Interiors at VB World in Anna Nagar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The stand-up comedian from Chennai is very worried. They might not be able to crack jokes on their comedy sets in Anna Nagar anymore, as this is the Chennai neighborhood where all the culinary action takes place, with several restaurants opening up every week.
The latest on this illustrious list, which includes names like the popular patisserie Theobroma and the Bakehouse chain Glen’s Bakehouse, is VB world. Located in Shanti Colony in Anna Nagar, this spacious 180-seat venue from the people behind exclusive vegetarian chain Vasanth Bhavan seeks to connect Chennai’s food lovers with flavors from around the world.
Vasanth Bhavan, started in Chennai in 1974Things went experimental in 2016 when Ravi Anand Krishnan, the youngest member of the family, established VB Signature in Nungambakkam with a mission to spread the concept of fusion food. With VB World, which was launched as part of the brand’s 50th anniversary celebrations, it is taking a giant leap, as described by Anand, in giving them a global experience. Here, you can try Mexican dishes like tacos and nachos, which are served alongside a live pizza counter not far from someone operating a live dim sum station.
VB World by Vasanth Bhavan brings a global culinary experience to Chennaiites. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“As a hotelier, it’s a dream come true,” says Anand, as he points to the tastefully done interiors, which include huge pinewood hand-crafted chandeliers that almost Hanging from the ceiling of 20 feet.
The world aspect comes not just from the ambience and design, but also from the food: most of the ingredients used here come from around the world. While the chocolate and hazelnuts are sourced from Belgium and Turkey respectively, the cheese is from Italy and India.
Dim sums get a colorful twist here: They’re pink, purple, or yellow. Anand explains, “The colors come from the vegetables we use; From purple cabbage or turmeric and carrots. The dim sum sheet absorbs the color of the vegetables used.”
While Anand is excited about this venture, he’s definitely a little nervous about Cones & Brew, his new bakery and coffee popup located in the same location, which serves up an assortment of ice cream, sorbet, and artisan coffee. Going forward, he hopes to branch out into standalone outlets.
Various rentals in VB World in Anna Nagar, Chennai | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
All this might sound daunting for a largely conventional chain like Vasant Bhavan, but what gave them the confidence to invest in a concept like VB World was the location: Anna Nagar. “All leading outlets have set up shop here. We wanted to ensure that we include multiple culinary options in our menu, to cater to members of a family with varied tastes. It is like a food court. higher, but you don’t need to move an inch,” says Anand, who is also busy overseeing the setting up of six new outlets of Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan, including branches in Thiruvananthapuram’s Lulu Mall, Chandigarh and Delhi. With father Ravi Muthukrishnan.
VB World is located at 45, AD Block, Shanti Colony, Anna Nagar. A meal for two costs ₹600. For details, call 47742498.