Chennai Express first opened its doors in November 2018 when entrepreneurs and chef-patrons, Sagar Barlawar and Vamsi Madireddy began their new venture offering authentic South Indian Street food to, south of England, Basingstoke. Originally from Hyderabad, India, famous for its street food and biryanis, Sagar and Vamsi also hold degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts awarded by the Osmania University (India).
Chennai Express has a menu reflecting the very best of South Indian cuisine, taken from all five states of South India. It caters for the wider audience with an additional range of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including options for children. Diners are guaranteed an authentic experience, with freshly ground spices and food prepared in an open kitchen where cooking happens live, right in front of the guests.
South India is home to many of the world’s most coveted ingredients like curry leaves, peppercorns, tamarind, coconut and chillies. South Indian cuisine still retains many elements of the ancient Dravidian culture that flourished thousands of years ago. Inspired by the history and diversity of South Indian cuisine, Chennai Express adopts the traditional homestyle cooking techniques allowing the spices to mingle and marry to create the vibrant fireworks of flavour. The lunch menu of traditional street food includes a splendid variety of thalis and a selection of dosa. In the evening there is a change of tempo, with a varied dinner menu, extending to more starters, curries, a delicious range of tandoori dishes and sumptuous homemade desserts.
So, whether it is a working lunch, family meal or intimate dinner you are looking for, throughout the day or evening, the Chennai Express will cater for you.
Our Mission
Our mission is to take our diners on a culinary tour of South India by reflecting the spirit of the diverse spectrum of South Indian cultures and cuisines. We aim to become the first choice for Indian cuisine in the South of England by offering the perfect taste of South India, served in a warm, vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Chennai Express envisions to become a truly inclusive restaurant for dietary preferences, ethical food choices, cultural tastes and health needs.
Although curry has been an inherent part of the British heritage, Indian cuisine is often perceived unhealthy containing excessive amount of oil, butter, cream and sugar. While authentic Indian cuisine can be so fresh, light and flavoursome; we believe, it is unfortunate to be stereotyped as a ‘comfort food’ or ‘unhealthy food’.
Chennai Express is an attempt to transform the perception and experience of Indian cuisine in the UK. We essentially serve street food style South Indian food containing vital ingredients and nutritional qualities that make it as healthy as an Indian restaurant can be. While Southern Indian food is naturally light and avoids too much oil, ghee, cream and butter, our Chefs go above and beyond to incorporate fresh approach to cooking where every dish is cooked from scratch offering the distinct taste of fresh herbs and home-ground spices. Inspired by the traditional home-style cooking techniques, we endeavour to retain the versatility, freshness and nutritional values of the ingredients.
SAGAR BARLAWAR & VAMSI MADIREDDY
Chennai Express exhibits the expertise and passion of chef-patrons, Sagar Barlawar and Vamsi Madireddy. Originally from Hyderabad, India, famous for its street food and biryanis, both Sagar and Vamsi have been in the forefront of culinary industry dedicating over 20 years each in the kitchen.
The gastronomic duo developed interest in cooking at an early age watching their mums cook and assisting during family gatherings and festivals. While they enthusiastically witnessed the magic of spices at festive events, they equally enjoyed savouring exceptional food in the vibrant streets of Hyderabad. Their love for cooking eventually turned into a career, thanks to the Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts BCT&CA degree from the famous Osmania University in Hyderabad.
Award-Winning
EXCELLENCE
Chennai Express Restaurant has earned numerous prestigious awards for exceptional food, outstanding service, and unwavering commitment to quality. Every achievement reflects our passion for authentic Indian cuisine and the continued support of our valued customers.
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