Mast Kalandar, Chennai

Duma Dam Mast Kalandar

Ali Da Pehla Number

Dama Dam Mast Kalandar

Sakhi Shabaaz Kalandar

O..Laal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bala Jhoole

Laalan

Laal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bhala Jhoole

Laalan

Sindhdi Da, Sewar Da

Sakhi Shabaaz Kalandar

Duma Dam Mast Kalandar

Is the song that comes to my mind every time I hear the name Mast Kalandar... The Mast Kalandar am referring to here is the restaurant. Keeping in sync with the times, they have now launched a Festive menu.. I have eaten a couple of times in their outlets in Bangalore, but this was my 1st time in their Chennai outlet.. 

[Image courtesy: Mast Kalandar FB Page]

They have created a menu that works for those who are fasting and for those who are looking for a grand feast!  The menu is quite extensive and has been blended in with their regular menu. As we settled in, we were greeted with a drink- either chaas or shikanjvi. I chose the shikanjvi and then later had some chaas as well.. Both were good and refreshing! Moving on, we were treated to quite a spread of starters and main courses. Each dish looked different, was of a different texture and had a unique taste as well. 

First came the kachori, then came a small sweet of sorts [similar to our south indian Badhusha, but diff]., and there was also papdi chaat and another dish which resembled small bondas floating in teeka water. [I know I am bad, cant remember names of dishes].. All these were served with 2 kinds of chutneys- One was green apple ginger chutney, other was carrot chutney and then there was the katori with lightly roasted green chillies [which made my eyes water just at the mere sight] :-) The apple and carrot chutneys were amazing. Subsequently we also got to try what i would describe as the best bhel puri ever- it had loads of veggies- beans, peas, carrots, and so much more.. loved it..  Such a healthy snack!! 

We chatted, we nibbled, we drank, we laughed, we sang along to the songs playing in the background and before we knew it more food landed on our plates. There were 2 colour puris and 3 bowls with side dishes in them, and a boondi raita as well. 

Dum Aloo, paneer butter masala, peas curry were the gravies and the Aloo dish was the best of the lot. Am kinda saturated with paneer, and the peas dish was not so impressive. But then, if you are a paneer fan, then you should try the paneer gravy..  Following close on the heels of these dishes came the bowl of mix veg rice, which was alright. [Am not a rice fan, so just tried a spoonful of this and passed it on]..  And to finish the meal, there was the divine Gulab jamun dessert. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.. 

[Image courtesy: Mast Kalandar FB Page]

The restaurant is quite large, can seat close to 70 covers if I am right. They also have quite a few combo options for lunch which are total value for money!! Apart from the food, they also retail some of their masalas and powders...  

Address:

1st Floor  33, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Vannanthurai, Adyar, Chennai, TN 600020

044 4201 8382

Directions: If you are near Murugan Idli, go straight down the road, away from beach, past Karaikudi and head down about a km and you will find Mast Kalandar on your right. 

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Karaikudi Restaurant, Chennai

Visited Karaikudi in Besant Nagar after ages and must say the only thing i like here is their Vazhapoo vadai.. 

This time, went with a friend and both of us ordered Fresh lime soda salt.. The waiter served us the drinks, but one sip and I knew something was wrong. Requested the manager to try it, and he graciously replaced them with 2 others which did true justice to the drink we ordered. 

For starters we ordered Vazhapoo vadai. Oh they call it banana flower vada now and when i quizzed about name change the waiter told us "madam, lots of foreigners come, so we change name to something everyone can understand".  And yes, i did notice quite a few foreigners in the place. The vada was yumm, but they brought the green mint chutney only after my friend asked for it. 

For Main, we ordered egg biryani, and my friend ordered chicken varuval. The biryani was good, had 2 eggs tucked away inside. It was served alongside onion raita and a gravy of sorts [not sure what it was, just knew it had onions, curry leaves and a korma sort of taste]. As always, we skipped dessert and headed out to be greeted by gentle rains. 

The bill for 2 of us came to Rs630[approx]. The service here is good, food was alright [3/5].. Most people who come here are looking for a quick lunch, and good non-veg dishes. 

I personally prefer the egg appam, but that is available only post 7pm. They have also introduced a new Special chettinad thali [for lunch]- rice, sambar, rasam, vegetables, curry, koottu, fish gravy, chicken gravy, roti/poori, dessert, papad for Rs129/- 

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 3/5 [still the same ol run down building]

Price: 4/5

Address:

Annai Velankanni Rd, Besant Nagar  Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Ph: 044 2491 0900

Directions: If you drive down from Malar hospital, take the left, go down the road, all the way to the end, and then turn right at Rajaji Bhavan and drive straight down. It is the corner building

Alternatively, you can go down the road from Bessie beach on Velankanni temple side, and will find it near the left turn.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad