Meatless Monday: Chennai Specific

Considered one of my favourite restaurant genres that I’ve found in Northern Virginia is “industrial park or warehouse.” The revelations have ranged from Nicaraguan Eda’s Latin Meals, subsequent to a Manassas auto restore store of the identical identify, to the unique location of Oxus 7, which grew to turn into one among my 50 Finest Eating places final yr. Chantilly is particularly rife with them. Examples off the highest of my head embrace Ko Hyang Home and Megabytes Eatery, the latter of which stands out in my thoughts for its location throughout from the Cremation Society of Virginia.

My newest entry into the class is Chennai Specific, a counter serving South Indian eats. Don’t anticipate nice service. The girl on the counter mumbled and sang to herself all through my meal and didn’t acknowledge me once I thanked her as I departed. So why do you have to go to Chennai Specific? As a result of I simply know that you just’re craving a pleasant dosa.

In my case, that was the masala paneer dosa, one among 21 choices on the menu. The dosa itself is as gentle, crisp, and tangy from its fermented batter, appropriately. Ghee coats it, greasing one’s fingers for one more tear on the pancake. Inside, shreds of chewy paneer are dyed yellow with turmeric. The non-melting cheese is woven with candy, roasty caramelized onions, and contemporary herbs. Between the well-spiced cheese and tart dosa, sauces aren’t actually crucial, however they could be one of the best a part of the meal.

The standout is a peanut-flavored chutney that’s extra nutty than spicy. It reposes subsequent to an identical, however much less interesting coconut chutney. Two bowls of sambar are additionally a part of the bundle. The soup is as spicy appropriately, drawing me again for dip after dip.

When environment is irrelevant otherwise you’re like me and truly dig just a little little bit of an industrial vibe, Chennai Specific will fulfill your urge for food for a quick, satisfying meatless meal.

14516-B Lee Rd., Chantilly, Virginia; 43330 Junction Plaza, Ste. 190, Ashburn

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