A long-standing Mount Road restaurant known as the home of the Chicken 65 fried-chicken dish and a classic Chennai Muslim biryani.
Buhari at 83 Anna Salai (Mount Road), in the Border Thottam area near Triplicane in Central Chennai, is a Tamil Muslim institution that has been in business since 1951. It is best known as the restaurant that popularised Chicken 65 in Chennai, a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that later spread across India and abroad. The cuisine is Chennai Muslim cooking, combining biryani and mughlai-style dishes with the Indo-Chinese style of fried chicken that the city made its own.
Chicken 65 is the dish most visitors come for, and it is usually eaten as a starter. The biryani, in mutton and chicken versions, is the main course of choice, cooked in the local style with aromatic rice and spiced meat. Paya, a trotter soup, is another traditional order. The restaurant is a landmark of Mount Road dining and appears in many accounts of how Chicken 65 originated, though the exact origin of the name is debated and should be treated as local lore.
The dining room is a large, busy, family-oriented restaurant with long hours, fast service and a high noise level at peak times. It is casual, with no dress code, and suited to groups sharing several dishes. Reservations are not required and visitors walk in; dinner and weekend evenings are the busiest periods. Alcohol is not served, so beverages are soft drinks, lassi, tea and similar.
A meal costs about ₹300-700 per person (roughly $3.10-7.30 USD). Opening hours are approximately 11AM to 11PM daily, and a phone number is listed as +91 44 2855 1951. The location on Anna Salai makes it convenient between Marina Beach, Triplicane and the city centre, and it works as either a lunch or a late dinner stop.
| Price | ₹300-700 per person (approx $3.10-7.30 USD) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 11AM-11PM |
| Reservations | Not required; walk in |
| Address | 83, Anna Salai, Border Thottam, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, India |
Signature dishes
- Chicken 65
- Mutton biryani
- Chicken biryani
- Paya
Good to know
- Known for
- The restaurant that popularised Chicken 65 in Chennai, in business since 1951
Location
83, Anna Salai, Border Thottam, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, India
13.0640, 80.2640 View on map
Highlights
- Chicken 65, the dish the restaurant popularised in Chennai
- Mutton and chicken biryani in Chennai Muslim style
- In business since 1951 on Anna Salai
- Paya and other traditional non-vegetarian dishes
- Convenient position between Triplicane and the city centre
Tips for visiting
- Order Chicken 65 as a starter and a biryani to share.
- Lunch (from 11AM) is quieter than weekend dinner.
- Biryani portions are large, so groups can share to keep costs near ₹300-700 per person.
- Reservations are not needed, but arriving before 8PM avoids the evening rush.
- Call +91 44 2855 1951 to confirm hours before a special trip.
Accessibility
Step-free access and accessible toilets have not been confirmed for this Anna Salai restaurant. Visitors with mobility needs should check with the staff, particularly during busy evening hours.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Buhari known for?
Buhari is known as the restaurant that popularised Chicken 65 in Chennai and for its Chennai Muslim biryani. It has operated since 1951.
Is a reservation needed?
No. Reservations are not required and visitors walk in, although evenings and weekends are busiest.
Is the food halal and non-vegetarian?
The menu is built around chicken and mutton dishes in Tamil Muslim style; visitors with specific dietary needs should ask the staff.
What does a meal cost?
A meal costs about ₹300-700 per person (roughly $3.10-7.30 USD).