Karim Mess, Periamet - ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Category: B

I had been hearing way too much about this place. So I just wanted to see what the fuss is all about.

Located in the congested Periamet area which is not only the leather hub of Chennai, but also one of the major biriyani hubs. With almost 20-25 biriyani shops in a 4 km radius, Periamet's most popular biriyani shop is Karim Mess (This claim was validated by a traffic police when I casually went and asked him for directions - must be true then right?!)

Now, having visited this place twice already, I do think it is kind of overrated!

The place has a counter area in the ground floor and a dining area in the 1st floor. Majority of the purchases are take aways. People often buy biriyani in tubs, buckets etc. The cost is very nominal, with a plate of mutton biriyani selling at 110 Rs. The chicken version is obviously lesser than that. They also have some mutton based side dishes, like mutton chukka (dry) for 70 Rs and mutton chops (gravy) for 70 Rs. For 180 Rs, one could have a complete satisfying meal at this meat paradise.

But why only 4 stars mate???

To start with, the biriyani as well as the side dish are not spicy enough. It was rather bland. The flavour does not hit you. If I go to such a hyped place, I would be expecting a mesmerizing taste and a flavour which should take full control of all my senses. But this biriyani just didn't do the magic for me. Also I felt it was dry.

But I must say that the meat to rice ratio in this place is much much more satisfying than many other usual places. maybe this is one of the reasons why this place is so popular. If a standard biriyani has 20% of meat in it, this biriyani has almost 35%.

When I had the mutton chukka, i felt like as if the meat was there for the sake of being there.

But nevertheless, this place must be visited at least once, just for the heck of it!


My rating: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

How to reach there: Take the road adjacent to rippon building, towards periamet, then take left at the first signal and then take the 2nd lane to your left. You can't park your car inside. Plan accordingly.

Charminar Biriyani, Peters Road - ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Category: B

Located amidst a very crowded and not so easily navigable road is Charminar biriyani center.

The east side of the peters road is filled with 100s of biriyani centers and arabian restaurants. one place in chennai, which is not to miss, if you are into biriyani, tandoori, grilled chicken, shawarma etc.

Charminar is one among the most popular and crowded biriyani centers here.

Although there is a small dining area. There are no chairs. The ambiance inside the shop is a little better than koyambedu bus stop, but it is worth it!

The biriyani is smooth, hot and sells like hot cakes. Every Time i had been there, I got to eat only chicken biriyani. With just 55 rupees for half a plate, no one can eat just one. Besides the portion provided is also a little lesser than the 'standard half'. And yes, you do get half of that half too, for 35 rupees. Half a plate followed by a 35 rupees top up would do for a grown individual. Total 90 rupees for a nice afternoon meal.

There are no sides. no other item is served here in this place.

A wise guy wouldn't take his car there. if he does then he has to walk atleast 1 or 2 kms from where he had parked.best way to go there is on your bike.

I wouldn't recommend the place for a family meal (in case you want to dine in). if your family must enjoy, then take out parcels.


My rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

How to reach there: if you are going from marina beach, then take the besant road (from annie besant statue) and travel a good 3-4 kms. you will find the shop on the right on peters road. And if you are going from mount road, take the peters road from mount road and travel 4-5 kms (cross all fly overs) and you will find the shop on your left.