Nungambakkam has long been considered the heart of the city’s CBD Chennai, even at a time when many would state that the city has grown rapidly. These people would argue that Kathipara Junction, close to the Chennai airport, is actually the new center of the city. But that’s no argument most people would buy. From the busy Nungambakkam High Road (aka Uthmar Gandhi Salai) to the swish Khadar Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam’s diverse spread has always been home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in Chennai and now includes the city’s new wave of resto-bars and nightspots. Has been. This eclectic list:
Kappa Chakka Kandhari:
The place takes its name from almost three ingredients unique to Kerala cuisine – tapioca, jackfruit and kandhari chilli (the restaurant also pays homage with a spicy kandhari ice cream). The restaurant spotlights authentic home-style cuisine. Think of the food bursting with the goodness of toddy shop style touches (small plates) and good ingredients that is painstakingly sourced from all over Kerala in a casual style. This is the closest to sampling home style food in a restaurant in Kerala. From the unique Ramseri idli to the succulent prawns in the fiery spice served with Palakkad-style sambar or chicken curry.
haddose road
Kappa Chakka Kandhari
Night Merkat:
We still can’t get our heads around the spelling, but that hasn’t stopped us from heading back to Chennai for a piece of Bangkok hustle. This resto-bar will remind you of Bangkok’s many bustling night markets with bright neon signs and quaint roadside carts. Food is a type of international gastronomic travel. From Momo Mama, the Asian stall that serves a delectable selection of momos and flavors from Indonesia and Thailand that serves Terry Makiinnovativesushi tacosCombining both Asian and Mexican cuisine, you’re more than covered.
Khadar Nawaz Khan Road
night turquoise
Nasi and Me:
This cleverly named high-energy spot is positioned as an Asian canteen. It packs the same energy as a hawker center in Southeast Asia. The decor adds to this energy. Showstopper lights mix with bold wall art and you can watch the chefs in action from their display kitchen as you sip on Malaysia’s casual drink – the iced milo. Their translucent dim sum is a big draw—our pick is the smoothie Xia Long Bao Dumplings. In addition to their signature nasi goreng give their curries a shot – the lamb rendang and Thai green curry stand out.
Khadar Nawaz Khan Road
Down Stirling:
has redefined the concept of neighborhood bar in the city. The name aims to evoke nostalgia among the old-timers of the city – Down Sterling was an inter-collegiate celebration of Chennai’s prestigious Loyola College. Situated in an old bungalow, this cozy spot is a favorite with families and groups of friends who don’t get so frantic Saturday nights. The menu is inspired by the owner’s global travels. Popular dishes include their Kakapungi Chicken and Shrimp Sesame Toast.
Stirling Avenue
Barracuda Terrace:
One of the most lively restobars in Chennai, Barracuda Bar has live music stand out. Barracuda Terrace is the extension, atop Barracuda Brew’s terrace, that is even more spacious and perfect for a relaxing night out with your friends; You may sometimes have to wait a long time for your drink when the place is busy. The menu is full of global comfort food that complements the popular gin-based cocktails. The humble sambar idli is one of the beginnings of the menu.
college road
Barracuda Terrace
far East:
Located next to Taj Coromandel, Far East is part of Chennai’s growing list of Pan Asian restaurants. This casual eatery with lots of natural light is a great spot for a quick business lunch. Dim sums and sushi rolls are quite popular; We would recommend eating the shrimp with XO sauce. Grills are also a great option – try the Indonesian-style tofu satay. Wash it down with Meet the Dinosaurs, a drink that’s a food in itself.
Uthmar Gandhi Salai
Dahlias:
Chennai’s dining profile may have become more international in the last few decades, but Dahlia’s is long before this change. Established in the early 1990s, Dahlia remains one of the city’s most authentic dining Japanese restaurants, adding the frills and fancy interiors of more contemporary venues. It began as a refuge for Japanese business travellers, but its appeal has broadened as Chennai eaters become more adventurous. Their sashimi, maki roll and katsu sets are spot on.
Uthmar Gandhi Salai
Nolita:
If you are looking for Italian food options in and around Nungambakkam then your choice will be spoiled. For some old school continental food there’s Toscano with its scrumptious pasta and Kahlua Mousse and Eden. Nolita scores with her sourdough pizza. This pizzeria takes its name from the NYC neighborhood of Nolita which is known for its Neapolitan style pizza. The antipasti is pretty good here too – check out the chicken wings and cheese, jalapeno and olive croquettes.
Khadar Nawaz Khan Road
About Ashwin RajagopalanI am the proverbial slushie – a content architect, author, speaker, and cultural intelligence coach. School lunch boxes are usually just the beginning of our culinary explorations. That curiosity hasn’t waned. It has only gotten stronger as I have discovered culinary cultures, street food and fine dining restaurants around the world. I have discovered cultures and destinations through cooking. I am equally fond of writing on consumer tech and travel.