Poonam's Gujarati Bhojnalaya — Restaurant in Zone 5 Royapuram

In the middle of Chennai's busy chaotic commercial centre Parrys Corner, age old Gujrati food place, Poonam Gujarathi Bhojanalay, always been close to my heart. Be it for traditional breakfast lunch or dinner, if you are craving for real refreshing Gujrati food this is the place. Never ending supply of Hot puffed phulkas doused with ghee, Tadka Dal, Aloo rasdar, Sukhi sabzi, salads, you are fed up till you just can't take no more. Aamras, basunthi, jamoon, lassi, the choices are a dietician nightmare! And Alas, 😭 so remains all this only in my memory. Yes all these good things were of years past. My recent visit had a different experience. The dining area was the same, the plates, pots and pans the same, the chairs and tables same, the Thali dishes the same, so were the phulkas. But my tongue in delight, my taste buds were not in ecstasy, not tingling in the delicious taste. The taste of home cooking food was not there. When I would finish off 8 phulka then move on to rice, today I could hardly finish 4. The dal was a frail watered down bland thing. No am unable to describe the rest of my dishes. I left after a brief talk with a young boy at the counter, third generation taking over. Talked to him about a grumpy old gentleman at the cash counter those days, when the meal was ₹40. His grandfather he said. I wished senior good health and came out, having a reserved thought on this new...

Especially any of you are coming from outside to chennai for a short stay then consider that your food budget cannot cross over 250 per day(1 unlimited thali costs 110 only ) if you have your BRUNCH (11am - 3pm) and dinner (7pm - 10pm) here.

Instead of giving away money for a plate of idly and dosa(I am a tamilian myself) which will easily cost you from 75 - 100/-(which is a huge rip off by South Indian restaurants), consider this option its the safest and one of the best way to fill your tummy fully to your satisfaction. Chapatis here my godd are so soft, so good you will end up eating at least 10 and gujarati khadi the taste of it simply superb that I just simply drink it.

Note: This place is not for people who like very spicy, masala type of food, ample of sitting space, only south Indian food. But if you want a healthy homemade food at an affordable "Meals PER DAY COST", this place is the way to go.

The opinion about the place and food is totally personal please try this place without building any expectations to experience the food...

I had a very disappointing experience at Poonam’s Gujarati Bhojanalaya. While I was looking forward to enjoying a good Gujarati meal, the behavior of the staff and owners completely ruined the visit. From the outset, their attitude was rude and unwelcoming. Basic courtesy was missing, to top it all one of the staff misbehaved with me and the owner also joined in. The environment felt tense and uncomfortable, and it was clear that customer satisfaction was not a priority here. Even other diners appeared frustrated by the lack of professionalism. It’s unfortunate, because no matter how decent the food might be, such poor behavior overshadows everything.

I would not recommend this place if you value respectful service and a pleasant dining atmosphere. Chennai has many other restaurants that offer both good food and genuine hospitality.

Would request you to...