At the Park Hyatt, on a Monday evening, the buffet was fairly well populated - by patrons, not just the offerings
The concept of a live counter has now become a permanent feature. And the chef was taking a slightly apprehensive lady through the intricacies of a 'Kothu paratha' - where a layered paratha undergoes a spicy transition after it has been hacked to bits and mashed up with spices and other vegetables.
We asked for one and it came as a good contrast to the salad options that we first opted for.
As one grows older, the way to enjoy a buffet is not to pile up the plate but choose strategically what one should not miss.
Try the unusual dishes but steer clear of anything that looks overwhelming
In the salad section, apart from the regular olives and dill, there were little pearls of silver onions - tart and strong. The perfect complement to pita bread and hummus and creamed broccoli 🥦
Khow Suey, the flavorful Burmese soup with the garnishes you choose seems to be the current hot item. We've seen it served at everything from a wedding to a new year party and now here
Continuing from the theme of choosing small portions, spreading out the visits to the table and dipping into a combination of tastes is one of the best ways to maximise value.
Murungakkai - the drumstick coated with masalas was perfect. Use fingers to pry it open and then strip the insides sliding them through clenched teeth. Not a job the fork or spoon can accomplish.
I was told that the chicken curry and the chicken plus fish starters were good - but not for me, the vegetarian.
Ultimately in Chennai, the true test of the buffet is how good the curd rice is - and this one cold and tempered with mustard and urad dal delivered the rousing but restful finale
And before we leave, the dessert. Apart from the pastries one interesting combination was the moong dal halva strudel - baked but Indian at its core
We've learned to take our time, not hurry for a second round, take in the flavours and soak in the atmosphere. Service was unobtrusive, polite and helpful.
It's not the kind of thing you can have every evening but when the occasion presents itself, you have to do that delicate dance of indulging in moderation
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
A good experience went as a group.
Good staff and response.
The menu could be a little better but very good quality food and taste.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
₹2,000+
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dinner buffet experience was horrible. Especially the live counter Chat was not tasting like chat and it was too salty
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 5
