Vegetarians unite. If there is one place where the veggie people of the City of Pearls flock to, it is Chutney’s. I have often peeked out of share autos to see people lined up outside the restaurant waiting patiently, determined to get to the vegetarian delight that awaits them.
So, People, Reservations. Waiting is not a pleasant affair at Chutney’s. The waiting area is small and cramped and often people wait outside on the road and its not like they have a courtyard or some front porch where you can wait. You’re pretty much standing on Road No. 3 Banjara Hills with the noisy traffic whizzing past precariously close to you. Reservations.
All in all, spread across about 4 visits so far the management at the front desk staff has been fairly efficient. They even gave me change to pay the auto. I went each time without a reservation and the longest I had to wait was about 12 minutes and I wasnt complaining because waiting along with me was a beautiful girl in a green salwar - kameez and head cover - if you’re reading this get in touch! :)
Ok ... personal unlikely-to-materialize romantic pursuits apart, about the place.
It is not uncommon knowledge that the thing that brings hordes to Chutneys is the magnificent quality of food. Practially every thing I’ve ordered (with the exception of Chole Bathure) has been fantastic in terms of taste, freshness and authenticity. I personally recommend the M.L.A Pessarattu, the Bhabai Idli (I like the butter on the side), the filter coffee and the dahi vada. The sambar is kind of sweet like they’ve put jaggery in it. Some people complain about this but I personally enjoy it. Of course, the star attraction - the Chutneys. They have at each table four kinds of chutneys - Ginger, Tomato, Groundnut and Coconut. These are available free of cost in unlimited quantities. My favorite is the groundnut chutney - the pale creamish colored one. The tomato is also nice if you like tangy.
Expect to pay around 200 rupees per person. The fresh fruit juice - something that I like to drink with a meal - costs Rs 70 - a little steep I thought relative to the rest of the menu.
You will blame me for being repetitive but I have to add that the serving staff is very very slow. You have to ask for everything. Water, the menu, cutlery, side plates, napkins. Expect an average wait of 10 - 15 mins for the food to come out and be prepared to raise your hand and call out to the waiter an awful lot. So, service is only so so. Go to Chutney’s for a wonderful culinary experience and for new taste sensations but not for a smooth dining experience.
Dont order the chole bathure - which was a mistake on my part. Thats not their speciality anyway and I cant fathom coconut oil in chole. That fusion doesnt work for me. Otherwise for a reasonably priced super tasting meal - Chutney’s is best. I would recommend lunching here rather than having dinner. Good for families, friends, not a romantic evening.