A family from Banaras, cooking for Abu Dhabi since 2017

We are foodies ourselves. When we moved to Abu Dhabi, being vegetarian, we were always on the lookout for good vegetarian food. One day the thought struck us, why not do this ourselves. Why not offer this community food that is not just delicious, but nutritious as well. That is how Vindhya Bhavan began in 2017.

Every year we travel back to North India. We visit restaurants, and we eat on the streets. The chaat of Varanasi, the small town snacks, the flavours we grew up with. North Indian street food and chaat are what inspired us to bring the same authentic taste and feel to Abu Dhabi.

We come from a vegetarian family. We always wanted to share with this city the same recipes, and the same variety, we enjoy at home. Jain options are available on every section of the menu, prepared without onion, garlic, or root vegetables. Vegan options and gluten free rice based options on request.

Why “Vindhya Bhavan”

The name draws inspiration from the Vindhyachal mountain range, which runs through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and all the way down into Gujarat. The diversity and the tranquillity of those mountains inspire the food of North India, the culture, and the traditions of the people who live around them. That is the spirit we wanted in our kitchen.

What we missed from home

What we missed most when we came to UAE was the street food of Banaras, our home town. Visiting Dubai on weekends, we had a choice of street food, but the hometown flavour was always missing. People often asked us, what nutrition can a pani puri offer. That question stayed with us. So we decided to bring Abu Dhabi something delicious and nutritious at the same time. For the first time in the UAE, we serve a Semolina Pani Puri, the same beloved chaat, made with the wholesome goodness of semolina.

Where to find us

Family run by the Upadhyay family, nine years in. Free home delivery across Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussafah, Shahama, Khalifa City, Al Wahda, and Al Nahyan. Monthly tiffin plans for families and working professionals. Catering for weddings, birthdays, and community events. Cards accepted, cash welcome.

Come visit us at Shabiya ME-10, right next to Al Surour Park. The kettle is always on.