My Excellent Lunch Experience at Copper Chimney Restaurant, Chennai

After a busy and tiring day at work, I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch. I wanted to relax and enjoy some good food, so I chose to visit Copper Chimney in Chennai. I had heard good things about this restaurant, especially for its North Indian cuisine, so I was excited to try it for the first time.

First Impressions – Beautiful Ambience

The moment I entered Copper Chimney, I felt calm and relaxed. The ambience was beautiful. It had a heritage-style design, with gloomy lights that gave it a classic and elegant look. The tables and chairs were neatly arranged, and the whole place was spotlessly clean. I immediately felt this was a premium dining experience.

The cutlery also caught my attention. The plates, spoons, and forks were shiny and well-maintained, which showed the attention to detail. It’s small things like this that make a difference in fine dining restaurants.

Friendly Welcome and Menu Options

The staff at Copper Chimney welcomed me warmly. They were smiling and made me feel comfortable from the moment I stepped in. They gave me the menu card, and I started browsing through the many options.

The menu was quite long, offering a variety of dishes from starters to mocktails, main courses, breads, and desserts. They have everything from kebabs to curries, biryani, and thalis. It was a bit difficult to choose because everything sounded so tempting.

Complimentary Starter – Papad, Green Chutney, and Onion Rings

Before I placed my order, they served a complimentary starter to all customers. This included a crispy papad, a bowl of green chutney, and a plate of onion rings.

• The papad was fresh and crunchy.
• The green chutney was spicy and tangy, which paired well with the papad.
• The onion rings were thinly sliced and fresh.

It was a nice way to start the meal, and I appreciated this thoughtful gesture.

My Order – Simple Yet Delicious

Since I was alone and it was just lunch after work, I didn’t want to order too much food. So, I kept my order simple:

• Tava Chicken Biryani
• Half Tandoori Chicken

Although the menu had so many tempting options, I wanted to focus on these two dishes and see how they tasted.

Tava Chicken Biryani – A Unique Experience

The first dish to arrive was the Tava Chicken Biryani, and I must say, it was something special. I have tried many biryanis in Chennai, but this was different. The moment they placed it on my table, the aroma filled the air. It was rich, fragrant, and mouth-watering.

Unique Flavours

• I could smell the aroma of rose petals, which gave the biryani a floral fragrance.
• I could taste almonds, adding a richness I have never experienced in regular biryanis.
• The rice was perfectly cooked, with each grain separate.
• The chicken pieces were soft, tender, and juicy, absorbing all the spices.

This was not the usual Chennai biryani; it was more like a Mughlai-style creation with royal flavours. It had a mild sweetness that balanced well with the spices. Overall, the Tava Chicken Biryani was delicious and something I would definitely order again.

Half Tandoori Chicken – Smoky and Juicy

Next came the Half Tandoori Chicken, served hot and fresh. The chicken had a bright red colour, showing it was well-marinated with traditional tandoori spices.

Taste and Texture

• The outer layer was slightly crispy, with that perfect smoky flavour from the tandoor.
• Inside, the meat was tender and juicy, cooked to perfection.
• It had the right balance of spices, not too spicy, but flavourful.

They served it with a mint chutney and a small salad, which added to the taste experience.

Service – Friendly and Professional

Throughout my lunch, the staff checked on me politely, asking if I needed anything else. They didn’t disturb too much, but they were always available if I needed anything.

They explained the dishes patiently, helping me understand the difference between regular biryani and tava biryani. Their hospitality was excellent, and it felt like they genuinely cared about the customer’s experience.

After-Meal Service – Finger Bowl and After-Mints

Once I finished my meal, they offered a finger bowl to clean my hands, which was warm and refreshing. They also gave me some after-meal mints, which was a nice final touch.

These small gestures make a big difference, and it showed they believe in giving a complete dining experience, not just serving food.

Pricing – Slightly Expensive but Worth It

One point I must mention is the pricing. It was definitely on the higher side, but considering the quality of food, the service, and the ambience, I felt it was still worth it.

This is not a budget-friendly place, but it’s perfect for a special lunch or dinner when you want to treat yourself or celebrate with family or friends.

Overall Ambience – Elegant and Classy

The heritage theme of the restaurant, the soft lighting, the clean tables, and the calm atmosphere made it a great place to relax after a hectic day. Whether you come alone, with family, or with colleagues, Copper Chimney offers a peaceful dining experience.

My Final Verdict – A Must-Try Restaurant

If you love North Indian cuisine, especially tandoori dishes and biryanis, then Copper Chimney is definitely worth a visit.

• The food is delicious, rich in flavour and authenticity.
• The service is warm and friendly.
• The ambience is classy and perfect for a comfortable meal.
• While the price is slightly high, the quality and experience justify it.

Pros:

✅ Beautiful ambience
✅ Friendly staff and service
✅ Unique and delicious Tava Chicken Biryani
✅ Perfectly cooked Tandoori Chicken
✅ Neat presentation and after-meal service

Cons:

❌ Slightly expensive
❌ Limited South Indian options (This is more for North Indian food lovers)

Would I Visit Again?

Definitely yes! Next time, I would love to try their kebabs, curries, and maybe some mocktails too. This is a great spot for anyone who wants to enjoy a leisurely lunch with delicious North Indian flavours in a classy ambience.