The Full Story
Dakshin Canteen is a pan-South Indian restaurant that explores dishes from across the gamut of the South. This Canteen-style restaurant showcases the rich culinary heritage from the South of India, from Tamilnadu and Pondicherry to Kerala and Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With a primary focus on contemporary small plates and community-specific traditional curries, Dakshin Canteen hopes to bring diverse flavours and tastes to your tables.
The Food
An ever-evolving menu that is community-inclusive, Dakshin Canteen showcases recipes from the homes of Mangaloreans in Karnataka, Chettiars, Rawthers and Tamizh Brahmins from Tamil Nadu, Syrian Christians, Moplahs and Nairs from Kerala, Reddys and Naidus from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and many more communities across the spectrum - these dishes have been carefully curated and served up in an uncomplicated style so everyone can enjoy these flavours.
Nestled in Amar Colony/ East of Kailash, the restaurant is inspired by the vibe of heritage bungalows and old-school canteens, with checkered floors, rattan furniture, and Athangudi tiles.
Inspiration
With a focus on Indigenous ingredients such as peppercorns, curry leaves, Gandhara chillies as well as kokum and tamarind, much of the food brings out bold yet nuanced flavours that will keep you coming back for more.
One of inspirations behind Dakshin Canteen are the ‘Military Hotels’ across the south that serve plenty of vegetarian food interspersed with meats and fish showcasing the diverse and tasty meat preparations that deserve to shine. Even though the origin of the term ‘Military Hotel’ isn't known, it is mostly assumed that these eateries were run for families in or associated with the army. These were restaurants that believed that a side of something non-vegetarian makes for a complete meal.
Vision
At Dakshin Canteen, we have taken this idea to heart and have tried to showcase the various styles of preparations for meats such as chicken, fish, mutton, and seafood which are meant to be eaten in combination of carbohydrates such as idlis, dosas, and parottas. With a special focus on millets instead of rice - our wholesome combinations of our house favorites including Bisibela Bhaat and Thayir Sadam - are all made of millets.
With comforting and flavoursome meals being our focus, Dakshin Canteen wishes to change the way diners look at, taste and understand South Indian food.