Having been in Chennai for over a decade, and not having visited Delhi in the interim, I would often reminisce about the ubiquitous fluffy Delhi Naans available at every street corner dhaaba in Delhi but nowhere in Chennai.

So, when on one my trips to Nungambakkam last week, I parked my car in the “Signoraa” lane (try parking on Nungambakkam!); and by sheer coincidence I saw a sign that said: Moti Mahal .

Memories of my Vasant Vihar stays and trips to Moti Mahal had me go up immediately to check if the restaurant was open; yes it was, and it opened just three days ago.

I met the owners (Franchisees if you will Nikhil,Paul and Parthiv) all excited and worried at the same time.

The one thing that stands out about the food is it’s authenticity; something you would find difficult to find sometimes in even more expensive restaurants.

Today, the Moti Mahal chain is one of the most famous Tandoor restaurants; with it’s claim to fame being the butter chicken,which was first served at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Old Delhi in the 50’s – India’s answer to Colonel Sanders.

The ambience of the restaurant that day was quiet and mellow, with light ghazal strains playing in the background, and the smells and look of a brand new restaurant. It is done up in a dark wood and offset by cream crockery.

Anyways, we started with the soup ( a classic tomato) , and masala papads (cholesterol laden and delicious!). The soup was above average and tangy. We had a tandoori chicken( spicy with yoghurt and ginger garlic flavors) ( RS. 230 for a half portion) with chutney and the Vegetable Subzi Kebab which had the standard carrot, potato, beans and peas . The tandoori chicken was cooked just right and augured well for what was to come. The sweet lassi also was delicious and cooling ,not too sweet. The Chennai taste is for a bit sweeter, but this is a bit less sweet.
The service has been attentive so far, and the chef asks us if everything is going fine. We nod in agreement.

This place is ideal for a family get-together and they have spared no efforts to ensure that everybody goes home happy and full.

The main courses we order are few so as to not mix the palate too much We had the signature Butter Chicken (a carnivore’s delight)and the Methi Panner Makhni with Dal Makhni (Rs.240). The butter chicken had an excellent gravy which is simply butter, tomato and chicken juices and spices such as garam masala and the smell of kasuri methi. All three dishes are very, very authentic, and the oil is just so – not to much so as to drown the flavor. The Naans are the talking point – very soft and fluffy and a must order. The other breads are fairly standard order.

To top it off we ordered Gulab Jamuns, our favorite everywhere. They passed muster. Being a new restaurant, be prepared for a few service blips, but all in all a must go. The food is of quite a high standard and is perfect for business entertaining or for a special occasion. A complete dinner for two will set you back about Rs. 900/ . Recommended dishes: BUTTER CHICKEN: Half Portion(good for 3-4 people) Rs.330. Full Portion(good for 7-8 people) Rs.590 Tandoor Stuffed Aloo Rs.280 Dal Makhni Rs.240 Paneer Paratha Rs.90 Hari Mirch Roti Rs.40 Naan Rs.60 Murgh Malai Kebab Half Portion (6 pieces) Rs.260 Full Portion(12 pieces) Rs. 480 BON APETIT!