CHENNAI: If you are looking to treat someone at a meager budget of Rs 100, then head to the Dhaba Express on the Cenotaph Road.
Once you park your bike or car, the receptionist will guide you to the unlimited buffet.
There are other two restaurants within the campus, but the buffet is where it is most crowded.
“Over 70 people come on weekdays, while the number crosses 100 on weekends,” says captain Ameet (that is how he introduces himself).
The menu for the day had jalebi as starters, cucumber and radish salads, naan , mixed raitha , pulav , mixed vegetable gravy, bengan masala , channa masala , Vegetable Hakka noodles, Cauliflower Manchurian gravy and curd rice.
“The menu changes every day with other varieties of gravy and roti ,” the captain adds.
While the buffet is only for lunch during weekdays, dinner is arranged on weekends.
You can choose to sit either outside on the stone tables or park yourself inside under the Punjabi style roof set up. Water is served in the traditional Punjabi curvy utensil.
You may not find all the items tasty, but some of them will surely turn as your favourite. The Punjabi special mixed vegetable gravy is a must try, as the captain suggested.
But you might have to wait in a long queue before the roti counter, as it is served hot on your plate.
Chandraseker, manager, says, “The buffet system was introduced almost 10 years before and only four months ago we raised the price from Rs 75 to Rs 100 to include more items.”
Dhaba Express branches have spread to nine places across the city. Dhaba Express at Nungambakkam is the only other branch where the unlimited buffet option is available for both lunch and dinner on all days.
For details, call 24328211 (Teynampet), 28203636 (Nungambakkam).