List of yummy food places in Chennai

atala

But it generally does contain garlic, doesn't it? That is what it tastes like...

Nick-H

As I understand it, the main flavour in rasam is tamarind and pepper, but I too thought garlic was in there.

...And tomato, of course.

Err... among the main flavours in rasam are...

Mrs N is away until tomorrow night. I'm sure someone else will post correct information on rasam ingredients and Tamil Brahmin (others may vary) orthodox diets before then.

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cybertoast

Seconding Bella Ciao here. I spent 3 days trying to figure out the name of the place and thank you raajesh70 for reminding me. the pasta was excellent - i believe i got something with an eggplant arrabiata or something (i asked specifically and it was not on the menu) and it was outstanding. their pesto, likewise, is very good considering they don't have a great selection of parmiggiano or reggiano. but they use fresh basil and fresh mozzarella (i think from pondy). and like raajesh70 i was mightily impressed with the vodka penne.
the pizza toppings were excellent, but the crust left a lot to be desired. and i say this only from the perspective of "true" italian pizza. i think the problem is that wheat and white flour in india have a different gluten content than you'd get elsewhere (this is the same reason indian brands of pasta suck so much and barilla is so good). but it's still the best damn pizza i've had in chennai. i think i had better in goa and pondy tho'.
anyway, ciao bella (or bella ciao) is worth the hike out to desolate stretches of thiruvalluvar nagar beach :-)

Nick-H

Thirding Bella Cia, though I only went once!

And Mrs N says that Rasam does have garlic in it, but Brahmins may leave it out if they stick to that orthodox diet.

schematic

Favorites, circa 2006:

Anjappar for non-veg South Indian, chicken chettinad being tops; prefer Pondy Bazaar location, not so clean but so tasty

Dhabba Express for outdoor Indian, gravy dishes can be oily but the decor and service are great

Dahlia for sushi, almost always filled with Japanese and other Asian businessmen

Benjarong for Thai, spendy by Chennai standards but much less than restaurants at 5* hotels

There's a Malaysian place on Thyagaraya road across from the school, can't recall the name but I always had pretty good luck there with the nasi goreng, always spotlessly clean

I'm headed back to Chennai next week and can't wait to hit up a few of those!

Nick-H

Where's Dahlia?

I crave sushi/sashimi!

But someone told me its about one place (might be this one) and it sounds like it is the same price as London. If that is the case I have to forget it, as I risk addiction!

BJMT

Hello long time no visit happy new year

Dahlia's is on Nugumbakkam High Road sort of opposite where the Taj is.

Another Place we quite like for sushi is Aka Sakhas(am sure that is spelt wrong!) in Adyar both are pretty reasonable on Price.

BTW went to the new italian at he Taj last week 'Prego' - very expensive and not quite hitting the mark.

schematic

Be warned: Dahlia's not so easy to find from the street. It's within a little commercial complex of stalls/shops. You'll know it's the right building because there's a little sign facing the street (mixed in with signs for the other sundry shops in the same complex). Walk through the ground level towards the right back. Once you step inside and through he bead curtain, it's like another world. Get the prawn fry. Be sure to call ahead, as they've been known to run out of fish even by 9PM. They serve KF but only discreetly

malcno

has anyone got any advice for good clean places fairly near to moffussil bus stand

Munivar

Sorry if these places have already been mentioned.

1. A restaurant near the Woodlands theater in Royapettah, in the corner..when you walk towards Mount Road from the theatre. Had the best chicken dishes.

2. Kabul - an Afghan restaurant. I really liked it. Forgot the location.

3. Copper Chimney - in Cathedral road IIRC.

4. Traffic Jam - near Madhya Kailash. Had good kabobs.

5. Muniyandi Vilas - forgot location.

I should also mention Mangudi Mess - in the corner of the road after IITM walking towards Adyar. Had the best muttai parotta. Our usual hangout during college days in Anna Univ. I don't even know if these places exist now.

Funny how I am now a vegetarian.

There are many types of Brahmins. I have known some to eat both (very less), some to eat onions but not garlic (quite a few) and some who don't eat both (very less). Mostly it is the Vaishnava devotees are into the no garlic and onion food regime.

People who are familiar with ISKCON would know that it is the same with them. I get lectured on the 'bad characteristics' of onion and garlic every time I am stuck with western devotees.

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Nick-H

Curious, and interesting; I didn't know that.

Scandojazzbuff

Imagine inviting this crowd over for dinner!

rcmaiden9

does anyone enjoy the local "kaiyendhi bhavan" food?

it means road side food or street food as it is commonly known...

Munivar

I used to enjoy it during college days...partly for the taste, the convenience of getting it done fast and partly because I was broke all the time

I don't know if my immunity can still hold up.

Hop

1. Think number one is probably Palki, on the corner opposite Zara's / Copper Chimney complex next to the Chola Sheraton. Good chicken curry dishes.

2. Kabul is on TTK Road.

3. Zara's above Copper Chimney - good for tapas - excellent

4. AkaSakas - great sushi / sashimi - just off LB road behind the cinema near the Thiravanmuyur signal. Hard to find but in the Japanese colony - has a good Japanese supermarket as well where you can buy sushi / wasabai etc. Its not the cheapest restaurant in town, but compared to the five star hotels its not bad. Probably around 2000R for 2. No licence though.

5. Best Pizza's in town are by far and away at 601 in the Park Hotel.

6. I steer clear of Bella Choi in Thiravanmuyar beach - service is hit or miss, food has often been cold. Don't know if the one in Numgumbakkan is any better.

7. Wangs Kitchen in Adyar for Chinese, next to Pizza Hut. Amazing portions and good food - good value - 400R for 2

8. Lui's Waldorf on SP Road - again good Chinese - fried Roast Pork is heart attack on a plate, but fantastic! Same - 400R for 2

9. Lotus Pond / Cascade in Besant Nagar - again good Chinese food

9. Mainland China in the Hotel Aruna complex down in Numgumbakkan - popular and busy so book in advance

10. And number one favourite for me is Cedars, on Gandhi Mandapam Road,Kotturpuram - great Mediterreanean food - lunchtime buffet is great, mezza platter, chicken shawarma, kebabs, desert and coffe for around 400R per person.

11. And then of course are all the 5 star hotel restuarants......Sunday Champagne brunch buffet at the Park anyone?

12. Finally roadside food - can't beat a bread omlette from one of the many roadside stalls after a night on the town for less than 10Rupees. Be brave - its probably the freshest food in Chennai....