Nagpur's food scene is more interesting than it gets credit for. Here are five places we send guests to, in the order we send them.
1. For Saoji — Bhutada Saoji Bhojnalaya, Mahal
Saoji is Nagpur's signature cuisine — a fiery, slow-cooked meat curry from the Halba-Koshti weaving community. Bhutada is the city's most consistent. Order the mutton or chicken, eat with the bhakri, and ask for extra raw onion. Lunch is the right meal here.
2. For Tarri Poha — Sapna Restaurant, Sitabuldi
Poha is Nagpur's breakfast religion. Tarri poha tops it with a thin, spiced gravy made from the bottom of the curry pot. Sapna serves the strongest version. Get there before 10 AM.
3. For South Indian — Hari Bhavan, Dhantoli
An old-school Udupi place that has been doing one job — extraordinary dosas and filter coffee — for forty years. The benne masala dosa is the order. Cash only.
4. For Orange Sweets — Haldiram's, Itwari (the original)
Haldiram's is now national, but it began on Itwari Bazaar in Nagpur. The orange-flavoured sweets — santra barfi, orange peda — are the things to try at the original outlet.
5. For Modern Indian — The Bombay Brasserie, Civil Lines
When you want a real sit-down dinner with cocktails — a mix of Mumbai-style Bombay food, regional curries, and a clean wine list. Book ahead on a Friday or Saturday.
For a curated walking food-tour, ask our concierge — three hours, four stops, one driver. It's complimentary for guests staying with us.
