A Flavourful Evening at Buhari, Shenoy Nagar – My Culinary Adventure

Food isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s an experience, a memory, a story you carry with you. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the legendary Buhari Restaurant at Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, for dinner. Known for its legacy, mouth-watering biryani, and signature dishes, Buhari is not just a restaurant in Chennai – it’s an emotion for food lovers. From the moment I stepped in to the last sip of my lemonade, every bite told a story, and I am here to share it with you.

Stepping into History – The Charm of Buhari

As someone who loves exploring iconic eateries, Buhari was always on my list. After all, this is the restaurant that gave us the famous Chicken 65, a dish that now graces menus across the globe. The Shenoy Nagar branch had a lively, welcoming vibe. The moment I entered, the aroma of spices, grilled meat, and freshly cooked biryani instantly made me hungry, no matter how much I thought I wasn’t.

Buhari is one of those places where you can sense heritage in the air. The walls adorned with pictures of historic moments, classic furnishings, and the gentle hum of happy conversations created a nostalgic, almost cinematic atmosphere. It felt like stepping into a piece of Chennai’s food history.

Mutton Biryani – The Star of the Show

The first dish to arrive was the much-awaited Mutton Biryani. Served piping hot in a classic steel plate, the biryani looked absolutely divine. The aromatic rice, dotted with tender pieces of mutton, was beautifully garnished with fried onions, boiled egg, and a side of raita and brinjal curry.

The first spoonful was pure bliss. The rice had absorbed the flavours of the mutton and spices, creating a beautiful medley of taste — spicy, mildly tangy, and deeply satisfying. The mutton pieces were so soft and succulent, they practically melted in my mouth. What I loved most was how authentically Chennai-style the biryani was — slightly oily, robust with masala, and carrying that distinct punch that true biryani lovers crave. It wasn’t just food; it was nostalgia served on a plate.

Chili Chicken – A Perfect Spicy Companion

Next came the Chili Chicken, and just its appearance was enough to set my taste buds tingling. The chicken pieces were generously coated in a deep red, glossy sauce that glistened under the lights. The dish was fiery, tangy, and packed with flavour. Each bite had a balance of heat from green chilies, tang from soy sauce and vinegar, and a subtle sweetness that rounded off the spice beautifully.

I loved how the dish wasn’t just spicy for the sake of being spicy — it was layered with flavours, reminding me why Chennai-style Indo-Chinese food has such a loyal following. The slight smokiness from the high-heat cooking only added to its charm. It paired wonderfully with the biryani, providing contrast and excitement to every mouthful.

Cheese Garnished Kebabs – A Surprise Delight

When the kebabs arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see them garnished with cheese. This unexpected twist elevated the dish to another level. The kebabs themselves were juicy, smoky, and perfectly spiced — grilled to perfection with a slight char on the edges.

The cheese added a creamy richness, melting slightly over the hot kebabs, making each bite indulgent and comforting. It was the perfect fusion of the bold tandoori flavours with the smoothness of cheese — something I didn’t expect but thoroughly enjoyed.

Ending on a Refreshing Note – Lemonade

After a spicy, flavour-packed meal, I needed something to refresh my palate. I ordered a simple lemonade, and it was the perfect ending. The drink was chilled, slightly sweet, and tangy, washing away all the spice and leaving a refreshing aftertaste. It was like a cool breeze after a hot day — exactly what I needed to complete the experience.

The Ambiance – Old World Charm Meets Modern Comfort

While the food stole the show, the ambiance at Buhari, Shenoy Nagar, deserves a mention too. The place had a vintage charm with its old-fashioned wooden furniture, nostalgic photographs, and warm lighting. Yet, it also had modern touches — clean, well-lit spaces, comfortable seating, and efficient service.

The crowd was a beautiful mix of families, couples, and solo diners like me, all there for one reason — good food. The air buzzed with conversations in Tamil, English, and Hindi, showing just how diverse and welcoming Chennai’s food culture is.

The Service – Friendly & Fast

One thing that stood out during my meal was the friendly service at Buhari. Despite being a busy evening, the staff were attentive, polite, and quick to refill water, bring condiments, and check on my meal. They even gave me recommendations when I asked for their must-try dishes. There’s something comforting about good service that feels warm but not intrusive, and Buhari nailed it.

Final Thoughts – My Chennai Food Diary Moment

For anyone visiting Chennai, a meal at Buhari Restaurant is a must. And if you’re lucky enough to visit the Shenoy Nagar branch, do yourself a favour — order the Mutton Biryani, Chili Chicken, and Kebabs with cheese. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a lemonade.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll walk away with a memory you’ll savour forever — just like I did.