AlMaza, Anna Nagar, Chennai - Restaurant Review

What: AlMaza

Where: A Block, 6th Street, Anna Nagar East, Chennai

Cuisine: North Indian, Arabian, Mughlai

It was a sudden plan to check this place out for a Sunday lunch and finding the restaurant seemed easy using maps. I always feel owning a restaurant at a residential area is a major risk until your confident about the food you serve. As you can't expect a traveller to spot and dine at your restaurant, it shall mostly be the customers you have enjoyed the food or through the word of goodwill people would want to try the place. Though the place was deserted most tables had the 'reserved' sign and as I left the place after dining it was packed with customers.

With just two of us I want to keep the lunch simple and not overload me with food. After scanning through the menu, Jehangiri Shorba was the immediate order by my partner for his love for lamb soup. The soup tasted perfect after throwing in some salt and the lamp were soft and succulent; bang-on in terms of flavours.

The Murg Malai Kebab with six pieces of chicken that's covered with cream looked and tasted good. As you could sense the tandoor flavour the cream added the richness to the dish, whereas the chicken could have been moist but it was dry. And a special mention to the Mint and Pineapple chutney that tasted good.

My most awaited Sunday dish, Mutton Dum Biryani arrived at our table but I missed the aroma from the biryani that hits you as the lid is opened. The soft and juicy mutton pieces were the hero, the biryani tasted good but my first few mouthful couldn't sense any salt (not sure if the kebabs flavour dominated my palate) and as I continued to eat the biryani tasted alright. The brinjal gravy was good definitely not the best.

We did order for drinks, Thandai and Chaas. They served Chaas (buttermilk) as a complimentary drink with pappad and it was definitely so refreshing that I needed a glass for myself. Though Thandai tasted good it was more of a liquified Kesar Badam milk, I could never find a hint of rose petal or aniseeds in terms of taste.

And finally, how could I signoff without Shahi Tukda. The crispy bread slices that's toasted in ghee and the rabdi was delicious.

The complete meal cost Rs. 1010 INR (including taxes).

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: The maps can perfectly guide you and there is parking space just outside the restaurant.  

Ambience: Ok. The place looked good but one complete side of the dining area is comparatively darker than the other.

Food Variety: Positive. Varieties seemed endless.

Taste: Good. As a complete meal it was great but seasoning is the only issue.

Quality & Quantity: Positive. Both the food quality and quantity didn't have complaints.

Service: Positive. No complaints here.

Price: Cost for two Rs.1000-1200 INR approx. Considering food taste, quality and quantity, it is totally worth the money spent.

So my Verdict!

AlMaza! The food is definitely inviting in terms of taste and quality. Personally, a good place for North Indian and Mughlai food.

P.S. Remember, no two person's palate can be same.