About Meena Tai's, Alwarpet, Chennai
In a country brimming with a diverse cultural demographic, regional cuisines rules the roost. The very best kind of flavours comes from each state and every state carries their own personal culinary backdrop. India is a melting pot of numerous cultures and with them comes individual flavour palettes that is quite different from each other. Maharashtrian cuisine is known for its zesty and spicy flavour, something that Chennai can relate to. Chennai is extremely fond of tangy based curries which they can mop up with homemade breads. To savour the punch of lovely Maharashtrian food the locals head to Alwarpet which is home to fabulous ‘Meena Tai’s’ restaurant. A powerhouse of lip-smacking flavours Meena Tai’s food is a revelation. Their menu explores the classics and unusual recipes of Maharashtrian cuisine giving their patrons a plethora of homely delicacies.
The trend of fancy stylish restaurants have started to bore the patrons. They prefer simple homely decors which makes them feel welcome. Meena Tai’s reminds one of their home. The focus is not in their surroundings but in their food. A humble spacious room is painted in soft yellow tone seeming all the more intimate due to dim light thrown by a charming crystal chandelier. To give a distinct regional flavour the walls are mounted with traditional Maharashtrian artefacts like musical instruments, old-fashioned jewellery and kitchen utensils. Vintage theme extends from the décor to their menu. You will be treated to a world of flawless gastronomy featuring decadent curries, pavs and delicious regional flatbreads. Your evening will be made all the more special by their smooth and courteous service. Staff is highly cordial and are always attentive to your needs.
Get ready to savour some authentic Maharashtrian flavours at Meena Tai’s. The restaurant will take you on a joyride of spices and regional recipes. Menu opens with a selection of starters such as, sabudana vade, batatyachi koshimbir, surmai fry, mini matar karanji, mutton kanda-lasun masala, farasbichi koshimbir, bhajaniche vade, koli masala kolambi fry, surnaache kaap, chutney che papley, papad koshimbir and pathare prabhu mutton chops. Mop up the spicy Maharashtrian curries with nagpuri vada bhaat or thalipeeth. Let the chef woo you with nagpuri dahi mutton, laal bhoplyachi bhaaji, hirwa rassa, aambaadichi bhaaji, saoji mutton, kolhapuri mutton sukka, malvani kombdi rassa, kelphulachi bhaaji and kolambiche hirwe kaalvan. Meena Tai’s is bit on the expensive side but the experience is entirely satisfying.
Insider Tips
- The curios and artefacts used are as interesting as the food
- The kombdi hirve sukke has bite sized juicy chicken pieces cooked in a spicy masala
- Piyush here is basically shrikhand served in shot glasses, topped with pistachios and is a dessert to be tried