During the last weekend trip to Chennai, we decided to explore this “MURUGAN IDLI HOUSE” that has emerged as the chain of restaurants in the city.
As the name suggests, this one is v famous for its exceptionally Soft and Fresh Idlis. Just as one would associate Thepla-dokla with Gujjus, Poli-Bhaji with Maharashtrians; Southies vouch for Idli-Dosa-Sambhar!!!
But nowadays, most of the restaurants I have visited, end up serving Idlis as hard-rocks. Idlis that are essentially healthy snack made out of right proportion of boiled rice and udat dal only need to be steamed for few minutes. But the secret of getting the most softer ones lies in proper art of grinding the ingredients and allowing the batter to ferment for a day. Sadly, in the age of commercialization, the poor quality of idli batter with the adulterated ingredients has resulted in harder versions of idlis. Though the idlis appear good, but they end up having a distinct dry layer over the top making u drink loads and loads of water. But MURUGAN IDLI HOUSE is an Exception!!!!
Situated at the heart of the city in G.N.Chetty Road, this restaurant has been pulling crowds at all times. The place is v small and can accommodate only 40 people at a time. So during peak hours, one can imagine the rush !!!
As we reached in the evening, it was not v crowded. Sooner, the server placedPlantain Leaves -----a typical traditional way of serving food. Then he laid the spread of 4 mouthwatering Chutneys----Coconut, Tomato, Pudina and of CurryLeaves. Then he also served the MOLGA PODI (mixture of various dals and red chillies) with OIL. As the name suggests, we all ordered IDLIS. To my surprise the IDLIS were of STUPENDOUS QUALITY!!! They were steaming hot, soft and served with exotic Sambhar. It awakened my tastebuds with every bite I took and melted into my mouth. And the cost is Rs 5 for 1 plate of idli !! Though its price is low, the quality is superior!
If u want to order more, the snacks are served on the SAME plantain leaves only. This hotel is more of HOMELY type without any pretensions. One can have extra servings of Chutneys and Sambhar.
They also serve other varieties of DOSA, UTHAPAM, VENN PONGAL, CHAKRA PONGAL, PANNIYARAM etc and the regular Beverages. They all are slightly higher priced. But nothing beats the AWESOME IDLIS!!
Seating Arrangements are v basic. One cant expect a 5 star ambience here. Its like a regular udupi joint with all the noise and crowd.
Though Plantain leaves form the best option for hygiene and environmental purpose, but to serve Water in throwaway plastic cups makes no sense at all. I wish they could introduce steel glasses to stop the plastic pollution. Car Parking is not regularized effectively.
But inspite of shortcomings, if u happen to visit Chennai, make it a point to be at MURUGAN ---- the Ideal Place to indulge in Idlis.