We continue our reader-driven series on great restaurants and eating places across the country.
Homesick north Indians and 'sick-of-home-food' south Indians in Chennai have a place to dig into authentic Punjabi food.
Frankly, Punnu Da Dhaba looks quite un-cool. Situated outside the city right next to the Cognizant Technologies office near Thoraipakkam, it is run by a North Indian couple and staffed by a motley crew of cooks and chotus (waiters) who know the menu card by heart.
With a large outdoor kitchen and a hall (actually two, AC and non-AC) where the food is served, this place exudes a homely feeling that is rather appealing. In fact, it is a frequent haunt among IT guys as this dhaba is close to CTS, Satyam and TCS.
There's nothing special on the menu which offers good, easily affordable Punjabi food.
The Thali comes for Rs 30. A Tandoori Roti costs Rs 4 (with butter costs Rs) 5. Tava Chappati costs Rs 3 and Nan Rs 6 (Rs 10 with butter).
The sabjis are a little expensive though and the quantity is not that great. Palak Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, Malai Kofta and others cost between Rs 30 and Rs 50.
The Egg Bhurji is yummy and great value for money at Rs 25.
Rice costs you between Rs 25 and Rs 35 and dal is between Rs 20 and Rs 35.
If you go to this place in a group of three to five and split the bill, your pocket should be lighter by about Rs 50 to Rs 70 per head.
For non-vegetarians, I recommend the mutton/ chicken curries.
Wash down your food with a lassi and I assure you shall be profusely thanking the sardar at the counter.
To summarise
~ Food: Veg and non-veg
~ Ambience: Homely
~ Service: Good
~ Timings: 12 noon to 3 pm and 6 pm onwards
~ Accessibility: Park outside CTS on Old Mahabalipuram Road and ask around for directions. It is a few minutes away.
Address
Punnu da Dhaba
Next to Cognizant Technology Solutions
Old Mahabalipuram Road (also called as the IT highway)
Kanchipurn District
Chennai
Phone: (044) 55366628
Nimish V Goray is a software engineer working with an Indian MNC in Chennai.
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