Chennai Burps

Take a good look at the image, this is the logo of the original Thalapakatti (turbaned) Biriyani hotel, a Google search will tell you that there is a case going on in the Madras High Court between two parties for the rights to use the name Thalapakatti, though me too companies call them selves Thalapakattu. It would mean effectively one means "turbaned" and the other "tie turban". Anyway cutting to the chase the self proclaimed (with merit) originals have landed in Chennai and since I am a fan of biriyani they feature as my first post.

Situated near Valliammal college in a calm lane of Annanagar the first sore point as you approach is the usual lack of adequate parking space. But since space is at a premium in Annanagar I will let that pass. The restaurant is simple, elegant and tastefully decorated. The service again from the North East of the country is passable but can be improved; you would expect empty water glasses to be refilled without a frantic wave of the hand.

Now the proof of the pudding… we (my family) ordered the house specialty boneless mutton biriyani, one special non vegetarian meals and their special chicken that strangely did not figure on their menu but was mentioned by our waiter. I will now dissect the food:
The Biriyani – Thalapakatti are known for using the seeraga samba strain of rice, which are small grained and have a distinct taste from the normal often low quality basmati rice that is used in normal hotels. The meat is boneless as mentioned earlier, tender and the biriyani is quite tasty but when you are halfway through your meal you realize that it is over. The portions at Rs. 100 are rather small and you would need the additional white rice and rasam (Rs. 25) or the plain biriyani (Rs. 60) to feel satisfied. If limited meals are your preference then go for it.

The special non vegetarian meals (Rs. 120) on the other hand is sumptuous and packs quite a spread with the usual non vegetarian curries, soup, ice cream et al. If you wish to get stuffed go for it, after all it is unlimited, but you need to keep calling the waiters for refills.

The special chicken was yummy with a distinct flavour that I have not seen around; often you get the usual batter fried and shockingly coloured chicken, but this was yummy and worth a try. ( I forget the price).

The owner takes you through the history of the company and their heritage and checks on your satisfaction levels, I did mention about the portions in the feed back form and if you feel satisfied you know whom to thank.

The end verdict: Go for the original, though pricy and limited in quantity their taste is unique and feels almost homely.

Rating: ▲

Bon appétit.

Disclaimer: I have tried to mention the right price but since we dined some days earlier I may be a little off the mark.