Bollywood legend Zeenat Aman has revealed her weekend guilty pleasure – gorging on traditional South Indian fare at Mumbai's beloved Dakshinayan restaurant in Juhu. The 72-year-old actress recently shared her "simple instructions for an excellent weekend" on Instagram, putting this vegetarian Tamil restaurant firmly in the spotlight.
Located opposite the ISKCON Temple on Gandhigram Road, Dakshinayan has earned the veteran actress's loyal patronage for its authentic South Indian dishes. The Don actress confessed to needing her "weekly fix" of their offerings, recommending visitors to "eat their weight in dosa, podi, ghee, and idli" – just as she does.
The restaurant, which is part of a chain with branches across Maharashtra and Gujarat, has built its reputation on serving traditional Dravidian specialities. Their menu boasts an impressive array of South Indian classics, including a show-stopping 4-feet long family dosa. Lesser-known delicacies like Karvapallia podi idlis and Molgapodi idlis have also earned them a dedicated following among Mumbai's food enthusiasts.
What makes Dakshinayan particularly special is its pocket-friendly pricing, with meals ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 400 per person. The restaurant maintains a casual dining atmosphere with a homely vibe, serving exclusively vegan dishes. It's worth noting that they don't accept reservations, operating on a walk-in-only basis.
Aman's weekend ritual at Dakshinayan involves more than just eating. Her Instagram post humorously detailed her "canteen mudra" – attempting to block photo opportunities while focusing entirely on the feast before her. Her four-step weekend guide includes visiting your nearest dosa joint, avoiding photographs, indulging in South Indian delicacies, and following it all up with a well-deserved nap.
The restaurant also celebrates South Indian festivals with seasonal specials. During Kerala's harvest festival Onam and Uttarayan, they offer traditional dishes like Van Pongal and Sakrai Pongal, adding to their authentic South Indian dining experience.
Zeenat Aman joins a growing list of Bollywood celebrities known for their favourite local eateries, including Deepika Padukone's love for Bengaluru's Veena Stores and Dia Mirza's preference for Mumbai's Benne. Her endorsement of Dakshinayan isn't just about the food – it's about embracing the simple pleasures of authentic cuisine without breaking the bank.
If you're planning to follow in the footsteps of this Bollywood icon, expect to find a bustling eatery serving generous portions of South Indian comfort food. Just remember to follow Aman's wisdom: focus on the food, not the photos, and don't forget that post-meal nap – it's all part of the experience!
The legendary actress, known for her roles in classics like "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" and "Satyam Shivam Sundaram," continues to influence not just through her screen presence but also through her relatable food choices, proving that good taste never goes out of style.