ERODU AMMAN MESS - annanagar branch

  ERODU AMMAN MESS

At the basement of the same building where Cycle gap Annanagar is. This has replaced  Junior Kuppanna who shut shop during covid.

Post-covid while visiting Cycle gap, we used to reminisce the popular seeraga samba biryani and pallipalayam chicken from JK. Of late, it was wearing a deadpan look as you enter to take the lift to the 3rd floor to get a high

To our surprise and joy, it has been rightly replaced by another brand franchise which is already doing brisk business in Adyar with rave reviews. This is their second outlet in chennai

I didn't know it was open until a kind-hearted Millet-Maharaja of Adyar (restaurant owner) invited me to join him for lunch :)

Ambience: The revamped place looks sparkling with new white tile flooring and fresh white coated walls which artsy wall hangings. A huge back-lit center piece pen art of the old palatial mansion of chettinad depecting people at work and a woman pounding some spices in a large mortar adorns the wall.

Menu: My friend had already ordered a few items and finished his soup and was ready for starters. That is when I joined...

 

 

 

Naatukozhi rasam: The soup was hot and yummy and true to its name. The flavors hit the right chords with my palate. The first impression was made and it was love at first sip.

Mutton sukka: Tender boneless pieces of mutton cooked to perfection with the right amount of spices and salt. I was literally craving for more. A must try

 

Mutton biryani and kola urundai: When my friend was contemplating on what biryani to order, I quickly asked for a mutton biryani as it is my benchmark for a good biryani joint. My choice was right and they nailed it, the portion size was good and it was a hot and flavorful. The mutton was melt-in-mouth tender with the right spice levels, color tone and oodles of ghee to accentuate the aroma. Was served two gravies of chicken and a tasty thick thayir pachadi/raitha. All 3 were good to try with the biryani

 

The chicken kola urundais immediately reminded me of another popular joint from Kovai in Annanagar. The roasted bengal gram with mashed chicken is a winning combination

 

Seer fish fry: A thin slice of vanjiram/seer fish tawa-crispy fried in coconut n groundnut oil combo was good. I have to admit the ones at the besant nagar fish shacks take the cake when it comes to the spices and outer coating 

 

Parotta: Flaky, crispy and soft parottas with madampatti chicken gravy was fantastic. This chicken dish is only available on special order or on Sundays. The royal preparation if of the "Maharaja of Madampatti" which has coconut milk, butter and tomatoes. A tangy-sweet-sour dish very unique and distinct from the usual gravies I have tried.

 

Rice with gravies and Rasam: Steamy hot white rice with 2 chicken gravies and 1 fish gravy was yumm. They use sea murrel (black) and with the small onions, right amount of tamarind and chilly power and oil it was lip smacking. Rasam was spicy, aromatic and tasty. Was served some vegetable kootu, beetroot poriyal and urulai pachai pattanai fry. All the dishes were to my satisfaction

Desserts: I was stuffed to my neck and I knew I had to have some dessert to reduce the heaviness. And came a new dessert combo of gulkand, honey and fresh curd. I was asked to mix it with rice and eat but I loved the combination by itself. This is a home invention of the owner's mom and is supposed to help in digestion of the meats ingested. Well, it worked :)

The elaneer payasam was true to its name. Mildy sweet kheer with bits of tender coconut and coconut juice seasoned with cardamom made the awesome meal experience worth remembering

 

Bill: I wasn't allowed to pay but we paid 425/- for 3 meals

Verdict: I am super excited with this welcome addition in Annanagar. Each dish was distinct in taste and absolutely delicious. Will  definitely visit a few more times for those addictive dishes. Before I left, I informed the management to retain this consistent taste and service always and they will be a super hit.

Erode Amman Mess... a taste that won't erode for years to come