Flavours of North - Fully Local, Mylapore, Chennai - Restaurant Review

What: Fully Local

Where: Dr Radha Krishna Salai, Mylapore, Chennai

Cuisine: Street Food, North Indian

The restaurant name and the rustic feel along with their décor amplify the curiosity to check the place. And all those curiosity wouldn’t go to vain as you enter into Fully Local; each element adds excitement to your dining. The vibrant colour combination, the antique artifacts and the overall retro feel would stay along. Located on the RK Salai just above Zuka and few blocks away from Manhattan Fish Market, it would be hard to miss them.

Not just the ambience but the food as well matches with the rustic Punjabi food experience. The complimentary Mango Sherbet chilled down my senses from the scorching heat. With veggies and non-veggies dining at the same table, we let the Fully Local guys bring out their best to make our tummies happy. And they knew what would be the crowd-pleaser as most of the dishes tasted great.

Can there be anything else that would be perfect for a summer? The Lassi topped with almonds and cherry was sheer-perfection taste-wise, loved it. As I was sipping through the delicious lassi, slowly the starters kept arraying. Order the ‘The Great Fully Local Platter’, which is a perfect way to try different tandoor varieties; assorted non-veg tandoori platter with five dishes. The tikkas and kebabs were perfect; succulent and flavorful. Seekh Kebab could have been juicier but seemed a little dry but the mint chutney was yum.

As I moved to the veg starters, their paneer was soft and I enjoyed both the paneer dishes. The Paneer Tikka was a unanimous winner; nevertheless the Chilli Paneer was bang-on in flavors, couldn’t resist until I finished off the plate. As I forced myself with a piece of Tandoori Mushroom, though I personally don’t enjoy mushroom the flavors were good (go for it if you like mushrooms).

There were more appetizers lining up and making it difficult for the tummies. The most unique and one of tastiest dish was the Chicken tikka stuffed in Seekh Kebab. The Keema Pav was a killer indeed. That lip-smacking keema gravy is a perfect match for the pav and all these days I have been eating the wrong combination :-P.

Before the mains dropped down on the table, the most anticipated Gol Gappe Shots arrived. Look-wise, full marks. Taste was good but definitely not the best, Puri with the Khatta Pani was nice.

The main course was the best, which to choose? The Fully Local Butter Chicken or the Fully Local Paneer or the Kali Dal?

Though the paneer and chicken were rich and tasty, the black lentil gravy is the BEST. I was literally drinking the gravy even after the Roti’s were over; simple but a tough one to nail and they have managed to cook one of the best. All the Indian breads were great but Stuffed Kulche went so well with the gravies.

After such a rich and heavy meal though I wanted to bid adieu I couldn’t say no to SWEET. The Gulab Jamun with Ice-Cream is OK, nothing great to rave about but taste-wise the Kulfi was brilliant.

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: Positive. Right on the main roads, spot and park at ease.

Ambience: Positive. Fun and Colourful

Food Variety: Positive. Sumptuous variety except for limited Indian desserts.

Taste: Good. There were few misses but this is where they score.

Quality: Positive. Though I wished for better plating they want the plating to be rustic. The food quality was great.

Quantity: Positive. Portion size can be increased but combos are ideal for sharing.

Service: Positive. Prompt and courteous

Price: NA. Costly. Pricing is the reason to make this place not ideal for regular visits. Cost for two approx. Rs.1200 INR

So my Verdict!

Fully Local! A great locale at Chennai to hangout, chill and experience the local flavors of North India. Tasty food, ideal combos for sharing, fun ambience and prompt service but they shall work on the quantity and price.

P.S. This write-up is based my food palate and dining experience during my restaurant visit. On-the-house invite for tasting session. Remember, no two person’s palate can be same.