Chettinad Food with a Fusion Twist at The Chettinad Stories

Flavor Tales from The Chettinad Stories at hotel Aadithya

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 4, 2025

Chennai, known for its rich culinary heritage, stands proudly as a hub for food lovers across India. With its vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, the city offers a diverse choice of flavors that beautifully reflect its unique culture. Among these culinary gems is Hotel Aadithya, nestled in the busy neighborhood of Vadapalani.

Within its welcoming ambiance lies The Chettinad Stories, a restaurant that promises to take you on an extraordinary journey through the flavors of authentic Chettinad cuisine while infusing it with a creative, contemporary twist.

At The Chettinad Stories, dining is not just about savoring food; it’s about experiencing a celebration of Chettinad’s bold and aromatic heritage, reimagined for today’s preferences. Perfect for those who value traditional tastes with a touch of innovation, every dish on the menu is crafted with care, ensuring an authentic yet refreshing culinary experience.

"Here Chettinad food fused with Anbu and Suvai" ( “Anbu” means love and “Suvai” means Taste in tamil)

The journey begins with the starters, which are nothing short of a treat for the senses. Take the Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai Jalapeno Cheese Fondue, for example. This creative dish transforms the beloved banana flower dumpling by pairing it with a tangy and creamy jalapeno cheese sauce, resulting in a harmonious blend of tradition and modern flavors. Another standout is the Mushroom Three-Way, a playful creation that redefines the humble mushroom with three distinct styles—pancake, crispy, and saucy—elevated by the aromatic spices of Chettinad.

As you move on to the mains, the innovation continues to shine. The Chettis Khow Suey is a delightful fusion that combines the comforting essence of Burmese cuisine with the bold flavors of Chettinad, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and adventurous. Equally impressive is the Italian Vadacurry Pasta, a true cross-cultural masterpiece that brings together the hearty Chettinad lentil dumpling curry and the creamy indulgence of Italian pasta, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and unique.

The desserts at The Chettinad Stories are a celebration of richness and creativity. The Elaneer Payasam Panna Cotta beautifully marries the tropical freshness of tender coconut payasam with the silky elegance of Italian panna cotta, offering a dessert that is as refreshing as it is indulgent. For those seeking a touch of South Indian flair, the Cardamom Tres Leches reimagines the classic tres leches cake with the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom and the gentle sweetness of injimarappa.

Executive Chef, Mr. Bhaskar shared that: "Our contemporary menu perfectly blends cultural heritage with global flavors, creating a truly immersive dining experience."

General Manager of Hotel Aadithya, Mr. Joshva Christopher shared that: "The demand for authentic regional flavors is growing, with Chettinad cuisine standing out for its rich spices and traditional techniques. Fusion takes on Chettinad are also making waves in modern dining."

Even the snacks at The Chettinad Stories carry a global touch, making them a delight for food enthusiasts of all kinds. The Chettiyar Club Sandwich layers chicken, turkey ham, and a masala omelette into a hearty creation that’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying bite. On the other hand, the Kozhi Kothu Parotta Gratin takes the traditional shredded parotta with chicken curry and elevates it to new heights with the addition of rich, melted scamorza cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

“ The Chettinad Stories team is grateful to our guests for their valuable reviews, helping us achieve and maintain a proud 4.9 rating on Google."

The Chettinad Stories has quickly earned a reputation as a must-visit dining destination in Chennai. With a stellar 4.9 rating on Google and recognition from NDTV Food as one of the city’s top restaurants, it’s clear that this culinary gem at Hotel Aadithya is leaving a lasting impression on diners. Whether you’re a lover of authentic flavors or someone eager to explore bold fusion creations, The Chettinad Stories offers an unforgettable experience that blends heritage and innovation to captivate your senses and leave you craving more.

Rola Opens in Bandra as a New All-Day Diner for Every Occasion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

Bandra has a new neighbourhood dining destination with the opening of Rola, an all-day diner at Pali Hill that brings together breakfast, lunch, dinner, Neapolitan pizzas, home-style curries and specialty coffee under one roof.

Designed for different times of the day and different kinds of gatherings, Rola offers a menu that moves from morning coffee and breakfast to leisurely lunches and dinners. A coffee cart placed outside the diner adds to the lively neighbourhood feel, welcoming guests even before they enter the space.

The name Rola draws inspiration from the joyful sounds around a busy dining table, laughter, coffee cups, shared plates and conversations that continue long after the meal. The diner can accommodate 70 guests across indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for everything from catching up with friends and family gatherings to first dates and casual work meals.

“For me, hospitality has always been about people. Good food is important, but it's the conversations, the warmth and the feeling of wanting to stay a little longer that people remember. That's the experience we wanted to create with Rola,” says Puneet Anand, Founder, Rola.

The Food

Rola's breakfast and brunch menu sets the tone for the day with a mix of familiar flavours and creative combinations. The Breakfast & Brunch Club includes dishes such as Bombay Keema & Brun, featuring slow-cooked spiced mutton keema, a fried egg and buttered pav.

Another highlight, Benedict Goes Bandra, combines toasted brioche, grilled chicken salami, silky hollandaise and tandoori pineapple salsa.

The House Kitchen takes inspiration from home cooking, with recipes influenced by mothers, grandmothers and khansamas from across India. Khansama's Nihari brings together slow-cooked nalli nihari, marrow and fragrant spices, while Maa's Sunday Mutton Masala offers a comforting home-style curry served with buttered pav.

The Neapolitan pizza selection adds another dimension to the menu. The Kejriwal Pizza comes topped with a sunny-side-up egg, green chillies and cheese, while the Truffle Malai Chicken Tikka Pizza combines the flavours of an Indian favourite with a Neapolitan-style base.

Desserts include the nostalgic Chai & Parle-G Cheesecake and Basque Cheesecake served with raspberry compote.

The Coffee Program

Coffee is an important part of the Rola experience, beginning with the outdoor coffee cart and continuing with a dedicated menu inside.

Guests can choose from classics such as the Flat White and Hot Spanish Latte, along with house creations including the Mint Charcoal Mocha, Sea Salt Vanilla Mocha, Coffee Tonic and Affogato. Whether it is a morning coffee, an afternoon break or a casual catch-up, the coffee programme adds to Rola's identity as both a diner and a coffee destination.

At its core, Rola aims to become part of Bandra's everyday dining scene, bringing together thoughtful food, specialty coffee and a relaxed approach to hospitality. With its all-day format and varied menu, the new diner offers guests a space to gather, eat and spend time together.

Launch Details:

Launch Date: 17th August 2026
Where: Rola, Pali Hill, Bandra, Mumbai
Capacity: 70 guests across indoor and outdoor seating.

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Azure Hospitality Begins Pre-Opening of Jhoom in Chandigarh

By Hariharan U

Published on August 18, 2026

Azure Hospitality has commenced the pre-opening phase of Jhoom in Chandigarh, marking the group's entry into the city with its first multi-cuisine restaurant concept.

Positioned as an immersive dining destination, Jhoom will bring together Indian, European and Asian influences alongside entertainment, nostalgia and contemporary hospitality. The concept is designed to offer diners a diverse culinary experience while creating a distinctive atmosphere built around food, music, culture and storytelling.

Leading the culinary pre-opening and launch preparations is Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef, Azure Hospitality. The project marks a significant milestone in his career, representing his 11th outlet opening with Azure Hospitality in two years.

Jhoom's menu is being developed across a broad range of categories, including Indian and European favourites, Asian small plates, artisanal pizzas, sushi, dim sum, wok preparations, international comfort food and contemporary desserts. The multi-cuisine format is intended to give guests flexibility while maintaining distinct culinary identities across different sections of the menu.

Beyond its food offering, Jhoom draws inspiration from nostalgia, travel, cultural exchange, music and the spirit of a bygone India. The concept aims to bring familiar memories into a contemporary setting through its interiors, ambience, entertainment and culinary experiences.

As Regional Brand Chef, Chef Kartik has been closely involved in the pre-opening process, overseeing menu development, culinary systems, kitchen readiness, operational planning, quality standards and team training. His role focuses on translating the restaurant's conceptual vision into a consistent and engaging guest experience.

Commenting on the project, Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef, Azure Hospitality, said the concept brings together flavours, techniques and memories from different parts of India and the world. He added that his focus during the pre-opening phase has been to ensure consistency and quality while retaining the character of the Jhoom concept.

The pre-opening marks Azure Hospitality's entry into Chandigarh's evolving dining landscape, with Jhoom positioned around culinary diversity, nostalgia and immersive hospitality. The restaurant is expected to offer diners a format where multiple cuisines, entertainment and experiences come together under one roof.