Peshawri - ITC Grand Chola

Peshawri is the North-West Frontier restaurant at the ITC Grand Chola, 63 Mount Road, Guindy, in South-West Chennai. It is ITC's Frontier-cuisine concept and a sister to Bukhara in Delhi, with food cooked mostly in a charcoal grill and clay tandoor. The cooking draws on the grilled-meat tradition of the old North-West Frontier, where marinades are simple, meat is cooked over fire, and breads come straight from the oven. In a city better known for rice, sambar and coconut, it offers a contrasting northern fine-dining experience.

The signature dishes are Sikandari raan, a whole leg of lamb marinated and slow-cooked in the tandoor; Dal Bukhara, black lentils simmered for many hours with butter and cream; murgh malai kebab; and tandoori jhinga, or prawns. These are typically eaten with the hands and with naan or other breads, in keeping with the style of the restaurant. Portions are generous and suited to sharing.

The dining room is formal, warm and rustic in styling, with open-kitchen views of the tandoors and a moderate noise level. Dress is smart casual or better. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling ITC Grand Chola on +91 44 2220 0000 and asking for Peshawri; dinner and weekend tables fill quickly, so booking several days ahead is prudent. Hours are approximately 12:30PM-2:30PM and 6:30PM-11:30PM, but lunch service varies by day, so lunch should be confirmed.

A meal costs about ₹3,500-6,500 per person (roughly $36-68 USD). Beverages follow the hotel's programme, including wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options, with pairings best checked with the restaurant. The Guindy location suits visitors staying near the airport side of the city or business travellers.