter coffee, served hot on shining steel plates. Pic: MTR

3. Bhim Chandra Nag, Kolkata Since 1826, this sweet shop has been Kolkata’s go-to for traditional Bengali sweets, with recipes passed down through generations.

Where: Nirmal Chandra Street, Kolkata What to Try: Sondesh and Mishti Doi — made the traditional way, with recipes that are cherished like family heirlooms.

4. Rayar’s Mess, Chennai Since the 1940s, this Mylapore mess has served simple, homely tiffin — Pongal, chutneys — staying true to its founding family roots.

Where: Arundale Street, Mylapore, Chennai What to Try: Pongal and chutney — soulful, no-frills meals served on banana leaves, unchanged for decades. Pic: The Hindu

5. Parsi Dairy Farm, Mumbai Founded in 1916 by Nariman Ardeshir, Parsi Dairy Farm remains family-run — famed for rich milk sweets and creamy kulfis. Pic: Parsi Khabar

Where: Princess Street, Marine Lines, Mumbai What to Try: Mawa ni Boi, Kulfi, and Lassi — timeless dairy treats that have kept Mumbai coming back for generations.

5 Iconic Indian Food Spots Where One Family Has Been Cooking for Decades

By Srimoyee Chowdhury 9 June 2025

1. Tunday Kababi, Lucknow Started in 1905 by Haji Murad Ali, Tunday’s galouti kebabs were crafted for Nawab Wajid Ali Shah — and are still a four-generation family tradition.

Where: Aminabad, Lucknow What to Try: Galouti Kebab — soft, aromatic, and made with a 160-spice blend that has stayed in the family for over a century.

3. Bhim Chandra Nag, Kolkata Since 1826, this sweet shop has been Kolkata’s go-to for traditional Bengali sweets, with recipes passed down through generations.

Where: Princess Street, Marine Lines, Mumbai What to Try: Mawa ni Boi, Kulfi, and Lassi — timeless dairy treats that have kept Mumbai coming back for generations.