VB Signature by Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan, Nungambakkam, Chennai

What: VB Signature by Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan

Where: Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai

Cuisine: South Indian

My quest for new or best food always resist me from visiting a restaurant twice until I am completely blown away by the food. With numerous branches spread across Chennai, the new venture by Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan didn't excite me until I caught hold of their food menu.

VB Signature at Nungambakkam as only one similarity with Vasantha Bhavan, i.e. they serve vegetarian food. Besides that, the joint doesn't hold any similarity with Vasantha Bhavan. The quirky ambience and decor did impress me. I couldn't wait more and went ahead with my order after a few minutes of scanning through the menu.

The dishes kept lining up in gradual interval so we could give some space for our tummy to rest. Most of my picks were their signature dishes and first arrived the Tandoori Momo. Veg and momo doesn't ring a right bell but the infusion of tandoori masala did end up producing a delicious plate of momos. Presentation did catch my eyes, there were three coloured sticks to grab the momos. As I grabbed the stick just to realise they were ink-fillers filled with 3 chutneys. A must order at the joint.

With expectation set, I was hoping for a drool-worthy evening. Marina and Bhajji are two inseparable words, so I had to order  Marina Milagai Bhajji. I was in for absolute delight as the cheese and potato mix oozed out of crispy panko-crumb coated Chilli bhajji. The tamarind sauce that accompanies is a perfect match.

As it was time for Mains, first arrived the Double Cheese Margherita Stuffed Ceylon Parotta. Four huge chunks of parotta stuffed with cheese and more cheese, which was a delight without doubt. Though it didn't make much difference, the Jeera Raitha helped to cut-down the cheese overload. I was almost done there and then came a big bowl of Kottu Parotta (lost in Bangkok) with Onion Raitha and Kheema Kari Dosai (with 2 Chutney, Tomato Gravy and Sambar).

Just the way I hoped the parotta to taste. The infusion of Thai flavour hits you during each spoonful of kottu parotta. But the sweetness started to overtake, which made it hard to finish the dish. Raitha is the possible side-dish but I wish they come up with some spicy element as that could cut-down the sweetness. "Veg and Kheema Kari Dosai", as mom was hinting about a similar dish she tasted at Malaysia and we knew it is going to be Soya Chunks (meal maker). I hate Soya Chunks but shredding them into small piece and the masala combination with chilli mayo was after all tasty. So meal maker didn't ruin the dosa. The chutneys and sambar was good.

Anyways I need something sweet and picked, Salted Caramel and Almond Shake and Milan to Madras. The shake is decent but overly sweet and I would prefer the consistency thicker. So beautiful they looked and heavenly they tasted; a stack of three Filter Coffee Rasagulla in-between the whipped cream. I would call it an Indianized version of Tiramisu. Richness, sweetness and filter coffee, I can't ask for more favourites in a single jar. P.S. I never spotted the Toasted Nuts :-(

A pure vegetarian meal after a long while and we left the place with happiness. And a bill of Rs.1325 INR (tax inclusive) didn't bother me much.

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: Positive. In no time you will find the place and they have valet parking.

Ambience: Good. Quirky and fancy!

Food Variety: Positive. So much thought for a vegetarian food deserves an applause. And varieties are sumptuous.

Quality & Quantity: Good. Loved the presentation, ingredients usage and quality. Quantity is apt for two.  

Service: Good. Prompt, friendly, courteous.

Price: Good. With no same old dishes and for that unique fusion of food, it is totally value for money. Costly but you wouldn't regret paying.  

So my Verdict!

VB Signature! Though it is by Vasantha Bhavan they are no way similar. Uniqueness and fusion food is their mantra. A vegetarian fine diner I would recommend to Chennaitians. Hope they continue with the same josh and serve delicious food.

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