National Durbar Restaurant — Restaurant in Zone 5 Royapuram

National Durbar is a very popular restaurant in Periamet area.. Nearby Park Station and the junction near Rippon Building... Easily visible right on the junction... This is one restaurant in chennai which holds its essence in place till date.. hasn't changed a bit since my first visit.. Frequented by my grand dad and my dad in their time when they used to live in triplicane area.... But after we moved to pallavaram we were cut of from this place... But we made sure to visit the place once in a while...

Getting to this place is a bit tricky as its located in a busy junction...Parking too is a problem... So the best bet is to park the vehicle in the nearby streets or even better is to get an auto from the nearby railway stations or bus stands.. The place has a pretty old school look...Has more of a mess look than a restaurant but is cleaned and maintained well... By clean i dont mean spotlessly clean.. They just get the job done...Has 2 floors of seating... While the ground floor is a quick bite and move type to seat around 30 ppl... The First floor is more for families.. They even have those cabinet type family areas for those who wanna dine in privacy...

In addition to this they also have three take away counter up front... One of them serves Bread and related items... The second their indian sweet varieties and third is the latest addition the pastries and stuffs... And also next to it is a place where they make faloodas for takeaway... So people who wanna know what goes inside the famous national falooda can try this counter... Made in Front our eyes....

Service is one of the awesome factors at this... They make you realize that good service can be provided even without all those service charges and taxes... Kind and Courteous guys always on their feet... We have no need to call on to them...They make sure of that...From refilling of water to placing extra orders... They will be on constant vigil... There is person called Mamu here... He is been in this restaurant from the time i remember... Serves with a smile always..

In the past 2 visits i tried Biryani, chicken curry, Pepper Chicken, Wheat parotta, idiyappam, Bun butter Jam, Caramel Pudding and The Famous falooda.... The only thing i was disappointed about was the chicken curry...

Biryani : Great as always...Quantity is average... Egg biryani with 2 eggs is a rarity nowadays... But here we still get it for 100rs...

Chicken Curry 1/2 : Was pretty bland and the seemed over cooked...Was also more watery... The one dish that disappointed me...

Pepper Chicken Masala : My Favorite at this place.. Spicy and Peppery.. The perfect way to describe the dish... True to its name... Tasty as hell... Goes well with wheat parotta and iddiyapams...

Wheat Parotta : Normal wheat parottas that are mostly made at home... They are good.. Soft and crispy... Just hope you get them hot...

Idiyapam : Soft and fluffy one... Taste wise are the regular ones...

Bun Butter Jam : This is one item that has lost its magic... Seems more like the one we get in bakeries... Though its made on order its not that great now...

Caramel Pudding : A regular caramel pudding.. Nothing great..

Falooda : Prices have gone from 10rs to almost 60 rs now... But the taste still remains the same... A bit differences here and there... But overall you wont find much of a difference... Loaded with nuts and raisins...Yummy to the Core...

Though the food is still really great.. It really has come down a bit from its former glory... Not the amazing food i used to have in my childhood.... But even now given the price which could range around 500rs for 2 people is complete bang for your buck and the items like falooda, custard, China grass, Wheat parottas Pepper paya and pepper chicken are still one of a kind and a must try...

Best Faluda in South India. Everyone must try atleast once in their life time..

The calling card of National Durbar Restaurant offers history — it says the eatery opened in 1955. It also gives directions and contact details of the place, along with a rudimentary map. You read what Durbar specialises in: Indian, Chinese, bakery products, ice-cream and desserts. What catches your eye is the picture of a tall glass of a colourful drink topped by ice-cream. This is the restaurant’s signature offer: the falooda.

I stand at the counter to talk to Nazir Ahmed bhai, who manages the joint with help from two of his younger brothers. Freshly-baked brownies, cakes and masala buns are being fed into the glass cases in the front; faloodas, lassis and a whole list of frozen desserts occupy shelves in a cooler. It’s lunch hour and most people have ordered the restaurant’s famous ‘biryani-paya curry’ combo. Vegetarians are herded to a corner of the ground floor area “for better service”. Climb the narrow flight of steps to enter an old-style room with a rafter-supported high-ceiling, family areas behind swing doors, teakwood panels and Usha fans “that have worked smoothly since 1955”. The restaurant serves you food in white porcelain. It’s a throwback to a more refined time.

“We are from Karnataka,” says Nazir in impeccable English. “My father, who had no formal education, bought a restaurant in China Bazaar. He opened this in 1955, at the age of 25, and made it a success. The bakery was opened in 1968.” At his father’s insistence, he discontinued his studies at Loyola after PUC. He and his brother, Mohammed Iqbal, interned at the restaurant, learnt the ropes and “when father died in 1992, we took over”. Nazir never found the time for expansion or modification, and hopes his son will. “He has a BA in Culinary Arts and is trying to revamp the bakery into a modern confectionery.”

Why a bakery? “Businessmen and travellers want takeaways; I thought baked products would be a good idea. We don’t charge for packing.” In the glass case, the chocolate mousse looks inviting, as does the apple cupcake.

The cookies are made daily, cakes often. It is all customer-driven, says Nazir, after chiding an assistant for not wearing his use-and-throw apron and cap. In 1967-68, when forced to provide a Janata meal at 80p, they opened a vegetarian section and put out a rice, dal and vegetables thali. And the falooda is a family recipe, with “two scoops of our own ice-cream, fresh/dry fruits and jelly. Fifty per cent of our customers order it”. Custard pudding, badam kheer and ice-cream sundaes are popular too.

He has not air-conditioned the place. “That will push costs; I don’t want my customers to pay more,” he says.

A lot of his customers have been dining here for decades. “Been coming here for forty years,” says businessman Angusamy, counting location, quality and fair rates as Nazir Ahmed bhai’s USPs. “Prawn/fish fry, egg puffs, parottas, special meals with chicken are all favourites,” he says. “Have a tea cake slice,” he recommends. The durbar on the ground floor is open to heat, dust and traffic noise, but sit in a cabin upstairs for a view of the majestic Ripon building, Victoria Memorial Hall, the Central Station and a quiet meal. Take in the furniture custom-made by Nazir Ahmed bhai’s father. Order a meal from an extensive menu at affordable rates — a limited non-vegetarian meal and falooda puts you back by just Rs. 130. “Even an elaborate one stays within Rs. 250.”

As you chew on the mutton biryani, absorb his words: “A lot of history has happened on this stretch, but we’ve not been affected by any of it. Our customers are very...

National Durbar is a well-known restaurant in Chennai, India, known for its South Indian cuisine, particularly its biryani. It was founded in 1947 and has been serving authentic Chettinad cuisine in a traditional setting.

Ambience:

National Durbar has a warm and inviting ambience that reflects the rich heritage of Chettinad cuisine. The restaurant is spacious and features traditional Chettinad décor, with wooden furniture, brass utensils, and colorful paintings. The atmosphere is lively, especially during peak hours, and the restaurant is often filled with the sounds of families and friends enjoying their meals.

Food:

National Durbar's menu features a wide variety of South Indian dishes, with a focus on Chettinad cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its biryani, which is made with basmati rice, mutton, and a blend of aromatic spices. The biryani is cooked to perfection, with tender meat and fragrant rice. Other popular dishes include Chettinad chicken, mutton sukka, and fish curry.

Service:

The service at National Durbar is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations based on your preferences. They are also attentive and ensure that your glasses are always full and your table is clean.

Value for Money:

National Durbar offers good value for money. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and quantity of food. The restaurant also offers a variety of set menus, which can be a good option for those looking for a quick and affordable meal.

Overall:

National Durbar is a great option for those looking for authentic South Indian cuisine in Chennai. The restaurant's biryani is a must-try, and the other dishes are equally delicious. The service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. Overall, National Durbar is a great value for money and is sure to satisfy your cravings for South Indian food.

Pros:

Authentic Chettinad cuisine Delicious biryani and other Chettinad dishes Warm and inviting ambience Friendly and efficient service Good value for money

Cons:

Can be crowded during peak hours Some dishes may be too spicy for some people

Additional Tips:

If you are visiting during peak hours, be prepared for a wait. If you are not familiar with Chettinad cuisine, ask the staff for recommendations.

Be sure to try the restaurant's signature biryani.

Save room for dessert! National Durbar has a variety of traditional South Indian sweets.

I hope this...