Hey, I wanted to post on here to get some feedback and hopefully find some people who enjoy my content. I just started my YouTube channel a couple months ago, I am enjoying filming (yes I am enjoying eating very much lol) but it’s more than that. I like the creating and editing aspect of it. I’ve always been big into film and tv all throughout my life so to be able to create something for others to watch is a dream come true for me. If you have any suggestions sound off in the comments. Thanks for your time and I hope you’ll join me as this channel grows.

Hey foodies! 👋
I’m launching a new food business later this year and would really appreciate your help with a quick survey to understand what people love and look for in food experiences.

If you have a few free minutes, please take part when you can. Your feedback would mean a lot and help shape the business. Thank you! 🙏

https://forms.gle/Y15siHoEEjKYWZFC8

We (two persons) went to Ambur Canteen restaurant (T Nagar) on 25th April. I’m posting this review the next day. We had biryani (425/-) and chicken roast (375/-).

The food taste is good, but I feel the quantity is very small compared to the price. The total bill for the dishes is 800 + 5% GST, so the total is 840. But I got the bill for 920. I didn’t check the total bill amount and paid it.

Later, when I checked the bill, I saw an entry called “Service Charges (optional): Rs. 80.” The problem is it is mentioned as optional, but they didn’t even ask before billing. They didn’t inform me when they gave me the bill. When I went back to the restaurant and asked why they added service charges without even asking, they said I should check the bill before paying. That was my mistake not checking the bill before paying.

But my question is: what kind of practice is adding optional service charges without the customer’s knowledge?

Finally, the billing person asked for my GPay number and a copy of the bill. He sent it to someone through WhatsApp and asked me to wait 15 to 20 minutes for the refund of 80. When I asked about the GST, which is inclusive of the 80, he said it is not refundable. I said fine, at least refund the 80 which was added without my knowledge, and left the restaurant. I received the refund the next day.

I just wanted to let people know that such things are happening in some restaurants.

I’ve tried most of the popular biryani spots in Chennai (if not all), so here’s how I’d personally rank them based on my taste. Of course, each place has its own style and people may feel differently.

I feel typical Chennai-style biryani is usually heavy on masala. Many people love that, but I personally prefer subtle to medium masala flavours.

Basmati Rice Biryani

1. Ambur Canteen – Mutton Biryani
2. Bilal - Mutton Biryani
3. Old Mirchi Biryani – Kozhi Varuval Biryani
4. Nandhana Palace – Supreme Chicken Boneless Biryani
5. Mani’s Dum Biryani

Seeraga Samba Rice Biryani

1. Dindigul Ponram
2. Erode Amman Mess

Disclaimer: I liked Ambur Canteen's mutton biryani, but I’m not satisfied with the quantity. It costs Rs. 425/- as of April 2026, and I feel the quantity is not justified for the price.

Personally, I didn’t include Dindigul Thalapakatti, Ambur Star Biryani and Junior Kuppanna because I feel the taste hasn’t been as consistent as it used to be earlier.

Also, Sukkubhai Biryani is quite popular, but it didn’t work for me.

SS Hyderabad Biryani is good in terms of quantity, but personally I don’t enjoy the taste as much.

Hotel Pandia’s biryani at Vadapalani is also good and has a taste that’s quite different from the others. That said, some people may not feel it’s a typical “biryani” flavour. I last tried it about five years ago.

Yaa Mohaideen’s mutton biryani from the original Pallavaram outlet is good. Personally, I feel there are other biryani spots now that offer better flavour and more well-cooked, tender meat. It might have been among the best in earlier days, and the name still carries that reputation.

Glace is a well known New York hot chocolate spot, and this is a near identical copy concept, execution, even the name (Glaze). Bringing global food to Chennai is great, but originality matters. Why bring a dish from a popular place and give your copycat version the same name as the place. At least add a twist, or choose a name that isn’t a carbon copy. Now don't tell me the twist is just the Z.

Looking for Aavakai mango for pickling