Padmanabham — Restaurant in Delhi

A Spiritual and Culinary Journey at Padmanabhan Restaurant, Rajendra Place

Located in the heart of Delhi's bustling Rajendra Place, Padmanabhan restaurant is a hidden gem that promises to transport you to the serene landscapes of South India. With its unique concept and delectable vegetarian menu, Padmanabhan is more than just a dining experience; it's a spiritual journey inspired by the Meenakshi Temple of Madurai and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Trivandrum.

All Aboard the Culinary Train

The first thing that captures your attention as you approach Padmanabhan is its eye-catching exterior – a 250-feet-long multi-colored train with five coaches. This architectural marvel is inspired by the iconic trains that crisscross South India, and it immediately sets the tone for what lies inside. As you step through the restaurant's entrance, you'll be greeted by intricate Mandala artwork adorning the walls, reminiscent of the intricate mandalas found in temples. The ambiance is a perfect blend of modernity and spirituality, creating a unique and immersive dining experience.

A Glimpse of Divinity

One of the highlights of Padmanabhan is its majestic Balaji statue, which stands tall and commands attention at the center of the restaurant. This intricately crafted sculpture pays homage to Lord Venkateswara, one of the most revered deities in South India. The presence of the Balaji statue adds an extra layer of spirituality to the restaurant, making it a perfect place for both a spiritual journey and a delicious meal.

A Culinary Voyage Through South India

The menu at Padmanabhan is a testament to the diverse and rich culinary traditions of South India. It draws inspiration from the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The no-fuss, all-vegetarian menu offers a wide range of dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds. Here are some of the dishes I had the pleasure of trying during my visit:

Rasam: A South Indian classic, the Rasam at Padmanabhan is a flavorful and comforting soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and an aromatic blend of spices.

Chinna Podi Idli: These mini idlis are coated with a special spice mix known as "Chinna Podi" and are a delightful twist on the traditional idli.

Keerai Vadai: A crispy fritter made from lentils and spinach, Keerai Vadai is a delicious and nutritious snack.

Mini South Indian Thali: The thali offers a variety of dishes, including rice, sambar, curries, and more, allowing you to sample a wide array of South Indian flavors in one meal.

Filter Coffee: No South Indian meal is complete without a steaming cup of filter coffee. It's a perfect way to end your culinary journey at Padmanabhan.

Impeccable Service and Friendly Staff

One aspect that truly enhances the dining experience at Padmanabhan is its quick and friendly service. The staff is not only attentive but also knowledgeable about the dishes they serve. They are more than willing to assist you in making choices and ensure that you have a pleasant dining experience.

In conclusion, my visit to Padmanabhan was a memorable one. It's not just a restaurant; it's a destination where you can embark on a spiritual and culinary journey through the diverse flavors of South India. The ambiance, the Balaji statue, and the delectable menu make it a must-visit for anyone in Delhi looking to savor authentic South Indian cuisine. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Padmanabhan – a place where tradition, spirituality, and food come together to create a truly...

Padmanabhan- A Hidden South Indian Gem Amidst the Chaos!

Padmanabhan is a calm and quiet South Indian restaurant just few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of its surrounding area. Built on a charming train-themed concept, this place offers a delightful journey through authentic South Indian delicacies. Right from the moment you arrive, they welcome you with a warm serving of Rasam in a kullad, and trust me – it’s absolutely mind-blowing! Their extensive menu boasts a wide variety of South Indian dishes, but the one I personally adore and highly recommend is "Bhojanam". Served every day between 12:00 PM till 4:00 PM, this traditional meal is presented on a banana leaf, offering unlimited servings of a variety of delicious accompaniments. It’s a true celebration of flavours and South Indian hospitality. Think of it as a simpler, more compact version of a traditional Kerala "Sadhya" meal — fewer dishes, but no compromise on taste or authenticity. Their Podi dosa and the South Indian platter are also must-tries – both are bursting with authentic taste and perfectly presented. What stands out is not just the food, but also the beautiful presentation, cutlery, and the peaceful ambience that completes the experience. Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but for such quality food and setting, it’s definitely worth the occasional indulgence.

🌸 Another feather to Padmanabham’s crown of authentic South Indian taste! Onam-2025🌸

Being a North Indian and a true admirer of South Indian cuisine—especially the grand Onam Sadhya—this has always been one of my deepest cravings. For years, I kept searching for that authentic taste of Sadhya in Delhi, which is nearly impossible to find unless you have a Kerala friend circle.

Having always admired the food at Padmanabham, it was my obvious choice to celebrate Onam this year. And I must say—Padmanabham truly exceeded my expectations once again!

The Onam Sadhya here was nothing short of spectacular—a true and soulful celebration of Kerala’s tradition. Though there was a long obious waiting, but honestly, it was absolutely worth both the wait and the price. The 30 specially prepared dishes served on the banana leaf were crafted with such authenticity that each bite transported me straight to Kerala. Not a single dish felt like a “restaurant style” version—everything tasted like a lovingly prepared home-cooked Sadhya. Adding to the magic were the beautiful flower decorations, the presence of a Mahabali-dressed host to welcome, and the courteous staff serving with warmth, grace, and genuine hospitality. These touches made the entire experience not just about food, but about truly living the spirit of Onam. Padmanabham gave us the joy of experiencing the authentic Kerala Onam Sadhya right in the heart of New Delhi—something I had been longing for years. Heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Padmanabham for this delightful and memorable experience. Truly, as they say:“Ek hi dil hai, kitni baar...

Recently, I visited Padmanabhan Restaurant for lunch and sampled a variety of dishes, including Thatte Idli, Mix Veg Uttapam, Butter Paneer Dosa, Cold Coffee, and Panakkam. Unfortunately, my experience was marred by several issues that left me quite dissatisfied.

Firstly, the service was disappointing. The staff required constant prompting, even for basic necessities like water, which took about 10 minutes to arrive. This was particularly frustrating as we had to repeatedly ask for standard items that should have been promptly available. Additionally, the restaurant imposed a mandatory service charge, which seemed unreasonable given the poor service. Despite our queries, we were not provided with a satisfactory explanation for this charge, and the manager was not available to address our concerns.

The food itself, while flavorful, came with its own set of drawbacks. I found the prices to be on the higher side, especially considering the portion sizes, which were relatively small. This discrepancy between cost and quantity was disappointing and made the dining experience feel less value-for-money. Moreover, the cold coffee was excessively sweet, which was not to my taste and detracted from the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Another significant issue was the hygiene of the washrooms. The latch on the door was broken, making it impossible to lock properly. The washroom was not clean, with a dirty wash station and no sanitary pads provided. This lack of cleanliness and basic amenities added to the overall negative experience.

In conclusion, while Padmanabhan Restaurant offers a diverse menu with some potentially great dishes, the overall experience was significantly hampered by poor service, unjustified service charges, high prices, small portions, and inadequate hygiene in the washrooms. Improvements in these areas are necessary to make a visit to this...