Restaurants, eat outs, signature restaurants and speciality restaurants in Chennai

[krishnaswamy]

Originally Posted by Chebang

Has someone visited annapoorana..in mount road...

are you sure it is annapoorana? I think it is "Anna Lakshmi" (from singapore Anna lakshmi group). it is very expensive, when i enquired about it.
In singapore Anna lakshmi too, they have buffet system and you can pay as much as you want, as it goes to charity. the food was good in singapore.

[krishnaswamy]

1. Rain forest near LB road signal will be a good option (both veg and non veg).
2. Dhaba express
3. Adyar Sangeetha.
4. Hotel Palm grove. taste is very good. but we need some patience.

[ranga]

Originally Posted by krishnaswamy

are you sure it is annapoorana? I think it is "Anna Lakshmi" (from singapore Anna lakshmi group). it is very expensive, when i enquired about it.
In singapore Anna lakshmi too, they have buffet system and you can pay as much as you want, as it goes to charity. the food was good in singapore.

It is Anna Lakshmi.

[madrasi7777]

Annalakshmi restaurant in Mount Road is a disappointment in terms of food and and the disappointment enlarges when the bill arrives. was there more than 12 - 13 years back and veg thali for 4 had costed 1500/-. Did not bother to go back as there was no reason to go.

Originally Posted by Chebang

Has someone visited annapoorana..in mount road..I have not..it is a speciality restaurant..VIPs serve there and it is damn costly..but the hotel is run for charity...you pay whatever u want after food..they serve dishes like..thamarai thandu kootu..thalamboo rasam...etc etc..
Once again..I have'nt visited this place..but got this info from very reliable source...

[madrasi7777]

Has any one tried the Shanghai Annachi in Nungambakkam at the corner of KNK and nugnambakkam high road.

I love that name. You can mix and match South Indian and Chinese. Heard from a friend of mine that the starters are quite good.

Tel - +917299993773

Address - 9B, Ist floor, Kakani Towers (Above the Raymond shop) Nungmabakkam.

[kannan infratech]

It will be better if we highlight the specialities of each restaurant and the reviews (personal or quoted).

It will be interesting if the nook shops which specialises in particular varieties are highlighted. Popular 5 / 3 Star hotels / restaurants are known to almost all.

For example Madras Bhelpuri shop off Pondy Bazar, Rayar Cafe off Kutchery Road, Mami's Thinnai Kadai near Kapaleeswar temple, Bajji / Vadai / Savouries Shop near Adyar Bakery on Sardar Patel Road

[karkal]

Snack break on ECR







The New Town — Coffee House scores with a variety of Malaysian street food and Continental fare

There are two things that most of us like doing while driving down the East Coast Road. One is wading into the warm frothy waters of the Bay of Bengal and two, snacking on what the numerous restaurants along the road have to offer. And thankfully, there are quite a few mushrooming en route giving us enough to choose from. The New Town — Coffee House is the fairly new kid on the block. Located opposite VGP Golden Beach, this cafe doesn’t give you the view of the sea, but the pretty wooden interiors with tempting photographs of food, and the dreamy al fresco seating area ensure you don’t miss the azure blue sea.

New Town follows a concept that originated in Malaysia. It’s street food that’s been popularised by the Tamil Muslims who sold them at their food stalls commonly known as mamak stalls.

The menu here therefore largely consists of popular Malaysian street food, Continental cuisine and a fair bit of Indian food too. Nasi goreng, nasi lemak, kaya toast, bangers and mash, kathi rolls, steaks, crispy noodles, biriyani, bruschetta, pasta … The accompanying friend who is on a gluten-free diet makes a big production of the decision making process. “No wraps, no sandwiches, no pasta…,” she lists out a whole lot of food items that’s off her diet list. As a result we decide… un-decide… ask the waiter to come back in 10 minutes and finally make our decision. Tenderloin teriyaki skewers and nasi lemak for her. Murtabak and cheese-stuffed drumstick for me.

The teriyaki skewer has succulent chunks of lamb wedged between capsicum and tomato. This has the potential to taste better. No wonder the friend generously pushes the plate towards me and buries herself into the nasi lemak that comes as a full plate of steamed rice, a piece of fried chicken, chicken gravy and a boiled egg. It’s among the most authentic lemak you will find in Chennai.

New Town Cafe is laidback; so is the service. But then nobody seems to be in a hurry. The neighbouring tables comprising a sullen couple, who don’t talk to each other but keep eating off each others’ plates, and a gang of college kids have been here for a while now and looks like they plan to stay longer.

It takes a while before the rest of our orders get to our table. The mughlai-styled drumstick is the perfect fusion of cheese and keema. Deboned tandoori chicken leg stuffed with mildly flavoured minced chicken, nuts and cheese is served on a bed of badam and cream-emulsified sauce. Easy to cut, great to eat; need I say more. The murtabak, which is basically parantha stuffed with minced chicken and carrots, is quite authentic too. Except that there’s an excess of grated carrot and we could barely taste the meat. Maybe all the meat we ordered had emptied out their cold cuts freezer.

The food is rather filling and the quantity is comfortable for two. We technically shouldn’t even be thinking of desserts. But when there are wafts of roti bom in the air you just have to give in. Strips of fluffy maida parota doused in condensed milk and honey is a challenge that one with a sweet tooth can barely resist. The dieting friend shows steely resolve… for a couple of minutes, and gives in. And, doesn’t stop with just one!

On a scale of 10, New Town scores a well-deserved eight. Their catch phrase says ‘The destination is truly worth the journey’, and we couldn’t agree more.

(New Town — Coffee House is located at No. 363, East Coast Road, Injambakkam. For details, call 91760-66866)

[karkal]

Korean Restaurant - Jageumseong at TTK Road

There are tentacles all over the place. They curl lovingly around meaty slices of mushroom, their perfectly symmetrical suckers dewy with soya sauce. We turn a little pale.

There are tentacles all over the place. They curl lovingly around meaty slices of mushroom, their perfectly symmetrical suckers dewy with soya sauce. We turn a little pale. Then observe a minute’s silence as we gaze at the octopus. And imagine the octopus gazing back at us. Meanwhile our waiter smiles benignly. As he tilts his head, his single crystal ear stud ominously glitters. And still the octopus gazes.

The spell is broken when my friend caves in. “Eeeeeeeek. Tentacles. Tentacles. Tentacles…” The quiet Korean diners at the next table look at us curiously. Kicking her viciously under the table, I mutter “be cool” under my breath. Oblivious, she continues to squeal and point. “Tentacles!” The elegant maitre d’ comes to our table, bows hello with a smile, then takes away the tentacles. Whew.

We’re at Jageumseong, the relatively new Korean restaurant on TTK Road. We spot the sign and a row of beckoning lanterns as we’re driving past. An old watchman points to the back of the building, indicating that it’s the entrance. Since the lift’s not working, we climb far too many stairs, passing through grungy passages. We’re a little nervous by the time we get to the top, but when we push open the door we enter a foyer filled with golden light and Korean pop music. An explosion of coloured lamps dominates the room, beside a dramatic staircase. The tables, loaded with pretty crockery, are set with military precision.

Then the menu arrives.

“Eeeeek,” squeaks my friend, going pale. “What?” I snap. “Look at the prices! Oh gosh, it’ll ruin us. Check how much Sujunbang costs!” Curious, I ask her what Sujunbang is. “I don’t know. But Oh-My-Gosh. It’s Rs. 16,720. Let’s crawl out from under the table and leave quietly. They won’t notice. We’ll eat Maggie tonight and pretend its Korean.” Everyone’s giving us polite, but curious glances by now. I nervously hail a passing waiter. “What’s Sujunbang?’ I ask. He shrugs apologetically, “We don’t have it.” Problem solved.

Since no one here understands much English, we mime out our orders. Sichuan pork. And fried rice with beef. The friendly waiters set out a row of complimentary kimchi. Roasted peanuts set in an ingenious mixture of salt and sugar. Pickled cucumbers with a dark viscous sauce. And chunks of onion. Our food arrives, and it’s octopus. Then the next plate arrives: prawns.

Lots more miming, with my squeaky friend giving a dramatic performance to demonstrate how allergic she is to sea food. (The maitre d’s expression when Dame Squeak-A-Lot falls mock-dead on the table alone is worth the price of dinner.) Our Sichuan pork, fortunately, is delicious. And the portions are massive. (A good thing considering its Rs. 1,200 a plate.) Juicy and tender, in a tumble of sweet green peas, stewed pineapple and fleshy mushroom. Despite the mix up, the staff are lovely — and even bring us little sugary deep-fried balls of dough for dessert.

They have a Chinese menu, which inexplicably includes items like paneer fried rice, French fries and ‘masai mara chicken’. With honey garlic cauliflower, dragon chicken and familiar noodles, it’s more accessible. (Not to mention cheaper.) The Korean food is strictly authentic, replete with abalone and shark fin and sea cucumber. No allowances for the Indian palate, so dive in only if you enjoy this style of cooking.

Jageumseong is at No. 406, 3rd Floor, T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet (Tel: 87545 76531) Crimson Chakra is at No 7/11, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam (Tel: 64500 500, 97866 55845)

Variety platter: At Crimson Chakra.formerly Casa Picola Photo: S.S. Kumar - Khader Nawaz Khan Road

Later in the week, I try the new Crimson Chakra, on Khader Nawaz Khan Road. It’s replaced Casa Picola, and except for the change in name, looks like the same restaurant. The décor’s fairly basic, with a few photographs thrown in to brighten the place. The menu is divided into Indian and Continental fare, both served with that signature Crimson Chakra twist. Since we’re familiar with their Blackened Kingfish Fillets New Orleans and vegetable lasagne, we try the Indian food. (Though the Roasted Mojito marinated lamb leg Caribbean almost sways us.) Thick slices of spongy paneer tikka, followed by butter naan and a rich coconutty mutton vada curry. Satisfying if not mind-blowing. We end with a disappointingly flat whiskey chocolate mousse. And a fabulously light-as-chiffon tender coconut dessert that’s a cross between a mousse and a soufflé.

[sridhar_n]

Residents of west mambalam, Ashok nagar pls confirm if Venkateswara Poli stall at Thambih Chetty street is still there. They serve hot Pollis and Kara appams. Very authentic stuff.

[karthikarthik]

Al Reef started operation and KFC opening soon @ Kilkattalai.

[iaafosc]

Originally Posted by sridhar_n

Residents of west mambalam, Ashok nagar pls confirm if Venkateswara Poli stall at Thambih Chetty street is still there. They serve hot Pollis and Kara appams. Very authentic stuff.

have they got more than one branch ??

[sridhar_n]

Originally Posted by iaafosc

have they got more that one branch ??

Not sure, but there could be more branches or more shops with that name with subtle changes (just as we have many Bangalore Iyengar's bakery or even Hotel Saravana Bhavan).

But the shop has its origins in Thambiah Chetty street and the stuff was very authentic.

[proprashanth]

My college friends are organizing a get together. Can anyone suggest me best lunch buffet in the city. Budget 1000/head max.

[iaafosc]

Originally Posted by proprashanth

My college friends are organizing a get together. Can anyone suggest me best lunch buffet in the city. Budget 1000/head max.

Spice market at hyatt regency ...worth checking out, but not sure of their rates ...you may need to check out if they have a lunch buffet

[ezhilan81]

Barbeque Nation is my favourite for lunch buffet

[madrasi7777]

The lunch buffet in Spice market is pretty good and the price is around 900/- which is a fantastic thing. I am pretty sure it is rare to see buffets which was sub 1000/- bucks. The desserts which comes with the buffet is one of the best. This place is worth giving a shot.

Originally Posted by iaafosc

Spice market at hyatt regency ...worth checking out, but not sure of their rates ...you may need to check out if they have a lunch buffet

[tamilbala]

Originally Posted by kannan infratech

It will be interesting if the nook shops which specialises in particular varieties are highlighted. Popular 5 / 3 Star hotels / restaurants are known to almost all.

Sir, Missed you around sept'09 here? I joined this forum then and started a thread just on what you are asking, but you know what I got in return?

A warning message saying this is not forum on food, so I lost interest and stopped posting, I started posting very later on, now coming to topic, the list.

1. For Samosa & Jilebi - Bombay Lassi behind Devi theatre
2. For Snacks & Authentic Veg Food - Rayer Mess(mostly snacks), Maami Mess(tiffin), Karpagambal Mess(Snacks, Sweets & Tiffins all are bit costly)
3. For Good Fish Meals, Nayar Mess, Near MAC Stadiums's entrance
4. For Idly, Rathna Cafe - Triplicane
5. For Gujarathi & Punjabi food, Mansuk in T.Nagar
6. For Rose milk - Kalathi Newsmart, Mylapore(near karpagambal mess & Maami mess)
7. For Chat around AnnaNagar
a. .... Chat Bunder, behind anna nagar HSB
b. A small shop near the Gate of a college(opp Anna Arch towards Koyambedu)
8. Burmese Food, IInd beach lane, Parrys
9. Briyani - Near Periyamed Mosque(someone plz specify the exact location)
10. Veg Meals ( KasiVinayaga Mess - Triplicane)
11. Non Vegmeals ( Viswanathan Mess, behind Citi Centre)
12. Variety Meals - Kameshwari Mess in Station Rd, W.Mambalam
13. Bread Toasts opp Egmore Museams
14. Coffee - Vivekanadha Coffee near Ranganathan St entrance(Usman Rd)

[iaafosc]

Originally Posted by tamilbala

Sir, Missed you around sept'09 here? I joined this forum then and started a thread just on what you are asking, but you know what I got in return?

A warning message saying this is not forum on food, so I lost interest and stopped posting, I started posting very later on, now coming to topic, the list.

Oh time....how fickle art thou....!!!
and tamil bala nice info ...some pics would be appreciated

[darkprinz]

Originally Posted by sridhar_n

Residents of west mambalam, Ashok nagar pls confirm if Venkateswara Poli stall at Thambih Chetty street is still there. They serve hot Pollis and Kara appams. Very authentic stuff.

It is Thambiah reddy road. The old poli stall opp. to chinthamani school in thambiah road is still there.. It is old & authentic and it is called Venkatramana boli stall.. Other than this Venkatesawara boli or whatever two more names are there having shop near SRM hospital, stn road, near Ayodhya mandapam etc. etc....

[darkprinz]

Btw semma thread... local kadai lam pirichu meenjurovom gang ah poi school and college time lerndhu... Will update more pics and infos abt good fastfood and chat shops Enga West mambalam le illadha sapadu kadaya