Ammu South Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Wellington

I am not a food blogger, however, my claim to fame is that with over 20 years of experience in hospitality both nationally and internationally including a Michelin-star restaurant in London, I sincerely believe that I have the boasting rights to call out quality when I see one. Another credential is that I am an Indian and after eating Indian food for over 40 years three times a day, I can recognise quality when I see one. My third credential is that I am a married man and I do what my wife asks me to.

Now, for an Indian family to dine in an Indian restaurant it has to be special. I am often asked which is the best Indian restaurant in Welly. The answer is there are too many to list. However, if you see an Indian dining in an Indian restaurant make sure you dine there. As it has to be exceptionally good to satisfy the Indian food craving for an Indian.  So, if it is good enough for an Indian, it is good enough for you. Personally, we have a higher benchmark, as my wife is from the South of India and is a gifted cook herself. Having run her own food business in the recent past. To impress her is a different ball game altogether. Here's a detailed review of some of what we tried and why we are going ga ga over it: Chicken 65: The Chicken 65 at Ammu's is a true showstopper. Each bite delivers a burst of flavour that is both spicy and tangy, leaving your taste buds craving for more. The chicken is perfectly cooked, tender, and coated in a crispy, flavorful marinade. The dish is beautifully garnished with fresh herbs, adding a touch of freshness to the overall presentation. Egg Biryani: Ammu's Egg Biryani is a fragrant rice dish that showcases the culinary expertise of its chefs. The fluffy basmati rice is cooked to perfection and infused with aromatic spices. The eggs are well-cooked and blend seamlessly with the rice, creating a harmonious combination of flavours. This Biryani is a complete meal in itself and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. Chicken Chowmein: For those craving a taste of Indo-Chinese fusion, the Chicken Chowmein at Ammu's is a must-try. The noodles are cooked to a delightful texture, not too soft nor too chewy. The chicken is tender and succulent, complemented by a medley of colourful vegetables and a well-balanced sauce. Each forkful offers a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser. Chicken Tikka Masala: The Chicken Tikka Masala at Ammu's is a classic Indian dish that embodies rich and creamy flavours. The tender chicken tikka pieces are smothered in a luscious tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices. The dish strikes a perfect balance between heat and creaminess, and the flavours deepen as you savour each bite. Served with fragrant basmati rice this dish is a true comfort food indulgence. Idli Sambhar: Ammu's Idli Sambhar is a popular South Indian breakfast dish that will transport you to the streets of Chennai. The combination of soft idlis, tangy sambhar, and coconut chutney + tomato chutney creates a symphony of flavours that will leave you craving more. Garlic Naan: No Indian meal is complete without a side of warm, pillowy soft naan bread, and Ammu's Garlic Naan is a true delight. The flavours of the garlic infuse the bread, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. It pairs perfectly with rich curries and stews and is an absolute must-have to complete your meal. We paired the Garlic Naan with the Chicken Tikka Masala.

One nugget that we could share with our fellow friends here is how to spot quality and identify a restaurant worth revisiting. That is,” how you feel after having eaten at the restaurant is equally important”. The food was not heavy at all and we all agreed that it was like eating at some South Indian relative’s home. One way I am lucky is that I reside at Greytown, so every trip to Ammu’s is an experience in itself and we cannot wait to return for more. For us, this is a rare find and we encourage you...

Ammu is an amazing restaurant serving a huge number of south Indian delicacies in absolutely authentic Tamil, Malayalam and other south Indian tastes.. It also serves a plethora of dishes from other parts of India and a few dishes which are Asian in origin. It has a vast selection of dishes to choose from and literally we were hopelessly trying to conclude which one dish is better than another.. My friends and I have had several different dishes, including starters, mains, sides and desserts, on many separate occassions and have never encountered even one instance where we could say that any one dish was only just average or not too great, such is the superb amazing quality, authenticity and flavour of all the things we have had here.. Absolutely fantabulous.. The taste of everything is so originally authentic that one gets a feeling that the food is exactly what one would expect in a homely household kitchen or in a highly rated and accomplished restaurant anywhere in the heartland of India; such is the taste and ethnic feel of each dish..

It is very prominently located in Upper Hutt. There are lots of parking spaces available. The restaurant premises are spic and span. The staff are efficient, friendly and very helpful. Washrooms are very neat and clean and are well appointed. The overall ambience of the place is simple, energetic and vibrant. Large dining areas ensures adequate seating and quick seats.. Ammu is a place worth visiting several times.. We look forward eagerly for our next opportunity to go there to celebrate some...

Ordered the Lamb Korma with a garlic naan and the wife got the Chicken Tikka Masala with a garlic roti. Both Medium heat. My Korma had decent heat and a good amount of lamb but was quite runny. The Tikka Masala had better consistency but was quite mild for a medium. Both the Naan and Roti were a good size, but a little light on the garlic. The restaurant is quite nice and is tidy and the service is friendly. Overall reasonably good.

Edit: Had it a couple of days ago at the new venue and I feel like it's gone down a little. Food was quick to come out, but my Lamb Jhalfreze had 2 small pieces of lamb in it. Seemed to lack depth of flavour too. Spice level was decent. Naan still lacking garlic. The Mixed Platter with Samosas and Tandorri was the best meal and pretty decent.

I did think it was weird that my table was approached 3 times to ask if the meal was good. A little excessive. The front staff were also hovering by reception and watching us eat all night - unsettling. The decor was a little on the cheap side and they played xmas music on repeat with the bass turned up too high..

When I go to an Indian restaurant, I want the experience. Play Indian music, Theme the restaurant out better. Don't watch people when they eat. Pack those flavours in your currys and add more meat. If I'm honest, there are better Indian Restaurants...