Chennai Hoppers Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Gaithersburg

Every once in a while a restaurant completely surprises you with their uniqueness. Chennai Hoppers did that to me. Decided to go with a friend on a weekend lunch double date. Arrived without reservations but the usher was kind enough to seat us outside while we waited for a preferred inside table. He even came by to offer drinks and we were seated within 15-minutes despite being a popular venue.

We came assuming we were going to experience what we normally expect from South Indian restaurants and knew this place had been getting good reviews. Exploring the menu while waiting for our table though, we were surprised by the variety beyond the typical tiffin dishes. We had already decided to get the Hoppers Grill BBQ platter and Goat Biryani but also wanted suggestions. Among the recommendations was Nalli Lamb, a chef specialty teaser not yet on the menu and the Kothu Parotta. Additionally we got the Kaigaari Pakoda, Masala Dosa, and Sambhar Vada as well as Rose Milk for our drinks.

The platter and the pakodas were great starters and the rose milk really brought home memories of India. The tiffin dishes were among the best we have had in the DMV. The kothu parotta is an incredible hash of chicken and layered bread mixed with flavorful spices and was an accomplishment on its own. But the pièce de résistance was the Nalli Lamb! With the meat cooked in an elaborate medley of spices until the curry was reduced to a thick gravy so that the flavors penetrated all the way…along with a bread basket of paratha and naan, salad and raita on the side…we were so blown away that the Goat Biryani was not touched at all and became a prize take away for our dear friends. Just so you know…goat biryani is usually the top shelf item on our table so it should be evident how amazing the lamb was! Definitely worth adding to the regular menu!

Bottom line…Chennai Hoppers does South Indian food like no other place in this area and if you want to explore beyond typical dosas, idlis, and vadas…this is definitely the place that brings out the variety and richness of the flavors from that part of...

I have not tasted any of the traditional regular South Indian food here. I am just giving feedback on the food I had placed an order for. CONS: Most dishes are pricey. The preparation is rarely found in other joints, but not necessarily the dish does justice to the price due to the gap between the ideal taste and what is being served plus the sad lack of quantity. The Goan fish curry has 2 small fish pieces, fair quantity would be 6. Also, the spice level is to the nth degree( not the amount of chilly hot), consequently, dishes such as this which ought to be a blend of mild spices with coconut milk get hammered instead of soft pounding. The banana leaf steamed fish preparation does not taste the same with Tilapia fish as it would with the original fish(from India) preparation as the smoked banana flavor is lost among a coating of spices.Also, quantity of this dish given the price is dismal. The banana flowers vada should have been softer, also its taste is not identifiable in the item. The Goat Biryani does not have soft mutton pieces, maybe because they don't use baby goat. The quality of mutton makes all the difference in the dish. The Lamb curry is acceptable, more spices than necessary, pieces also reasonable, however, pieces of lamb are not soft. The Vegetable Korma in the Ceylon Paratha dish lacked vegetables of all kinds and was only a heavily spiced curry. The Shrimp-mango dish had a weird taste. Disappointing to see the quantity of vegetables and meat so less for a top of the line priced dishes! PROS: The Kothu Paratha( mixed with chicken) is an unusual dish which is mish_ mash style but has a very good taste and the quantity justifies the price. Also, the Tapioca snacks fry is very good. Plain rice (complimentary with the dishes) was extremely well-cooked. The Paneer Tandoori item was also good. Full marks for the professional, leak-proof to-go packing. If price is not the consideration, then placing a onetime order for the non-south Indian dishes can be justified. Overall, I would like to visit again but to taste their Masala dosa, idli,...

Review v2.0: The Chennai Hoppers – A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The Chennai Hoppers offers a beautiful fusion of rustic charm and modern elegance, with its brick-themed design and historical touches creating a unique dining atmosphere.

The menu is sophisticated, featuring a well-curated selection of flavorful dishes. Some must-try items include the Vazhaipoo Kola Urandai, which is perfectly spiced and textured, the Kilzhi Parotta, and the Mushroom Manchurian, which brings a bold and satisfying flavor. Their curries are rich, aromatic, and delicious, making them a great choice for any meal. The Chicken Lollipop is another standout, offering a crispy yet juicy bite.

To top off the meal with a refreshing drink, the Nannari Sarbath is a must-try. Its unique herbal sweetness adds the perfect finishing touch to the dining experience.

Service is excellent, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant experience. The restaurant is well-maintained, with clean restrooms, though they tend to be busy. The entrance faces northwest.

Overall, I highly recommend this place and I will definitely return for another great dining experience!

Review v1.0: This place definitely has great curry. Curries had the right spice level and oil. Chicken it was more like shredded chicken not what you usually find in the chicken curry. They know how to make parotas and Nan breads.

Nethili meen fry and chicken lollipop was yum yum. Chicken wasn't dry it had good texture.

Briyani they are okie. Last time I tried, the goat pieces did not blend with the rice. The rice was more like tomato rice. I couldn't differentiate between the vegetable and goat briyani rice.

They don't offer different spice level. I understand the concern. Please beware of the spice level when buying.

Friendly and helpful people. Carryout bag and boxes sturdy and ease of carrying.

I will return to this restaurant for curry and...