When it comes to India’s history of restaurants, one must go back thousands of years. For example, the ancient Indian text, the Arthashastra, mentions the existence of taverns and inns, which provided food and shelter to travellers. In the Middle Ages, when India was divided into several different kingdoms, many of them had specific restaurants and eateries dedicated to the preparation and serving of food.

In the colonial era, the British brought their own version of the restaurant to India. This was the first time that restaurants served multiple courses rather than just a single dish. The British also introduced the concept of fine dining, where chefs used exotic and expensive ingredients. They also introduced the concept of dining out, where people would go to restaurants to enjoy meals in a social setting.

The first major Indian restaurant, Delhi Durbar, opened in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1875. This restaurant specialized in Mughlai cuisine and was immensely popular. It was so successful that it inspired many other restaurants to open up in the city and other parts of India. By the early 20th century, restaurants began to specialize in serving regional cuisines. 

In the south, restaurants like the Madras Café and Imperial Hotel served Chettinad and Hyderabadi dishes. In the north, Peshawar Café and Awadhi Restaurant provided the people with dishes from the Awadh region. In the years leading up to the independence of India, restaurants began to focus more on local flavours and ingredients. Dishes like tandoori chicken, biryani, and kebabs became popular, and restaurants like Moti Mahal and Bukhara began serving them. 
 

After independence, the restaurant industry in India grew steadily, with the introduction of a variety of cuisines from all over the world. North Indian cuisine, South Indian cuisine, and coastal cuisine are some of the most popular cuisines in India. In the late 20th century, fast food chains such as McDonald's and KFC opened in India, changing the way people eat and introducing a variety of convenience foods.

Today, there are thousands of restaurants in India, ranging from small local establishments to high-end restaurants. India is also home to some of the world’s best chefs and restaurants, from Indian celebrity chefs and five-star restaurants to some of the world’s most unique and creative restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a luxurious dining experience, India has something to offer everyone.

The history of restaurants in India is a long and varied one and one that shows the rich culinary culture that has developed over the centuries. From the ancient taverns and inns to the modern fast food chains, the restaurant industry in India has come a long way and continues to evolve to this day.