Purple Chameleon Restaurant & Bar, Velachery, Chennai

Restaurant Name: Purple Chameleon Restaurant & Bar, Velachery, Chennai
Phone: +919944990950
Address: Second floor, Phoenix Market City, 142, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042 India
Time: 12:00 Noon – 12:00 PM
Meals for two: Rs. 1,800
Cuisines: Continental, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Salad
Facilities: Takeaway Available, LGBTQIA Friendly, Family Friendly, Valet Parking Available, Table booking for Groups, Indoor Seating

Purple Chameleon Restaurant & Bar, Velachery, Chennai: Decor

Funky is the first word that comes to mind as soon as one walks into the Purple Chameleon Restaurant & Bar; second is lively and the third is packed. Glow signs, bright and interesting, makes you want to stop and read every single one as you walk in with a smile. All of them are against the backdrop of greenery. The first you see says, ‘Let’s get this party started’. Another offers advice: ‘Stop thinking, start drinking’. And a third says, ‘Trust me,you can dance’. The one I like best says, ‘I’m a tama tama tama Tamilian’. Cane lights,a psychedelic DJ console and a fully stacked bar with drinks and cocktails that sound as intriguing as they taste,tell you that this is one place that has put in an effort to give Chennai what it deserves. A large space,its seating has something for every back. Semi-circular sofas included. All dressed in purple. Another quirk:coasters light up in different colors when you place your glasses on them.

Purple Chameleon Restaurant & Bar, Velachery, Chennai: Food

Simple yet interesting plating is the key, because when you dine here,the food and beverages are always the focus. Chakli Chaat. Crisp, the chakli (called murruku in Tamil) is topped with all the chaat-y stuff. Curds,sweet and spicy chutneys, a little sev, boondi… a treat for those who love their small bites to be crisp and loaded. There’s even a hint of chipotle and a proper,shiny, fried green chilly. Served on an aluminium plate,the Stuffed Bun Khasta Paratha has soft,fat,curled parathas sitting happily on a green banana leaf,topped by the mandatory fried curry leaves and green chilli. Stuffed inside is a combination of potato,cheddar cheese,and pickles. Warm and brown salna comes along in a shot glass. &

Plump, juicy prawns called Karepak Era Varuval are tossed in a paste of Mangalorean masala whose base is curry leaves. Otherwise garlic adds its stamp,and black pepper, sharpness. Kaarage (Japanese fried chicken), piled with black-and-white-sesame-seed-coated onion rings on top, served with Worcestershire sauce comes steaming hot. Deep fried in a thick,knobby crisp coat of batter on the outside,the inside is succulent and soft. There are interesting choices for the main course as well. My preference is Thai Green Curry (a constant in most pubs). Loaded with veggies, the curry is made using fresh coconut milk and basil paste. At present, the menu offers two desserts and a choice of ice creams. Rum Soaked Gulab Jamun is my choice. This rum-soaking is serious as the single,soft,round,brown Gulab Jamun is soaked in Old Monk rum till every bit of the jamun is soaked through and through before it gets placed in a bowl of sweet rabri. For extra effect,there’s a tiny edible flower floating pretty on the thickened milk.

Plus & Minus:

Located in the mall, this is certainly a happy space one can eat and drink at. The ingredients they use are top class.