Whilst much of the catering business has been struggling since Covid, our local Chennai Express has bucked the trend and beaten all odds, gaining numerous national awards in the three years since its launch.

So what is the story behind the three ‘Spicy’ Years of Chennai Express, Basingstoke?

Awards and Recognition

After winning the prestigious Inspire Business Award 2019, the Chennai Express went on to earn not only the Three Best Rated 2021, but also the Good Food Award 2021. Other recognitions include TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards 2021, recommendation on Restaurant Guru 2021 and on Sluurpy 2021. In addition, Chennai Express has received over 500 five-star ratings by diners across various social media platforms, including Google, Facebook and TripAdvisor.

Basingstoke Gazette: Chennai Express has won it's fair share of awards.Chennai Express has won it's fair share of awards.

 

The Chennai Express first opened in November 2018, run by entrepreneurs and chefs-come –owners, Sagar Barlawar and Vamsi Madireddy. Originally from Hyderabad, India, famous for its street food and biryanis, the two friends began their new venture, after graduating in catering technology and culinary arts, from Osmania University (India).  

Highlights of the story so far.

Chennai Express has been a dream come true for this culinary duo, whose mission it is to offer guests the unique home cooked taste of their favourite childhood dishes. Customers are guaranteed an authentic experience, with freshly ground spices and food prepared and served in true Southern Indian style!

Basingstoke Gazette: Core team at Chennai Express; Chefs trio Sagar, Vamsi and Nagesh & Manager Kendra.Core team at Chennai Express; Chefs trio Sagar, Vamsi and Nagesh & Manager Kendra.

Chennai Express has a menu reflecting the very best of South Indian cuisine, taken from all five states. It caters for the wider audience with an additional range of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including options for children. This makes it a family friendly restaurant.

Basingstoke Gazette: Executive Chef Sagar cooking famous Chilli Chicken.Executive Chef Sagar cooking famous Chilli Chicken.

“Must tries” include: the immensely popular thaali platters, served every day for lunch prepared with fresh vegetables, lentils, and choice of nonveg curries. Likewise, other popular dishes include varieties of dosa served with fresh chutneys and authentic Hyderabadi dum biryanis, served in clay pots. For those with a sweet tooth, the home-made desserts, such as rasmalai and kulfi, are delightful when complemented by masala chai and South Indian filter coffee.

Basingstoke Gazette: Classic South Indian Thali; a must try dish.Classic South Indian Thali; a must try dish.

To find out more about Chennai Express Basingstoke, you can find their website here: chennaiexpress.co.uk