Master Chef Shashi Chelia chose Chennai for his first restaurant venture in India – Pandan Club, a restaurant based on the Peranakan cuisine of Southeast Asia. Earlier this year the city also became home to Mr Ong – India’s first dedicated Singapore cuisine restaurant at the Park Hyatt Chennai. Chennai’s FnB scene continues to boom and, like all other major metros in India, has left the challenges of the pandemic behind. From garden-themed cafes to national restaurant brands that have added Chennai to their footprint, we round up some of the new FnB locations in the city that have debuted in the past few weeks.
Read also: 6 Best Restaurants For Kerala Cuisine In Chennai
Here are 7 new restaurants in Chennai:
Pandan Club:
Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine dates back to the 15th century; It combines Chinese, Malay, Javanese and South Indian cooking. Pandan Club. The restaurant serves some of the best Peranakan cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. You’ll find signature Peranakan design elements such as handmade ceramic tiles and rattan frames that complement the dining experience. The Indonesian influence is evident in the dishes of Melaka (such as the coconut vegetable curry at Pandan Club) with the liberal use of coconut milk. One of the stars of the menu is the blacknut lamb curry flavored with blacknuts (also known as bua keluk).
Bazullah Road, T Nagar
Read also: 8 of the Best Restaurants for Chinese Cuisine in Chennai
In the picture: Pandan Club
Sekhmet Lounge and Club:
The place has quickly become one of the ‘go to’ nightspots in Chennai. This is one of the biggest new lounges in Chennai with a giant screen – perfect for big match nights. Sekhmet takes its name from the Egyptian lion-faced warrior goddess and is spread over several levels. Apart from the lively music and artisanal cocktails it is the food menu that takes center stage. Try their Chimichurri Grilled Prawns – from comfort options like Galouti Kebabs to exotic eats from around the world, you are more than covered.
Chamiers Road, Alwarpet
Siclo Cafe:
Over the years, Chennai has been a hub of bicycle manufacturing and it is fitting that the country’s first cycling themed cafe started here. The first cafe was established in Kotturpuram and Siclo has grown beyond Chennai. The latest Ciclo Café has been unveiled along one of the city’s most popular FnB areas – East Coast Road (in Uthandi) and sticks to the same formula with an accent on comfort food. Watch out for their thin crust pizzas and their quiche of the day.
East Coast Road, Uthandi (Near ECR Toll Plaza)
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In the picture: Ciclo Cafe
Papaya:
The pre-launch discussions have already started. The Chennai outpost of Pa Pa Ya has been open for previews over the past few weeks and is all set to launch on November 4. Positioned as a trendy Asian bistro and tapas bar, this initiative by House of Massive Restaurants has attracted diners from across India with its cuisine. Radical interpretation of Asian cuisine. It combines different cooking techniques and cultures from across Asia with its own modern take.
Uttam Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam
In the picture: Pa Pa Ya
Entrance Cafe:
From historic buildings to spacious bungalows that have been re-imagined as cozy oasis, each cafe in Chennai has its own story and cult following. Entrance Cafe is the newest kid on the block and offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. The food menu takes you on a culinary journey around the world with hearty steaks, a Thai green curry that is almost spot on and chicken bao which make for perfect sharing plates.
Taylors Road, Kilpaukki
In the picture: Entrance Cafe
Bhola and Gora:
Hot on the heels of its success in Bengaluru, this progressive Indian restaurant has come to Chennai. The word progressive may be overused in the restaurant space, but this new hotspot finds the delicate balance between the classic Indian cuisine and the international favorites we are now familiar with. The kaleidoscopic interiors stick to Bengaluru’s template, while the menu is full of interesting twists – their malpua with green pao bhaji bunny chao and rabri panna cotta is a case in point.
Khadar Nawaz Khan Road
Theobroma:
The name translates to the food of the gods. What started as a family-run bakery in Mumbai in 2004 has now become a pan-India chain. The first Theobroma outlet opened in Chennai in October 2022 and round-up some of the chain’s popular options, including its fail-proof brownies (Nutella and Outrageous Brownies are popular choices). See also their cupcakes and desserts
Shanti Colony, Anna Nagar