A Faraway Land inside the City - The English Tea Room, Alwarpet Chennai

What: The English Tea Room

Where: Kasturi Ranga Road, Alwarpet, Chennai

Cuisine: Café

The word “tea” was one sole reason I wanted visit the place, having a tea fanatic at home every time I hear about a café that holds an exclusive tea menu interests me. Though I had been planning to try their Afternoon Cream Tea (served from 3-7 PM, which comes with tea, pastries, scones and sandwiches), it never seemed to come along. So dropped here for lunch on a weekday, a quick glance and we placed our order. A fairy tale ambience that was very loud. The music plays at the farthest end that you never get to hear any music but just the words of the noisy-dining neighbours. But once the food made its way I never bothered much about the ambience or noise.

The Cheesy Nachos were dripping with cheese; the combination of salsa, cream, sauce and cheese topped on the nachos were the only reason you wipe off your plates. Not sure whether the nachos are house made or store brought but they weren’t thin and crispy so the nachos were very mediocre in taste. But remember the portion is quite huge.

The interesting segment in the menu was their low carb meal and we got our plate of Grilled Chicken with grilled veggies. My husband was in total love with his plate of chicken. The chicken was perfect, the sexy strips of chars on the juicy chicken, the hot bowl of rich, creamy jus and the refreshing veggies with touch of herbs were too good. And simultaneously I was munching down my plate of Caramelised Mushroom Onion Pita Pockets. The mild sweetness from the mushroom-onion stuffing was out of the word. Each element was layered beautifully inside the pocket, the layers from the top – yogurt, cheese, mushroom-onion and hummus. But I totally hated the hummus and it didn’t compliment the stuffing; also the sourness from the yogurt didn’t appeal me. Just the caramelised masala with cheese would have been heavenly. It is served with crispy potato wedges, mustard and ketchup.  

The portions are definitely humongous so we skipped the dessert and settled for Organic Nilgiri Tea. Again one portion of tea is perfect for two and the hot cup of tea was a nice way to finish off the meal. So we paid Rs. 1220 INR (including tax) for the complete meal.

Breaking Down Points

Ambience: A faraway land in the city but seemed a little chaotic but ideal place for tea parties or if you want to kill time.

Food Variety: A vast menu for a café with very usual starters and some impressive mains and desserts. Though its ‘tea room’, there is hardly any choice for tea.

Taste: From whatever I have tasted its ‘average’.

Quality & Quantity: The food is presented beautifully and the portion is big enough for sharing. The service is slow and they leave you unattended most of the times.

Price: A meal for two would cost Rs. 1000-1200 INR (plus tax) approx., it’s costly. But it wasn’t worth the money I spent and definitely they can work on the taste of the food.

So my Verdict!

The English Tea Room; Mesmerising ambience, interesting array of food, not-so-impressive in terms of taste but the portions are huge and so is the pricing. It is a nice place for tea parties or endless gossip with loved ones.

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