If you’ve dined at Madras Pavilion, ITC Grand Chola’s culinary repertoire that celebrates traditional South Indian meals served on banana leaves to refined global delicacies crafted with contemporary flair, then here’s another reason to head back to your favourite South Indian restaurant in town. Madras Pavilion recently unveiled Room #1639 offering an authentic banana-leaf feast to Chennai’s food lovers.

The highlight here at Room #1639 is their signature Ellai Sappad, served in its traditional glory on a banana leaf. Curated as true showcase of meals in five-star comfort, you can choose from three exclusive experiences – vegetarian, non-vegetarian or seafood. Each of the menus are crafted with time-honoured recipes and vibrant regional ingredients.

Named after the founding year of Madras, Madras Pavilion’s Room #1639 is a multi-functional private space perfectly suited for chef-led tasting menus and beverage-paired dinners to business luncheons and cherished family celebrations. The private dining space is equipped with a big screen that can play real-time sporting events or even business projections of formal meetings, over a meal.

Chennai’s most loved buffet destination, Madras Pavilion was established in 2012, and now boasts of all-new interiors with bolder and more vibrant colours, while its soul remains rooted in comfort global flavours with a focus on Regional, Pan-Indian, Asian and Western fare. The new space is designed around a large central live kitchen and every element from the ambient lighting to the thoughtfully designed seating zones, created to accommodate large family gatherings and formal business conversations. The music of the three-meal restaurant focuses on global hits and also transitions to the occasional set of Tamil favourites.

The appetiser selection is bold and inventive, featuring delights like Madras Fried Chicken, Cheese-Chilli Seekh Bites, Vazhapoo Wasabi Fritters, Ghee Roast Tacos, and indulgent Bolognese Kulchas. Steamed preparations are equally exciting, with Edamame and Corn Shumai, Prawn Hargao, BBQ-ed Lamb Baos, Thatta Idli Plates, and seasonal Sundal Bars adding variety and flair. European influences come alive through dishes such as Spinach and Ricotta Florentine, Lamb and Mozzarella Lasagne, Beet and Pecan Muffins topped with Fontal Cream, and glistening Honey-Glazed Pork. The “Local Love” section celebrates South Indian favourites like Kozhi Chettinad, Madras Meen Curry, Vendakkai Korma, and Broccoli Usli. The biryani spread features Gosht Dum Biryani, Ambur Kozhi Biryani, and the regal Sarai Gosht ki Biryani. Asian influences find their place too, with Lotus Stem in Honey-Chilli Sauce, Silken Tofu in Black Bean Sauce, Sliced Fish in Chilli Garlic, and Beijing-Style Braised Lamb, creating a dynamic balance of flavours. Desserts are decadent yet diverse, from Verrines and Entremets to Strudels, Crêpes, Gelatos from Yura, and traditional puddings, each crafted to please every palate. On the Southern front, favourites include Madras Kozhi Curry, Tamarind-Rubbed Seer Fish, and soft lace-edged Appams served with fragrant coconut stew. Global comfort dishes such as wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, butter-poached prawns with saffron risotto, and handmade pastas or mezze boards cater to international tastes.

Where: Madras Pavilion, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai.

Call: +91 44 4906 5000.
– BY NAMITA GUPTA.