Take a good look at the image, this is the
logo of the original Thalapakatti (turbaned) Biriyani hotel, It would mean
effectively one means "turbaned" and the other "tie turban".
Anyway ,the self proclaimed (with merit) originals i.e foodie have landed in
Chennai .So how can I keep biriyani out of my posts.
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.
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 (me and
Balajee) 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
Chin_stinct: Go for the original, though pricy
and limited in quantity their taste is unique and feels almost homely.
