Throughout human history, from the Neolithic era to the present modern times, non-vegetarian dishes have remained an enduring favourite among people. The allure of cooked and spicy delicacies transcends time and civilization. Across cultures and continents, the sizzling aroma of a well-prepared non-vegetarian meal has tantalise taste buds and brought joy to countless individuals.
From ancient hunters roasting their catches over open flames to the sophisticated culinary arts of today’s world, the desire for rich and flavorful non-vegetarian fare has never waned. Each culture has crafted its unique repertoire of mouthwatering dishes, showcasing the diverse range of ingredients and cooking techniques employed to satisfy this primal craving for meat-based sustenance.
While the world has seen a rise in vegetarian and plant-based diets in recent times, the love for non-vegetarian dishes remains unwavering for many. As culinary innovations continue to evolve, chefs and cooks worldwide create new masterpieces, keeping the tradition of indulging in sumptuous non-vegetarian delights alive and thriving.
In this blog let’s embark on a journey to find the best non-vegetarian dishes in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
1. Dindigul Thalappakatti
Dindigul Thalappakatti is a popular restaurant chain in India that is known for its biryani. The restaurant was founded in 1957 by Nagasamy Naidu in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The restaurant has since expanded to over 100 locations across India. Dindigul Thalappakatti’s biryani is made with a special blend of spices and herbs that gives it a unique flavor. The rice is cooked in a dum oven, which helps to lock in the flavor. The biryani is typically served with a variety of side dishes, such as raita, chutney, and salad.
Cuisine: South Indian, Non-vegetarian
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm daily
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars on Google Maps
Signature dishes: Mutton biryani, chicken biryani, mutton masala, chicken masala, pepper chicken, tawa fish, brain fry
Approximate per person cost: ₹600-₹800
Website: https://www.thalappakatti.com/
Contact number: +914443090683
Address: 1. 142, Ground Floor, Uthamar Gandhi Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
- 38, 1, Velachery Bypass Rd, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042
- Varna Towers, 87/3, Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
Outlets in Chennai: 14 (as of July 2023)
Best-rated Dindigul Thalappakatti outlets in Chennai: Dindigul Thalappakatti, Nungambakkam, Anna Salai, and Velachery
2. Coal Barbeque
Coal Barbecues is a chain of restaurants in Chennai, India that specializes in barbecued meats, seafood, and vegetables. The restaurant is known for its live grill on every table, which allows customers to cook their food to their liking. They also have a wide variety of live counters, where chefs prepare dishes to order. it is a popular spot for both families and groups of friends. They are open for lunch and dinner, and they offer both buffet and à la carte options.
Cuisine: Indian, American, Mediterranean, South East Asian
Timing: 11 am to 11 pm (all outlets)
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google
Signature dishes: Crispy Honey Chicken Wings, Malai Prawn, Cajun Chicken, Honey Garlic, Chicken Tikka Gravy, Garlic Chicken Wings
Approximate cost: ₹1,500 (for two people)
Address:
- 40, Bazullah Rd, Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
- 17, 7th Cross Street, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042
- 1A-1B, Rajiv Gandhi Salai Old Mahabalipuram Road Navalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600098
Contact number: 084484 49928
Website: https://coalbarbecues.com/
3. Ente Keralam
Ente Keralam is a chain of restaurants that serve authentic Kerala cuisine. They have two branches in Chennai, one in Alwarpet and the other in Anna Nagar. The restaurants are known for their generous portions, delicious food, and warm hospitality. The menu at Ente Keralam features a wide variety of Kerala dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
Cuisine: Kerala cuisine
Timing: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (all days)
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google (based on 1,548 reviews)
Signature dishes: Appam, Idiyappam, Puttu, Fish Curry, Mutton Curry, Kerala Biriyani, Avial, Rasam, Sambar
Approximate per person cost: ₹700-₹1,000
Address:
- Ente Keralam, Poes Garden, No. 1 First Street, Kasturi Estate, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086
- Ente Keralam, Anna Nagar, No.61, 5th Ave, Anna Nagar West, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600101
Outlets in Chennai: 2
Contact number:
- Poes Garden: +91 44 4862 7411
- Anna Nagar: +91 44 4862 7511
Website: http://www.advantagefoods.in/
4. Crescent Restaurant
Crescent Restaurant is a chain of restaurants in Chennai, India. It is known for its South Indian and Kerala cuisine, as well as its barbecued dishes. The restaurant has three branches in Chennai, located in Nungambakkam, Adyar, and Anna Nagar.
Cuisine: North Indian, South Indian, Chettinad, Chinese, Kerala, Barbecue
Timing: 11 am to 11 pm (all days)
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google
Signature dishes: Malabari biryani, Chicken ghee roast, Kerala parotta, Ayala fry, Tender coconut souffle
Approximate per person cost: ₹500-₹1000
Address:
- 309, Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
- 11, Lattice Brg Rd, near Adyar, Chennai
- Tower 1, Hotel Crescent, MAR, 71, Poonamallee High Rd, Vanagaram, Chennai
Outlets in Chennai: 3
Contact number: 044 2822 5555
Website: http://www.crescenthotels.in/
5. Absolute Barbecue
Absolute Barbecue is a chain of restaurants in Chennai that offers a unique “Do-It-Yourself” dining experience. Guests can grill their selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables at their table. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
Cuisine: Indian, Barbeque
Timing: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM, all days
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google
Signature dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Rogan Josh, Grilled Prawns, Veg Shawarma
Approximate per person cost: ₹600 to ₹1000
Outlets in Chennai: 6
Address:
- Shop No.102 Door, 2nd, 3rd Tower Victoria, 45, Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd
- DOOR NO. 15,2nd Floor, Hemraj Palace, MIT Flyover
- 108, 1st Floor, 4th Main Road, Nungambakkam
- 18/1, 1st Floor, 100 Feet Road, Porur
- Shop No. 101, 1st Floor, Navalur High Road
- Shop No. 8, 1st Floor, 100 Feet Road, Shridevipark
Contact number: 073373 83762
Website: https://www.absolutebarbecues.com/
6. Buhari
Buhari Hotel is a popular restaurant in Chennai, India, known for its Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant was founded in 1951 by Mohammed Buhari, and it has been a popular dining destination for locals and tourists alike ever since.
Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai, Biryani
Timing: 11:30 AM – 2 AM (all days)
Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars on Google
Signature dishes: Jamali Chicken, Campbell Chicken, Buhari Mutton Masala, Mutton Biryani, Prawn Masala
Approximate per person cost: ₹700 – ₹1000
Address:
- Buhari – Mount Road, 83, Anna Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
- Buhari-Taramani Road, 17, Taramani Link Rd, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113
- Buhari Hotel, T1, T2, 100 Feet Road, T Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Outlets in Chennai: 3
Contact number:
- Buhari – Mount Road: 044 2855 1951
- Buhari-Taramani Road: 044 4215 7777
- Buhari Hotel: 072000 55152
Website: https://buhari.in/
7. Junior Kupanna
Junior Kuppanna is a chain of restaurants in Chennai that serves Kongu cuisine, a regional cuisine from the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The restaurants are known for their authentic Kongu dishes, such as mutton biryani, chicken Chettinad, and appa. Junior Kuppanna has several branches in Chennai, including branches in Velachery, Anna Nagar, and Nungambakkam.
Cuisine: South Indian, Kongu cuisine
Timing: 7:30 am to 11 pm, all days
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google
Signature dishes: Kongu chicken biryani, mutton masala, ghee roast, appams, idli, Pongal
Approximate per person cost: ₹300 to ₹500
Address:
- Nungambakkam: #35 Kodambakkam High Road Near Hotel Palm Grove, next to Lokesh Towers
- Anna Nagar: 117, 3rd Ave
- Velachery: Sreerosh Crystal Gaze, Plot No.14, Velachery Bypass Rd
Outlets in Chennai: 10
Contact number: 080 3542 7921
Website: https://kuppanna.com/
8. Anjappar
Anjappar is a chain of Chettinad restaurants that was founded in Chennai, India in 1964 by Anjappan Rangaswamy. The restaurant is known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine, which is a spicy and flavorful South Indian cuisine. Anjappar has over 48 outlets in India and over 35 outlets in other countries, making it the world’s largest chain of Chettinad restaurants.
Cuisine: Chettinad cuisine, a South Indian cuisine that is known for its use of spices and aromatics.
Timing: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM, all days.
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars on Google.
Signature dishes: Chicken Chettinad, Mutton Pepper Fry, Fish Curry, Prawn Masala, Idiyappam, Puttu, Bisi bele bath.
Approximate per person cost: ₹500-₹1000.
Address:
- J P Tower, 7/2, Nungambakkam High Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.
- No.152, Abirami Mega Mall, Poonamallee High Rd, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028.
- No 5, Dev Apartments – Adyar, No 5, 1st Main Rd, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020.
Outlets in Chennai: 11
Contact number: 044 2825 6662
Website: https://www.anjappar.com/
9. Kumarakkom
Kumarakom is a restaurant chain in Chennai that specializes in authentic Kerala cuisine. With three locations throughout the city, the restaurant is renowned for its use of fresh ingredients and traditional Kerala flavors.
Cuisine: Kerala cuisine, with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Timing: 11:30 am to 11 pm, daily.
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars on Google Maps.
Signature dishes: Beef Ulathiyathu, Roasted Beef, Kadala Curry, Appam, Sea Food, Sambhar.
Approximate per person cost: ₹600-₹1000.
Outlets in Chennai: 3
Address:
- 331/6, 1st Floor, Valyapathy Salai, Nungambakkam.
- Gemini Parson Complex, No: 3A/3, New, No 9, Dr MGR Salai, Kodambakkam.
- 1st Floor, 244, Velachery Rd, Velachery.
Contact numbers: 098401 78700, 098401 96700, 098407 38200.
10. Kaaraikudi
Kaaraikudi is a chain of Chettinad restaurants in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. They have three branches in the city, located in Mylapore, VR Mall, and Phoenix Market City. The restaurant serves authentic Chettinad cuisine, which is known for its use of spices and aromatic herbs.
Cuisine: Chettinad cuisine, a South Indian cuisine from the Karaikudi region of Tamil Nadu.
Timing: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (all days)
Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google
Signature dishes: Chicken Chettinad, Mutton Chettinad, Fish Chettinad, Karaikudi Parotta, Appam, Idli
Approximate per person cost: ₹300 – ₹500
Address: 84, Kaaraikudi Complex, Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai
Outlets in Chennai: 3
Mylapore
Velachery
- Nagar
Contact number: 044 2811 1893
Website: http://shyamshospitality.com/karaikudi.html
Thank you! Don’t forget to try out the cuisines in these restaurants! Bon Appétit
