Our Story
Our story
Family-run and rooted in South Indian tradition since 1981.
From our humble beginnings with a single restaurant in Chennai, over the past four decades Saravanaa Bhavan has become a beloved destination worldwide, with over 85 locations in more than 28 countries. We are honored to bring a true taste of home to millions of Indian expats, and to serve as global ambassadors for South Indian culinary traditions — inviting others to explore the richness of our cuisine.
Saravanaa Bhavan proudly remains a family-run business, dedicated to serving our traditional recipes, and upholding the high quality of our ingredients.
Chennai, 1981
It began with Annachi.
The story of Saravanaa Bhavan begins in 1981, when our founder Mr. P. Rajagopal, affectionately known as Annachi, opened our first restaurant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. With a big dream, and an immense passion for food, Annachi aimed to bring the flavors of traditional South Indian cuisine to the world. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering standards quickly set Saravanaa Bhavan apart as a quality vegetarian restaurant.
Joined by his sons, Mr. P. R. Shiva Kumaar and Mr. R. Saravanan, who helped oversee operations and drive new business initiatives, the restaurant grew from a small Chennai locality to a beloved global brand.
With a journey marked by enriching experiences, Saravanaa Bhavan has become more than a restaurant — it's a celebration of culture, and a gathering place for Indian communities worldwide.
Rooted in Chennai, beloved worldwide
I'm at home when I eat at Saravanaa Bhavan.
Cultural connection
A home away from home.
For over four decades, Saravanaa Bhavan has served as a community hub for Indian families, providing a nostalgic “home away from home” experience for Indian expats across the globe. It serves as a place that helps first (and now second and third) generation Indians introduce and pass down traditional customs to their children and grandchildren, and create lasting memories.
Twelve US dining rooms.
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