There can never be too many North-Indian restaurants anywhere especially when the city is crammed with expats hailing from the northern parts. Chennai has always been a multi-cultural hub and is considered a melting pot of various cultures. It has some deep North-Indian roots, intensified by the thousands of expats who call the city their home. North-Indian cuisine is just not favoured by the northern expats, but it’s highly sought after by the local families as well. Who doesn’t like to dunk in their naan in a bowl of spicy curry and let that punch of flavours consume you? Giving this love for Northern fare a fair chance, is a popular restaurant called ‘Royal Indianaa’, settled into the trendy lanes of T. Nagar. The spot is frequently visited by families and foodies alike who adore their weekly share of wholesome Punjabi food.

Royal Indianaa finds home with The Accord Metropolitan Hotel at GN Chetty Road. Combined with the trendy image of T. Nagar, the restaurant manages to gain quite a reputation of affluence as well as grandeur. The luxurious setting of the hotel extends to the décor of the restaurant. While the hotel may have a modern and contemporary appeal, Royal Indianaa emphasises on the traditional side. Each facet declares the imprint of southern presence. The doorway itself is designed in typical southern fashion flanked by a beautiful statue of a dancer. Inside, the restaurant brings together both modern and traditional aspects beautifully. While the walls are edgy and fitted with sunken windows, the traditional vibe is bought forward by the pillars. Inclusion of flat brass bowls as water bowls on various corners only accentuates the charm. On the whole, décor is refined, elegant and charming.

The menu of Royal Indianaa is a lovely blend of both southern and northern India. It will treat you to the gastronomy of both the sections wonderfully on one table. It is on the pricier side so keep that in mind. As first course go for, kalan pakoda, mysore chilli bonda, subz gilafi kebab, cochin straddle, stuffed mini idly, barista kala moti chaman, vegetable pouches, chocolate medu vada, chettinadu crumbed spice rice roll, corn & jalapeno cheese balls and paneer till tukda. Pair a Malabar paratha or kal dosa with the curries such as, kaikari vellai khorma, nilgiri vegetable khorma, dal panchamel, beetroot poriyal, Malabar ulli theeyal, dhaba de rajma, pineapple rasam and chole pindi.