In the vibrant city of Bangalore, where diverse culinary cultures converge, one name stands as a beacon of authentic Andhra cuisine—Nandhini Deluxe. Founded in 1989 by the visionary entrepreneur N. Ananda, Nandhini Deluxe pioneered the Andhra restaurant chain concept in Bangalore, bringing the rich, fiery flavors and time-honored traditions of Andhra Pradesh to a cosmopolitan audience.
Humble Beginnings and Visionary Leadership
N. Ananda’s journey began humbly in the bustling City Market area with a small sweet shop. Inspired by his heritage and passion for good food, he recognized a gap in Bangalore’s culinary landscape—the absence of a dedicated Andhra dining experience. Driven by a desire to share his regional cuisine with authenticity and pride, he opened the first Nandhini Deluxe outlet at Minerva Circle in 1989. This establishment quickly became iconic, setting the standard for Andhra flavors, quality, and hospitality.
Pioneering Andhra Cuisine
As the first Andhra restaurant chain in Bangalore, Nandhini Deluxe revolutionized local dining by introducing signature dishes like Mutton Biryani, Gongura Pachadi, Sholay Kebab, and fiery Andhra-style chutneys. The brand’s commitment to genuine spices sourced directly from Andhra Pradesh, traditional cooking methods, and family recipes earned it a loyal following and widespread recognition. This pioneering spirit extended into digital innovation, as Nandhini Deluxe became the first Andhra chain in Bangalore to onboard Swiggy and Zomato, embracing modern technology to reach a broader audience through online delivery.
Growth and Expansion
Over the next 36 years, Nandhini Deluxe grew meticulously and strategically. From the flagship Minerva Circle outlet, the brand expanded to 18 outlets across Bangalore and Mysuru, including newly launched flagship destinations like the sprawling St. Marks Road restaurant, opened in September 2025. This 6,000 sq.ft space offers premium dining experiences, luxurious private rooms, and innovative bar concepts, blending tradition with contemporary elegance.
Simultaneously, Nandhini embraced changing consumer habits by establishing its own cloud kitchen network—known as Kandhini’s own cloud kitchen—to offer late-night Andhra meals and biryani boxes across multiple delivery hubs. This hybrid approach has allowed Nandhini Deluxe to sustain its authenticity while adapting to the convenience economy.
Third-Generation Leadership and Vision
Today, the legacy is carried forward by Dhanush Srinivas, the founder’s grandson and third-generation director. He continues to steer the brand with a blend of respect for tradition and forward-thinking ambition. Under his leadership, the chain aims to grow to 50 outlets nationwide and broaden its footprint internationally, targeting cosmopolitan cities including Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Sydney, and London.
Culinary Philosophy and Brand Promise
At the heart of Nandhini Deluxe lies an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Each dish is crafted with care, using the finest Guntur chilies, fresh tamarind, and other signature ingredients that define Andhra cuisine. The signature biryani bell—a ritual ringing when fresh dum biryani is ready—is emblematic of Nandhini’s dedication to freshness and flavor. The brand’s unique masala blends and recipes continue to delight customers, telling a story of heritage and passion with every bite.
Awards and Recognition
Nandhini Deluxe’s excellence has been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards over recent years:
- Times Now Food Award 2025: Best Regional Cuisine Restaurant.
- Restaurant India Awards 2024 (South India Edition): Biryani Restaurant of the Year.
- Recognized as Best Andhra Restaurant by Franchise India, Radio City, and Red FM.
- Awarded Restaurant Serving Most Authentic South Indian Cuisine at the 2022 Restaurant India Awards.
- Consistently praised for delivering the most authentic Andhra dining experience in Bangalore.
- Strong community engagement and fanbase loyalty through cultural initiatives and food festivals.
- The brand holds a strong valuation, ranking among the top Indian food and beverage brands in 2025 by Brand Finance, reflecting its market leadership and consumer trust.
A Living Cultural Institution
Nandhini Deluxe is more than a restaurant—it is a cultural landmark that has brought the essence of Andhra Pradesh into the homes and hearts of Bangaloreans. It embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, culinary heritage, and modern innovation. As it looks to the future, Nandhini Deluxe remains dedicated to delivering the authentic taste of Andhra cuisine with the warmth and excellence that have defined its journey since 1989.
This legacy story not only celebrates 36 years of culinary excellence and multiple prestigious recognitions but also sets the stage for an exciting future where Nandhini Deluxe continues to lead, innovate, and inspire in the hospitality industry.
Sources
- Restaurant Awards 2024 Bengaluru Edition – Biryani Restaurant of the Year
- Award Winners – Restaurant Serving Most Authentic South Indian Cuisine
- Featured in Kitchen Herald – Nandhini Deluxe | 35 Years of Andhra Cuisine Excellence
