Sachin Ka Dhaba - OMR [Chennai]

The first word that comes to your mind as you enter “Sachin ka Dhaba” is – average. And the word sticks with you throughout your gastronomic journey. True to its name, the atmosphere is as informal and as at-home as is possible for a dhaba. As we seated ourselves, what struck us first was the decor. The ceiling is covered with lanterns that hang down and “khatiyas” (beds) comfortably rolled up. However, the AC just beside the lanterns somehow spoils the attempt at an authentic dhaba look.

Though Chinese was available on the menu, we decided to stick to specific Indian food.  For starters we had “Chicken Kebabs” and “Crumb Fried Prawns”. Though I would definitely ask you to try out the prawns, the chicken kebabs were a little too dry for my taste. For the main course, we stuck to “Daal makhni”, “Butter Chicken” and “Naan”. It was wholesome in the way only a dhaba meal can be. Ordered “Kulfi” for dessert, but I was disappointed. Being a dhaba, I naturally had expectation that they would serve it the traditional way with kulfi being cut out of the coups and served with a sweet sauce over the “faalooda”.  It was the normal kulfi that we get in the shops and ice cream stalls.

However, Sachin ka Dhaba deserves a mention for one very specific reason – it is consistently average. Nothing shall be so good that it shall make you scream with delight. But on the other hand, nothing shall be so bad that you wish you weren’t shelling out the money at all. And that bring me to the money matters. To say that this place is cheap will be an understatement! The veg starters range from Rs. 50 to 150 and the non veg starters range from Rs. 100 to 200 with the sea food platter bordering around Rs. 150. The main course borders around Rs. 100 for Veg and Rs. 150 for Non Veg. The breads are priced somewhere around Rs. 35 to 40 each.

In a nutshell, Sachin ka Dhaba is a place I would visit if I am sure that my money is being well spent. Or maybe even if I am taking someone out for the first time and want to be sure that the food does not cause a fiasco.

OUR RATINGS:

Ambience: 3.5/5

Food: 3.5/5

Service: 3.5/5

Price: 4/5

Overall: 3.5/5

OUR TAKE:

Low on budget, unsure about the quality of food served at other places or if you simply dig into the “Punjabi tadka” in your khana – this is the place for you.

Crispy On - Kandanchavadi [Chennai]

This one does not happen to be a part of our exclusive weekend dates. In fact, far from it. Crispy On is our weekly eat-out joint, whenever we go shopping for groceries. So, while I can almost recite the menu by heart, we can categorically advice you on what to eat and what is best left avoided.
Yesterday, while back from shopping, we were at Crispy On once again. Now, so familiar with the place; that I am sure that the waiter will know just what to serve even if we didn’t say a thing! Anyways, Crispy On is your new KFC in the block – minus the price if I may add. The best thing to order over here any day would be “Chicken Strips Combo” priced quite reasonably at Rs. 159 for six strips and Rs. 239 for 12 strips.  The Combo gives you the delightful combination of chicken strips with French fries, one large coke and awesome mayonnaise. But if you are not very hungry perhaps, then you could order a plate of “Chicken Nuggets” – equally yummy! For the very hungry kinds or for people looking for a quick or early dinner, one can avail the “Chicken Piece”. Priced at a super reasonable price of Rs. 49 only, the size of the material (picture following the article) itself convinces you that the money was well worth.  The only fiascos we have ever had with this place is when we ordered “Chicken Popcorn”. For a regular KFC lover, that is a big let down and a strict no-no!
For the soft drinks section, not much is available. Apart from the normal Pepsi and Limca, Crispy On offers you “Mint Lime” and “Fresh Lime”. The milkshakes on the other hand are something that one would pine for, especially in the Chennai heat. The chocolate milkshake, all resplendent and sitting pretty with a scoop of your favourite ice cream flavour on top, deserves a special mention.
Crispy On also serves basic varieties (Veg, Egg and Chicken) of burger, rice and chow mien. However, the love of chicken itself has been too great for us and we refuse to be lured away from it! All in all, it’s easily accessible, it serves yummy food and it’s easy on the pocket. What more can one ask for?



OUR RATINGS:
Ambience: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5
Price: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5



OUR TAKE: Stick to the Chicken, especially the Strips or Nuggets or the Piece. Avoid the Chicken Popcorn at all costs.