Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Clara

Unsure why this place only has 3 stars. I guess it's probably due to snobby Californians who refuse to rate a chain more than 3 stars.

Only reason why I docked 1 star from this place is because of 1) slow service/lack of attentiveness and 2) LACK OF CHEESE IN THE CHEESE NAAN!

Every time I come here, I ask for extra cheese in the cheese naan. They happily charge me $1 for extra cheese, but I actually receive extra cheese in it about 30% of the time. Even when I specifically state "please put lots and lots and lots of cheese in the cheese naan", I'll generally get little to no cheese in it. Trust me, when they load it up with cheese, this is an incredible dish. One time they put an adequate amount of cheese in it and the only other time they did after that was when I told them "Last time you charged me for extra cheese and there was basically no cheese in it. Please, please, please make sure you put A LOT of cheese in it".

Now that I'm done with my cheese rant, onto the food. The food is amazing here.

Chicken/Paneer 65: 4.5/5 - not super spicy like most chicken 65, but delicious. More like chicken pakodas with a bit of spice. Paneer 65 is also great. Interested in trying Mushroom 65, but haven't given it a chance yet since it's the same price as Paneer 65... can't justify buying at that pricepoint.

Hot & Sour Soup: 5/5 - extremely spicy and flavorful. I can come here and order only this 1 by 2 and leave completely satisfied.

Cheese Naan: 2/5 when they skimp on the cheese; 5/5 when they load it up.

Chicken Chettinad: 5/5 - Haven't tasted it here because I'm not a huge fan of the dish in general, but my wife loves it. She gets the combo, which comes with a smaller portion of chicken and a side of parotta. This is a great call, because I'm not a fan of chicken chettinad and she doesn't eat much -- perfect portion!

Goat Biryani: 4/5 - Extremely flavorful biryani, but unfortunately the goat pieces are a bit on the chewy side + no marrow bones :(

Black Pepper Chicken Kabab: 2.5/5 -- These are well cooked, but I only recommend them if you're a HUGE fan of black pepper. They use whole peppercorns and, for me, they were a bit overwhelming.

Pro-Tip: Order the Chicken 65 Biryani. It's a good call if you're trying to save some $$ and are craving biryani and chicken 65.

The server we always get is SUPER SUPER polite. Love the guy. Unfortunately, the food comes out at a snails pace... worth the wait though. Main qualm about this place is they need to just get their act together and load up the cheese on that...

Anjappar Chettinad is a hidden gem for lovers of Indian cuisine, offering a delightful array of authentic dishes. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of enjoying their renowned mutton biriyani, chicken biriyani, and boneless mutton varuval. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that left me craving for more.

The mutton biriyani at Anjappar Chettinad was absolutely flavorful and had the perfect blend of aromatic spices. The tender pieces of mutton embedded in the fragrant basmati rice created a symphony of flavors that delighted my taste buds. It was clear that the dish was prepared with care and expertise, maintaining the true essence of Chettinad cuisine.

Similarly, the chicken biriyani was equally exceptional. The fragrant rice perfectly complemented the succulent pieces of chicken, which were tender and cooked to perfection. The well-balanced spices elevated the dish, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. Each bite was a delightful journey through the rich Indian culinary tradition.

One of the highlights of my dining experience at Anjappar Chettinad was the boneless mutton varuval. The tender morsels of mutton were marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and then sautéed to perfection. The result was a dish that was both spicy and flavorful, with the meat retaining its tenderness. The attention to detail in the cooking process was evident, and the dish surpassed my expectations.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant was pleasant and inviting. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, offering great recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was enjoyable. The cleanliness and hygiene standards were also commendable, adding to the overall appeal of the restaurant.

While the portion sizes were generous, the prices were reasonable considering the quality and taste of the food. The menu had a wide range of options, catering to various dietary preferences and spice preferences.

In conclusion, if you are in search of a truly authentic Indian dining experience, Anjappar Chettinad is a must-visit restaurant. From their delectable mutton biriyani and chicken biriyani to the mouthwatering boneless mutton varuval, the cuisine will undoubtedly leave you satisfied and craving for more. The friendly staff, pleasant ambiance, and reasonable prices further contribute to making this restaurant an excellent choice for lovers of...

Dining at Anjappar in Santa Clara was like stepping into a slice of South India, offering an authentic experience that brought back memories of meals in my hometown of Madurai. As someone who loves the bold and spicy flavors of Chettinad cuisine, this meal hit all the right notes.

I started with the Hot and Sour Chicken Soup, and it was a perfect blend of tangy and spicy. The soup was hearty, filled with tender pieces of chicken and vegetables, and it had just the right kick to wake up my taste buds.

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Chicken Biryani. The aroma alone was enough to transport me back home. Each grain of basmati rice was cooked to perfection, and the chicken was flavorful and tender. The spices were bold but balanced, and the raita served alongside added a cooling element to the dish. It was as authentic as it gets, reminding me of the biryani stalls back in Madurai.

Next, I tried the Chicken Kothu Parotta, and it was everything I hoped for. The flaky parotta, chopped and stir-fried with chicken, onions, and a mix of Chettinad spices, tasted just like the kothu parotta from the local street vendors in Tamil Nadu. The texture was amazing, with the perfect mix of softness from the parotta and crunch from the veggies. It’s a must-try for anyone who craves street food.

The Chilly Chicken was another highlight of the meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the chicken was tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce that had the perfect balance of heat and flavor. It paired wonderfully with both the biryani and the kothu parotta.

The ambiance at Anjappar was simple and welcoming, and the staff were attentive and friendly, making the dining experience all the more enjoyable. For anyone who loves authentic Chettinad food, Anjappar is a must-visit. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and the experience truly brings the taste of South India to...