What should I order at National Durbar Restaurant?
National Durbar Restaurant
Biryani
Frequently praised as the signature dish, the biryani is noted for its basmati rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices. Multiple reviews mention it as a must-try, with one referring to it as one of the best traveller biryanis with subtle masala, making it ideal for those seeking tasty yet not overly spicy biryani.
Butter Chicken
Recommended for its exceptional taste, the butter chicken was highlighted as a favorite dish by one reviewer, described as '💥' and making it to their favorite foods list.
Badam Kheer
Mentioned multiple times as a hidden gem dessert not even on the menu card but always available, the badam kheer is praised for its amazing taste, affordable price, and traditional appeal.
Falooda
Highly recommended dessert frequently mentioned for its deliciousness, with some reviews calling it 'really really good' and a perfect way to end a hearty meal.
Mutton Dishes (including Mutton Chops and Mutton Roast Masala)
Mutton dishes receive strong praise for quality and flavor. Mutton chops are described as excellent, and mutton roast masala paired with parotta is also noted for good taste and sufficient quantity.
Parotta
Often paired with various curries, parotta is commended for its taste, though one review noted smaller size than expected. It is frequently recommended alongside chicken or mutton dishes.
Chicken 65
Mentioned as a delicious and popular chicken dish, chicken 65 is highlighted for its flavor and is recommended by multiple reviewers.
Chicken Fry
Recommended for its taste, chicken fry is mentioned as one of the best tasted by reviewers, often paired with bread like chapatti.
Caramel Pudding
Dessert item recommended by some reviewers for its soft texture and pleasant taste, though one review called it just 'ok'.
Custard Pudding
Praised for its softness and yummy taste in dessert recommendations.
Surmai Fish Fry
Mentioned as very tasty and rated 10/10 by a fish lover, highlighting its flavor and quality.
Bun Butter Jam
A nostalgic and favorite item for many reviewers, often recommended along with samosas and falooda for a traditional experience.
Chicken Curry
Noted for superb flavors and recommended especially when paired with parotta.
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM to 11:30 PM |
About National Durbar Restaurant
National Durbar Restaurant is a restaurant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, listed as a breakfast restaurant, dessert restaurant, ice cream shop, and non vegetarian restaurant. Reviewers consistently praise its falooda, biryani, parotta, badam kheer, and mutton dishes, along with fast service, reasonable pricing, and a nostalgic old-style atmosphere. It is located near Chennai Central railway station, and reviewers describe it as a long-running, classic spot with casual dine-in, takeout, delivery, and late-night food options. The price range is ₹200–400.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- All you can eat
- Coffee
- Halal food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is National Durbar Restaurant known for?
It is best known for falooda and biryani, especially mutton biryani, with reviewers also calling out badam kheer as a must-try dessert. People near Chennai Central often mention it as a classic old restaurant with strong non-veg and dessert options.
What dishes are most recommended at National Durbar Restaurant?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend falooda, mutton biryani, parotta, badam kheer, mutton chops, chicken fry, and butter chicken. Specific favorites include parotta with mutton curry, chicken 65, and the bun butter jam samosa, with several comments saying the desserts are especially strong for the price.
What is the atmosphere like at National Durbar Restaurant?
The vibe is casual, historic, and nostalgic rather than premium, with many reviewers describing it as an old Bombay-style or old authentic Chennai restaurant. It seems to suit solo diners, groups, families, and travelers stopping near Chennai Central, though some note the ambience is simple and service can be slow at times.
Is National Durbar Restaurant good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers often describe it as affordable and reasonably priced, and the listed price range is ₹200–400. People mention budget-friendly items like tea, pudding, and kheer under ₹200 total, while still getting filling portions such as parotta with mutton roast masala or biryani.
What should I try if I want dessert or a sweet drink here?
Falooda is the standout dessert, and reviewers also recommend badam kheer, caramel pudding, custard pudding, and bun butter jam samosa. Several comments say the falooda is especially good, while the badam kheer is praised as an all-time item even when it is not on the menu card.
Is parking available at National Durbar Restaurant?
Yes. Free street parking, Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Is the food at National Durbar Restaurant halal?
Yes, National Durbar Restaurant serves halal food.
Is National Durbar Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, National Durbar Restaurant is good for kids.
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