Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Tustin

Review for Anjappar (Ektaa Diwali Fest, Irvine – October 4, 2025)

We first tried Anjappar when it opened pre-COVID, around 2019. The food and service were amazing back then, and we used to visit frequently. Over time, however, both quality and hospitality started to decline, and we eventually stopped going. After several years, we decided to give them another chance when we saw their booth at the Ektaa Diwali Fest in Irvine on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

We ordered one tea and one dosa. The tea was lukewarm, but we adjusted, drank some, and threw the rest away. The staff told us to wait on the side for our dosa, so we went where the chutney and sambar trays and cups were placed. There was a lady in a white dress standing there, doing nothing, and she looked like another guest waiting for her food. Since the setup looked self-service, my mom thought we could serve ourselves. The staff at the counter were busy taking orders and handling payments, and no one was attending that area.

While waiting, my mom—who is hypoglycemic and gets lightheaded without food—took one spoon of sambar into a small cup to taste. The sambar was cold, but after they refilled the container, she took another small spoon (barely 25% of the cup in total). Suddenly, the lady in the white dress started shouting, waving her arms, saying “Don’t touch that! I’m supposed to serve you!” We were stunned by her rude and unprofessional behavior. My mom calmly explained that we didn’t know she was staff, that it looked like self-service, and that the sambar was cold and watery—just like the tea. Instead of apologizing, the lady responded, “Then don’t drink the sambar,” and “It’s okay if the tea was cold.”

We were shocked and disgusted by her tone and attitude. We have never experienced such rude, obnoxious behavior from anyone in the hospitality industry. India is a country where we’re taught from a young age never to humiliate anyone when it comes to food. This lady clearly lacked even basic manners, decency, and common sense in dealing with customers.

The entire experience ruined our appetite. We requested a refund and left the booth immediately. After this incident, we will never give Anjappar another chance again. Truly disgusting behavior and an...

When in OC and craving for Chettinad food, then Anjappar is the place to head to without a second thought. Until last year, the only Anjappar in the vicinity was about an hour's drive away in Artesia, so visiting the place occurred once-in-a-blue-moon. But ever since they opened a branch in nearby Tustin, our visits to the nearest Anjappar have become way more frequent - be it to dine in or to pickup some spicy grub!

The ambience is lively and the interior decor is very pretty, especially the mural of a peacock. There are quite a few tables that are decently spread out, but you might have to wait for a while to get seated if you show up during their peak hours. That said, their service is prompt and the staff are quite cheerful and friendly.

Though it's hard to go wrong with the food selection here, there are quite a few options to choose from and it's easy to get lost in the menu. When visiting with friends during lunch hours, we usually order their Virundhu thaali (translates to feast) which has a plethora of food items that are more than enough for two people with a good apetite! Recently we went for dinner and sought help in deciding which a la carte items to order. Nithya kindly recommended the Egg Curry to go with the Idiyappam combo and Appam combo, and had us sold on the Vavval Varuval (Pomfret Fish Fry), and each of these items was delish! We ordered the Mutton Biryani with Seeraga Samba Rice and Nattukkoli Masala (Country Chicken Curry) to go, and enjoyed the food over the next couple of days (amazing how already tasty food becomes yummier and spicier after a day or two!). What better way to top off a hearty and spicy meal than the Desi way of having a Sweet Paan (an assortment of ingredients wrapped together in a Betel leaf)! Burp!

Never have I walked away from Anjappar feeling disappointed in any way. I sure hope they keep up...

Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves authentic Indian cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. The decor is elegant yet comfortable, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

The menu at Anjappar Chettinad is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of South India. Each dish is crafted with care, using traditional spices and ingredients that deliver an explosion of flavors. Every bite is a journey through the vibrant and diverse flavors of Chettinad cuisine.

One of the highlights of dining at Anjappar Chettinad is the impeccable service. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations. Their knowledge of the menu is impressive, and they are more than happy to guide you through the various options, ensuring you have a memorable meal.

In addition to the delicious food and excellent service, the restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene. This attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the spotless table settings to the well-maintained restrooms. It's clear that the team at Anjappar Chettinad takes pride in providing a top-notch dining environment for their guests.

Overall, Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable Indian dining experience. The combination of flavorful dishes, exceptional service, and inviting atmosphere makes it a standout choice. Whether you're a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time visitor, you're sure to leave with a satisfied palate and a desire to return. Highly...