Pan Asian
Soy Soi
The underlying theme of the newly launched restaurant Soy Soi is, ‘Asian Eat Street’, experience. When they say pan Asian, they mean pan Asian for Soy Soi hosts cuisines in the order of Indonesian, Vietnamese, Burmese, Thai, and Singaporean. Popular dishes here include Pad Thai, Panna Cotta, Chicken Dumplings, Jasmine Rice, Khao Suey, Phad Thai and Prawn Satay. One of the few places that has authentic baos, don’t forget to check out the jackfruit bao on your first visit here. Cosy in ambience, the quantity is quite filling on each dish.
Mamagoto
The newly sprung Mamagoto is relatively not new in the nation for it has many branches across the country. With ambience paying tribute to pop culture, the Indo-Asian cuisine has a mass following of its own with the marriage of a variety of Asian ingredients when it comes to food. Try out the java tofu for vegetarians or honey barbecue chicken for starters. The special Mamagoto chocolate cake probably has its own social media page for it as it is one of the best in the city. Mocktails are aplenty and most wanted dishes include Maki’s platter, Laksa Tribute and Spicy Ramen bowls.
Thai
Absolute Thai
Nestled between Cafe de Paris on the right and Sushi In A Box on top, Absolute Thai is the celebration of all things Thai. The Thai flavours are underplayed and more Indo, making it so tasty plus easy on the tongue. Best dishes include Pad Thai noodles, Chicken Tom Yum soup and flavoured Thai rice. What’s more refreshing is the fact that even veggie lovers have multiple options to choose from. Try the tempura tofu or Khao Phat with some stir fries.
Benjarong
This Thai restaurant is a little steep in a budget but equally worth it just for the flavours. Start with a lemongrass tea that transports you to the streets of Pattaya then move on to the Tom soups (Kha or Yum). Start the meal with spring rolls and go on to noodles like the classic Nasi Goreng. Spoilt for choice, the options on the menu are plenty with a variety of mocktails for your thirst as well.
Japanese
Sushi In A Box
The popular joint in Teynampet, Sushi In A Box is well known for their complete Japanese cuisine experience. Although quite popular as a takeaway and delivery joint, the authentic Japanese decor is a homage to Manga comics and the sushi bar makes every meal an affair to remember. Dishes are so authentic that if one is unfamiliar with names, the menu can be intimidating but take the gamble for all the dishes are a treat to the taste buds. Well known for their combos, meals and tiffin box-like spreads, specialities include sushi made of Salmon, Prawn, and Chicken. Also must try are Katsu Curry, Ramen, and Jasmine tea.
Teppan
Teppan, named after the style of Japanese cuisine, Teppanyaki in which an iron griddle is used to cook food. The restaurant is an ode to all things Japanese. All salmon delicacies are a safe bet to have when it comes to taste. Known for their sushi, must-tries include properly fried Prawn Tempura, Maki roll, California roll and Sashimi. Wasabi is used in moderation so the pungent aroma of sushi is not overpowering.
Aki Bay
Owned by a Japanese expatriate, Aki Bay is nestled in the corner by the road next to Grand mall, Velachery. One can tell that the Japanese dishes are authentic because any given day, one can find a group of Japan tourists, professionals and expatriates coming in to dine there. Best known for their ramens, try one with a side of the boiled egg, okra, and seaweed wafer; milk based or clear stock-based.
Dahlia
The only place in this city to serve alcohol with the food, Dahlia at Nungambakkam is a frequent visit for Asian food lovers. This Japanese joint houses some very good tuna dishes and is friendly on the pocket as well. Specialities include Makis, Veg Tempura or Shrimp Tempura set, Miso soup and Fish ramen.
Korean
Cheong Ki Wa
With smaller signs indicating the place and a whole lot of Korean letters, one can almost miss Cheong Ki Wa on KB Dasan road, Teynampet. This Korean restaurant is a haven for meat lovers with duck and pork dishes being their speciality. The restaurant has the ambience of a living room, with basic seating but the dishes are on a whole other level. Try the Bibimbap, Haemul Doenjang jjigae (Seafood stew), Gochujang Bulgogi (Spicy Pork) with a free array of accompaniments (Banchans)! The kimchi served on the side is one of city’s best and the garlic soy paste comes with a sweet caramelised taste.