Zaika Uttar Da — Restaurant in Zone 13 Adyar

After ruminating much about this veg place, I thought it was time that I visited it to know more about it. So I went on to book a table for 8 for lunch by 2.30 but then surprisingly the table wasn't ready until 2.45. Upon checking, we were told to wait but no one knew why despite booking a table. 😑 Anyhow, once we were seated at our tables we didn't take much time to run through the menu.

Soups and more soups - Went with Manchow soup, veg sweetcorn, and hot & Sour soup; almost all the soups were good, it's just that it was all typical, HUH 🤔

Cheesy paneer tikka - Soft paneer Stuffed with gooey cheese torched well to bring out the smoky flavor, GOOD 👍

Stuffed mushroom - Tasted weird; the filling was good, and the texture was okay but on the whole, this still didn't taste the best 😐

Crispy corn - Deep fried corn glazed with chili flavored powder, very crunchy and soft on the inside, perfect snack 😋

Masala papad - The usual Crispy papad which always goes well with the mint dip, SPOT-ON 🤗

Roti basket with malai kofta - Very creamy, mildly sweet, soft kofta in the malai flowing gently with a buttery flavor; so aromatic and with the Roti, this was HEAVENLY ❤️

Burnt garlic fried rice with veg Kadai - That crunchy bite from the veggies with the garam Masala kick is the best in a veg Kadai. This one goes very well with all rice and it is a classic combination 👌

Szechuan noodles - A bit spicy, with much of artificial color to it yet palpable, OK 😌

And Lots of mocktails - Masala coke is the best for digestion after such a heavy meal (Kala cola); Pina colada was creamy/ frothy while lime mojito was perfect to end the meal with 🙌

Some of the items weren't available and we weren't sure why. Though the order booking was swift with not much of a waiting time for most dishes, we felt that we were being rushed to order owing to their closing time.

They have limited seating where we need to wait during peak hours so table booking is recommended (still not sure why our booking wasn't given a priority). The ambiance is not the best since felt claustrophobic with minimalistic lights and decor.

On the price front, I felt that they're a bit expensive with their service being just OK. They do have valet parking but not sure why not much of a parking space right outside the restaurant.

*Personal rating...

I recently visited this restaurant for lunch after seeing numerous glowing reviews, expecting a great experience. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed.

Right from the start, things went wrong. First, I discovered that they didn’t have any soya-based dishes available that day, which was a letdown. It took a long time before anyone came to take our order, and the staff seemed indifferent. The service was incredibly poor, and the wait time for food was extensive.

When the food finally arrived, it was a letdown. We ordered the paneer sheekh kebab, which was undercooked, lacking flavor, and not properly grilled. Next, we tried the chili tofu, which was okay but still lacked any real flavor. For the main course, we ordered tawa pulao, which was the most average pulao I’ve ever had—the rice was undercooked, and the jeera (cumin) flavor was overpowering. The biggest disappointment was the chef’s special paneer, which came as four small blobs of paneer stacked together in a very limited, overly spicy gravy. The dish was nearly inedible.

To make up for it, I ordered a naan to help fill us up, but it arrived late and was dry. In the end, we had to pack up the remaining gravy and naan to take home.

Just when I thought the experience couldn’t get worse, I found the handwashing area poorly designed, with barely enough space to rinse hands comfortably—something basic in a family restaurant.

The atmosphere didn’t help either. There was a birthday celebration happening, and the guests were extremely loud no one bothered to ask them to tone it down a bit is it too much to ask for ??

Ironically, the only prompt part of our experience was the billing, which arrived within minutes of asking. It was striking how quick they were with the bill, compared to the poor service throughout the meal. After this experience, I have serious doubts about the positive reviews, which feel suspiciously paid. I would not recommend this place—try Kailash Parbat in Nungambakkam instead (but avoid the Velachery branch, which has its...

A Truly Delightful Experience – Thanks to Manager Hakim Chauhan!

I recently visited this restaurant for their buffet, and I must say, the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance, hospitality, and food quality left a lasting impression. But what truly stood out was the exceptional customer service provided by Manager Hakim Chauhan.

He was incredibly courteous, attentive, and genuinely eager to ensure we had a memorable experience. Despite it being a buffet, he went above and beyond to accommodate a few customizations we requested — something you rarely find in most places. His calm demeanor, soft-spoken nature, and willingness to help made us feel truly valued as guests.

Even during billing, he was extremely cooperative and ensured the entire process was smooth and hassle-free. In a time when good service is becoming a rarity, it was refreshing to see someone take such pride in their role. Restaurants need more managers like Hakim Chauhan — professionals who understand the essence of hospitality and are committed to delivering excellence.

As for the buffet itself — the spread was rich, flavors authentic, and each dish was prepared with care. Whether you’re a fan of classic North Indian curries, tandoori items, or delicious desserts, this place won’t disappoint.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great vegetarian North Indian dining experience — and if you’re lucky, Hakim Chauhan will be there to make it...