Southern Goodness, Delivered | Smoky Chettinad

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By Abhishikta Mallick

Owned and operated entirely by a Tamil couple, Smoky Chettinad has a super appealing one page menu, which lists 4 chicken dishes, 2 vegetarian dishes, and the quintessential parotta. It is rather intriguing to have come across a clear-cut niche, something this place set out to achieve, rather than the standard multifold and, may I say, safe listings of its contemporaries.

Attracted by the promise of full throttle Chettinad goodness, I decided to try each of the non-vegetarian dishes, as well as the vegetable korma. Since I live outside their free delivery radius, the minimum order had to be INR 1000 {Yes, they deliver in South Delhi}, but the package arrived at the time promised, driven down from Mayur Vihar by the owner himself!

The packing was neat, no spillages, and the dishes made their way on to our plates in no time. The Chicken 65, possibly one of the most popular dishes from their repertoire, was cooked homestyle, with a generous spice mixture sautéed with onions and curry leaves. The Chettinad Chicken Biryani {they make a mutton version on order} came with a boiled egg, and dark rice seeping in the heady roasted masala combination. Aromatic, spicy, and absolutely lip-smacking, my 10-year old NRI cousin loved it too! The Chettinad Pepper Chicken was a knockout preparation, with generous amounts of fresh pepper and ginger. The Vegetable Korma, sadly, did not hit any right spots, but nobody missed it either.

I was surprised to read mixed reviews on this endearing takeout, but them being home chefs, however talented, they will probably take some time to achieve consistency. Props to them for the mere effort of creating and sharing homely Chettiar cuisines in a city where idli/dosa are stereotypical Tamil fare.

Notes in our Little Black Book |

Delicious homestyle Chettinad food, give Smoky Chettinad a chance for the lasting memory the fragrant spices will leave on your palate.

Where: Shop 2, Local Shopping Complex, Acharya Niketan, Mayur Vihar Phase 1

Phone: 9958267921

Price: INR 600 for two