There is No Food & Biriyani without Salt! - Salt - Restaurant Review

Outlet: Vadapalani

Address: 2nd Floor, Forum Vijaya Mall, Arcot Road, Vadapalani.

Cuisine: North Indian, South Indian

Malls have become one of Chennai's prominent hangout destination after the beaches. They can be perfect spot for a loner or a family or friends. Their extravagant shopping options, stylish cine-theatres and plenty of food joints add glamour to the experience. And Forum Vijaya Mall at Vadapalani happens to be my new-favourite as its relatively close to my house. I prefer the fine dining restaurants in malls especially during the weekends to safeguard myself from the packed food court.

Salt Restaurant

Salt Restaurant

After much ravings about the Biriyani at Salt, I landed at the restaurant for a Sunday lunch. And I must admit they didn't disappoint atleast with the Biriyani that I visited them second time within a short-span. The ambience grabs our attention; the visual-delight through the framed photo collections, the centrally placed elegant book-shelf and majestic wooden boat are hard to go unnoticed. Though tasted a few from their huge menu; here's my likes & dislikes about food I ate:

Starters

Fish Wada - Salt's version of Fish 'n' Chips that comes with fish patties, chilli mayo, salad & fries. The patties were palatable but they weren't even near crispness and was too dry; eating them without the sides would be a bad option. The refreshing veggies 'n' chickpea salad and crunchy fries were spot-on.

Fish Wada

Chicken

Chicken Jingle Bells - This was a special seasonal dish; so wasn't part of the regular menu. The tangy-chilli medley worked so well on the chicken that was cooked faultless. It indeed reminded Chilli Chicken; look- and taste-wise.  

Rice Cheese Balls - Another seasonal addition to the menu. The rice-cheese mix oozes out as you bite through the crispy outer coat. A cheesy stuffing with a miss on the flavours as they started to taste bland after few bites. The sauce and salad were a perfect match to the dish.  

Main Course

Roomali Roti - Soft and light as well perfect for the rich Paneer Makhani.

Paneer Makhani - Alert: Richness Overloaded. Though a small portion size the richness quotient makes it heavy. Tasted delicious!

Rice Cheese Balls

Paneer & Roti

Biriyani - Egg, Chicken and Mutton - The luscious line up of pot biriyani. A pleasure to all senses with right balance of spices spread across the aromatic basmati rice; a complete bliss. The 'Mutton' was easily a best pick as it creates magic with the essence of ghee and spices.

Mutton & Chicken Biriyani

Egg Biriyani

To Cool us Down before the Bill ;-)

Chennai Sun City & Chocolate Milkshake -  A hot mocktail that's refreshing and helps to kill the heaviness of the food. Whereas the latter, chills down the tummy with ice-cold chocolate milk.

                              

Hot Mocktail & Choco Milkshake

Elaneer Payasam - The fragrance of tender coconut fills the air as a mud-bowl with chilled payasam is put forth the table. The tiny coconut pieces balances the sweetness to elevates the flavours of Elaneer Payasam. An elite dessert!

Elaneer Payasam

During each my visits, the total injure to the wallet was approximately Rs. 1500 INR (tax inclusive) for two persons. Certainly a costly experience which would be worthy for the biriyani. The service was top-notch; they were courteous and prompt, which I loved.

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: Positive. Most happening location of Vadapalani with no worries on the parking (of course the charges are extra).

Ambience: Positive. A neat and aristocratic ambience inconsideration to a mall.

Food Variety: Good. Fine number of dishes! But considering the price its best to go for buffet (which is only on selective days I suppose).

Taste: Good. Except the biriyani it's nothing worth raving. Taste is good.

Quality: Good. The presentation grabs an applause. As well the quality of food they serve is laudable.

Quantity: Ok. Portion size is enough to share between two. For the price we pay its a less quantity.

Service: Good. Almost flawless.

Pricing: Negative. This hurts! Though the taste, quality and locality comes into picture, the price we pay is pretty huge. It's definitely "Extremely Expensive".

My Favorites: Mutton Biriyani and Elaneer Payasam

So my Verdict!

Salt, a sophisticated dining journey. As the ambience, presentation, food quality and service gets an standing-ovation there as well are flaws that needs attention. Though it tastes great, it's only the 'Biriyani' that gets the highest praising. The experience comes with a hefty price so be prepared. An Elite Dining!

P.S. This write-up is based on my food palate & dining experience during my restaurant visit. Remember, no two person's palate can be same.