In India, great food is all around us. And thanks to steady urbanization over the past decade, geographic and culinary diversity is more prevalent than ever before. One can find Malabari restaurants in Delhi, and Udupi joints in Lucknow, and so on and so forth. However, many times, you come across the claim that Chennai doesn't cater well to the North Indian palate. Guess what? The naysayers are dead wrong. Zomato lists out 8 awesome Punjabi restaurants in Chennai that prove North Indian cuisine is alive and well in Chennai.
Kaidi Kitchen
Where: 20/3, Bishop Wallers Avenue, Mylapore
When: Noon-3:30 PM, 7-11om
Lowdown: This is one of those restaurants you visit for its prison theme, only to be made captive by the north Indian delicacies. The vegetarian starters will catch you off guard, especially if you're the kind who thinks starters are meant to be non-veg. This place is full of surprises. A few of those non-BBQ places where demand for seats is among the highest in Chennai.
Babal Da Punjabi Dhabha
Where: 114/9, Poonamallee High Road, Opposite Hotel Abu Palace, Egmore
When: Noon-3:30pm, 7-11:30pm
Lowdown: This place takes the Punjabi in its name quite seriously. The non-veg platter served here is a must try and the place specializes in tandoori cooking. In keeping with the theme, have a glass of lassi after your meal.
Pait Pooja
Where: 1/545, 200 Feet Road, Raman Nagar, Thuraipakkam
When: Noon-3:30pm, 7-10:30pm
Lowdown: If you are looking for epic ambience, this place isn't for you. But if you want to experience authentic Punjabi fare, this vegetarian dhaba will impress you. The servings are generous and the prices are modest. The variety and the range of parathas they serve is their USP. A must-try is their bottle lassi.
Zaica
Where: 75, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram
When: 12:30-3:30pm, 7-11:30pm
Lowdown: Familiar with the phrase paisa vasool? Good. The buffets here are exactly that. Unlike most buffet restaurants, this one consistently features fresh food and prompt service. Also, their tandoors are one of the best among the buffet spots in Chennai. One big plus for non-vegetarians is that the price for a non-veg spread is the same as that for the veggies!
Moti Mahal Delux
Where: 7, Jaganathan Road, Nungambakkam
When: 12:30-3:15pm, 7:30-11pm
Lowdown: With its antecedents in the restaurant by the same name in Delhi (famous for creating the butter chicken), this restaurant is one of the very best Chennai has to offer when it comes to rotis and naans. Both their a la carte and buffet offerings are a cut above most of the competition.
Sher-e-Punjab
Where: 203, MGR Road, Kandanchavadi, Perungudi
When: 10:30am-3:30pm, 6-11:30pm
Lowdown: Located amidst busy IT parks, this spot is indeed true to its title. The restaurant is known for its authentic Punjabi food... be it the spicy starters or the yummy kadai chicken or the lassis, every dish is worth a try here.
The Great Kebab Factory, Radisson Blu
Where: Radisson Blu, 531, GST Road
When: Noon-3pm, 6:30pm-midnight
Lowdown: One word. Kebabs. Yes, but there's more to it. This splendid dine-out restaurant offers a wide range of Indian specialities. We were impressed by the wide range of starters and the lavish buffet spread. The portions are nothing short of royal.