Ente Keralam

Ente Keralam — means 'My Kerala' in Malayalam. It has at its entrance solid wooden pillars, colourful elephant decoration and typical Kerala umbrellas welcoming you. "Hmmm, a typical little piece of Kerala," you might think, but the inside is modern with subtle touches of the state. Wooden beams, tiny urlis with jasmine and rose flowers on every table and carved wooden chairs add to its touch of class. You might find the different rooms turned into dining alcoves interesting and affording you the privacy you may need to eat in peace. What captures your eye as soon as you enter is the spiral wooden staircase that leads to the first floor section of Ente Keralam's Poes Garden outlet. Get ready to indulge in layered parottas, appams, stew, puttu, iddiappam, brown rice and lots more.
First off, before you even begin, you get the famous sweet and salty Kerala banana chips to munch on as you look thorough the menu. The signature dishes are marked with a little star, making it easier to choose. However, if you are looking for the truly royal experience, go for the Rajakeeyam Thali. It has all the foods Kerala is famous for, served in beautifully etched heavy silver thalis and katoris. For those who would like to eat a small meal, you simply must go for the appam and stew — a coconut milk based gravy with veggies, prawn or chicken. Try the Uffi Theyal made with shallots or baby onions, cooked in coconut paste and spices.

The biryani — mutton, chicken, prawn and Paccha Kari (vegetable) — is amazingly different from the regular stuff you get in the biryani outlets that have mushroomed in almost every street of Chennai. Non vegetarians have many choices, as Kerala is predominantly a state famous for its beef, sea food and chicken innovations. Ente Keralam has a limited dessert choice. Those feeling adventurous can go with the tender coconut ice cream. Although it is not what the chef recommends, this delightful dessert has the right amount of sweetness that supports the taste of tender coconut.