It was an exotic year. The year micro-gastronomy took center stage. The restaurant industry has bounced back from the challenges of the pandemic that will affect how we eat out for most of 2020 and 2021.From Peranakan cuisine to Anglo Indian CuisineSome Chennai’s newest restaurant The focus on fascinating cuisine reflects the city’s ever-changing tastes more broadly. We rounded up some of the best new restaurants, bars and cafes opening in Chennai this year.
Here are 8 of Chennai’s best new restaurants for 2022:
1. Mr. Wang
Image source: Mr. Wang
One of India’s first Singaporean fine dining restaurants and possibly the fastest way to one of Singapore’s vibrant hawker centres.This open-air restaurant is located by the hotel’s sparkling lotus pond and is one of the most popular restaurants Romantic Dinner Places in the CityThe Melaka-style laksa is one of our favorite dishes on the menu, which also includes Singaporean signatures like chilli crab.
Location: Park Hyatt Chennai, Sardar Patel Road
Also read: 5 Hawker Centers You Must Visit When In Singapore
2. Chutney Department
It may be a fast-disappearing cuisine, but Anglo-Indian cuisine is getting its rightful place in the spotlight at The Ministry of Chutneys. The restaurant is one of many new F&B outlets that are part of the newly refurbished Radisson Blu Hotel GRT, which is close to Chennai Airport.From curry balls with coconut rice to wasabi prawns and a quintessential Anglo-Indian dessert – bread pudding, this restaurant is one of the first fusion cuisines in India
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT, GST Road
3. Kai from the Sea
Image Credit: Kay from the Sea
“Kay” translates to ocean Japanese. This seafood destination offers fresh and sustainable seafood with strong ties to the local fishing community. Kai combines a fish shop, a takeaway menu and an intimate fine dining space serving seafood delicacies from around the world.We love their Mangalore-style Ghee Grilled Shrimp and Chewy Blondies with Caramel Ice Cream, it’s definitely worth a try
Location: East Coast Road (near the toll booth)
4. Sekhmet Lounge and Club
Sekhmet, one of Chennai’s most “Instagrammed” nightclubs of 2022, takes its name from the Egyptian lion-faced warrior goddess and spreads over multiple floors. This is not just where Chennai people let their hair down. The food menu is also attractive, with comfort options like galouti kebabs as well as exotic delicacies from around the world like their chimichurri grilled prawns.
Location: Chamiers Road, Alwarpet
5. Papaya
Image credit: PA PA YA
The Chennai outpost of Pa Pa Ya launched at the end of the year after pleasing diners for a while. Positioned as a modern Asian bistro and tapas bar, the House of Massive Restaurants wows diners across India with its radical interpretations of Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s sushi rolls, dim sum and desserts have long been the talk of the town. Pa Pa Ya combines various culinary techniques and cultures from across Asia with its own contemporary twist.
Location: Uttamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam
Also read: Best Independent Restaurants & Bars in Anna Nagar, Chennai
6. Entrance Cafe
Over the past few decades, Chennai’s cafe culture has been one of its most iconic dining trends. Entrance Cafe is a cafe joining Atmospheric Cafes in Chennai, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.The gourmet menu takes you on a culinary journey around the world, including hearty steaks, almost authentic Thai green curries and chicken bun The perfect sharing plate.
Where: Taylors Road, Kilpauk
7. Pandan Club
Chef Sashi Chelliah’s first restaurant in India specializes in Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine dating back to the 15th century. The restaurant serves some typical Peranakan dishes in an elegant setting. You’ll find signature Peranakan design elements such as handcrafted tiles and rattan frames that complement the dining experience. Indonesian influences are evident in Malacca’s dishes, such as Pandan Club’s coconut vegetable curry, which make generous use of coconut milk.
Location: T Nagar Bazullah Road
8. Night market
Image credit: Nght Mrkt
Want a little bit of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok? You don’t have to leave Chennai. Modeled after one of Bangkok’s bustling night markets, this restaurant-bar features bright neon signs and quirky street karts. The food counter offers eclectic combinations. From Momo Mama, with flavors from Indonesia and Thailand to Teri Maki, offers innovative sushi tacos that fuse the best of Asian and Mexican cuisine. The Bucket List cocktail bar also serves Bangkok-style grab-and-go sachet cocktails.
Location: Khader Nawaz Khan Road
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