Delhi has a new address for those who believe a meal should be cooked with care. Sanatanam, a vegetarian dining destination in Rajouri Garden, opened its doors on 14 October with a launch ceremony attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and several members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
The restaurant is built on the idea of “Anna Brahma”, the belief that food is divine. For Sanatanam, that means treating every dish as an expression of care, culture and connection rather than mere sustenance.
The opening evening reflected that spirit. It began with a puja and a Ganga Aarti, followed by a live Indian classical music performance, before dignitaries and guests sat down to a first taste of the menu.
“Sanatanam was born from a belief that has guided Indian households for generations: food is divine,” said founder Girish Goel. “Every dish is prepared with pure desi ghee and ingredients we would proudly serve in our own homes.” He added that he hoped the restaurant would become a place where Delhi could slow down and rediscover the joy of food made with intention.
Ghee and the South at the core
Bengaluru-style South Indian cooking forms the heart of the menu. Signatures include Ghee Saagu Dosa, Ghee Thatte Idli, Bisi Bele Bath, Ghee Jaggery Pongal and Appam with Jaggery Paal.
The kitchen does not stop there. Chaat lovers can choose from Masala Puri, Mango Pani Puri and the Thatte Vada Set. North Indian staples such as Paneer Butter Masala, Dal Tadka and tandoori dishes share space with Chinese favourites like Chilli Basil Paneer, Hakka Noodles and Schezwan Rice. Across cuisines, the promise is the same: food prepared the South Indian way, without artificial enhancers or unnecessary additives.
A space designed to slow down
The interiors draw on the lotus and the arrow, symbols of purity and purposeful direction. Earthy materials, subtle cultural geometry and soft lighting set a calm mood, while a live kitchen lets diners watch the craft behind every plate take shape.
Sanatanam is designed to work through the day, from wholesome breakfasts and informal meetings to family lunches, evening chaat and unhurried dinners, making it as much a neighbourhood hangout as a destination for a special meal.
In a city crowded with new openings, Sanatanam is betting on an old idea: that honest ingredients, pure ghee and mindful cooking still have the power to draw people to the table.
Anna brahma
The restaurant is built on the idea of “Anna Brahma”, the belief that food is divine. For Sanatanam, that means treating every dish as an expression of care, culture and connection