It is said that Andhra meals are incomplete without a non-vegetarian dish (pepper chicken being the popular choice). However, the folks in Shanti Colony in Anna Nagar seem to be more than content with a vegetarian Andhra meal. Murali Krishna Andhra hotel is proof.
Started in 2005 as a small outlet serving only South Indian meals and tiffin items (Pongal and idli), Murali Krishna Andhra Hotel eventually saw the office crowd flocking to the outlet. Following several customer feedback, Venkateswarlu S, founder/proprietor, and Ramakrishnan S, owner, expanded the stall into a complete restaurant on the same street.
Today, the hotel is a byword for vegetarian Andhra meals in Shanti Colony.
Upma pesarattu for breakfast; Andhra meals and north Indian mini thali for lunch; and Nellore masala idli for dinner – these are some of the popular choices of their customers. While upma pesarattu is originally served with allam (ginger) chutney, this restaurant serves it with white chutney and karam chutney (red chutney made from chilli, tomato and onion); and other south Indian dishes with karam chutney and white chutney.
Their north Indian meals – available in phulka and chapatti combos – typically comprise vegetable biryani, paneer butter masala, aloo fry, gobi 65 and some desserts.
“We have priced the Andhra and North Indian meals at Rs. 100 due to increased demand from office goers. Besides, we are the only hotel serving both the meals for lunch as well as dinner,” points out Ramakrishnan.
Nellore masala idli, available only for dinner, is yet another speciality that fascinates every new customer, says Ramakrishnan. “It is an Andhra-special dish made from idli, which is cut into smaller pieces and mixed with a spicy masala of tomato and onion,” he explains.
While every restaurant is known to have an eponymous dish, Murali Krishi Andhra restaurant, too, has its own – MK special biryani, which was introduced two years ago. “It is like any other vegetable biryani,” he smiles, adding, “Gobi fry, cashew nuts and an extra serving of paneer are the special relishing.”
Among their Saturday and Sunday specials are Oosilikka pachidi and Gongura chutney. “These chutneys are served alongside all types of podis that are quintessential to an Andhra meal,” he says.
Apart from office goers, families too have some favourites, like the cashewnut butter masala, malai kofta curry and ginger tea.
Time: from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Location: 10th Main Road, 4th Avenue, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar East.
