Chutneys

Chutneys is a well-loved South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain in Hyderabad, Telangana, and its Banjara Hills outlet in Shilpa Arcade on Road No. 3 is a reliable breakfast and lunch stop in one of the city's affluent residential and commercial districts. The restaurant is known above all for the spread of chutneys that give it its name, served alongside dosas, idlis, vadas and pesarattu, the green moong dal crepe that is a specialty of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The cuisine is South Indian vegetarian, with an emphasis on the tiffin items that are eaten for breakfast and light meals across the region. The signature dishes are pesarattu, ghee podi idli and the dosa served with a trio of chutneys. Ghee podi idli is a plate of soft steamed rice cakes tossed in ghee and a spiced lentil and chilli powder. The variety of chutneys, which typically includes coconut, tomato and other preparations, allows diners to compare flavours and heat levels with each bite. The dining room is bright and informal, with a family-friendly atmosphere and steady service. The noise level is moderate, and the restaurant fills at weekend breakfast and lunchtimes with families and groups of friends. There is no formal dress code, and reservations are not usually needed for small parties, although groups may want to arrive early on Sundays. As a vegetarian restaurant, it does not serve meat, and it has no notable wine or cocktail programme; filter coffee, fresh juices and buttermilk are the usual drinks. Prices are modest for the district, at roughly INR 250 to 450 per person, and portions suit sharing. The listed hours are 7AM to 11PM daily, which allows for an early breakfast before sightseeing or a light dinner in the evening. The outlet is convenient for travellers staying in Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, and it offers a good introduction to Telugu tiffin culture for visitors who want a lighter meal than biryani.