Chennai Express
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Quick info
About Chennai Express
On Wote St in Basingstoke, Chennai Express is an Indian restaurant whose South Indian menu draws on all five states of the region. Dosas arrive with sauces and chutneys, and filter coffee is on the drinks list. Vegetarian and pescatarian dishes make up a large share of the menu, and the kitchen adds North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes for wider choice. The team asks about spice level, and dishes can be adjusted to suit. A separate bar menu covers wines, beers and spirits. The room has traditional music and decor. The restaurant sits on the street at 19 Wote St, a few minutes' walk from the nearest car park.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention dosas, gobi 65, filter coffee and crisped fried calamari.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention dosas, gobi 65, filter coffee and crisped fried calamari.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the authentic South Indian cooking, with the Gobi 65 singled out as a new favourite and the dosas described as the size of a roll of wallpaper, served with delicious sauces and chutneys. Close behind are the samosa chaat, aubergine curry, chole with fried bread and chickpeas, and crispy, slightly spicy fried calamari that one diner calls the best they have had. One reviewer calls the filter coffee a must-try. Staff come up repeatedly as friendly and attentive, and one diner notes the manager took their order and asked about spice levels so dishes could be adjusted. Others mention the cosy decor, traditional music, and plenty of vegetarian, pescatarian and children's options. The one caveat is a short wait for a table despite a reservation, and two reviewers advise booking in advance. One couple chose the restaurant for their wedding breakfast and say every guest commented on how delicious the food was.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the authentic South Indian cooking, with the Gobi 65 singled out as a new favourite and the dosas described as the size of a roll of wallpaper, served with delicious sauces and chutneys. Close behind are the samosa chaat, aubergine curry, chole with fried bread and chickpeas, and crispy, slightly spicy fried calamari that one diner calls the best they have had. One reviewer calls the filter coffee a must-try. Staff come up repeatedly as friendly and attentive, and one diner notes the manager took their order and asked about spice levels so dishes could be adjusted. Others mention the cosy decor, traditional music, and plenty of vegetarian, pescatarian and children's options. The one caveat is a short wait for a table despite a reservation, and two reviewers advise booking in advance. One couple chose the restaurant for their wedding breakfast and say every guest commented on how delicious the food was.
Featured reviews
- Shalu Devi
“Had a wonderful dining experience! Srinu was incredibly hospitable, attentive, and sincere. The food was amazing and truly authentic, complemented perfectly by the beautiful interior and traditional music. A fantastic experience all around!”
- Jemima
“Probably the best south Indian food I’ve ever had! The Gobi 65 was incredible, it’s now one of my favourite dishes. It has lovely decor and atmosphere, and the staff are great. The samosa chaat and aubergine curry were also amazing. Thank you to my server Srinu :)”
- Carly Mingay
“We chose Chennai Express for our wedding breakfast and could not have been happier, it was absolutely fantastic! The food was incredible, full of flavour, beautifully presented, and every single guest commented on how delicious it was. The staff were wonderful: professional, friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and we were looked after all day. Nothing was too much trouble, and they helped make our day so special. I would highly recommend Chennai Express. Thank you for the amazing food and brilliant service! Many thanks, Owen & Carly”
- Finn Serreau-Nardi
“A very cosy and welcoming restaurant on the street with amazing decor and seating. We waited no time at all to get our table and the staff were super friendly and eager to assist us. Affordable prices and the best Indian food I have ever had. Many options for vegetarians and kids. Overall a great restaurant and would definitely recommend to others!”
- Jonathan Baja
“First time going to the restaurant. The Crisped Fried Calamari is the best Calamari I had so far. It's crispy, a bit spicy but everything on the dish compliments each other. Very tasty.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Chennai Express has a menu reflecting the very best of South Indian cuisine, taken from all five states. It caters for a wider audience with an additional range of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including options for children, making it a family-friendly restaurant. The Bar menu offers an extensive selection of beverages, including fine wines, beers and spirits.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Assistive hearing loop
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Indian restaurants near Chennai Express
- Hook Tandoori4.44545.5 mi away
hook tandoori special, bombay potatoes, garlic naan
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Express | 4.71,681 | — | dosas, gobi 65, filter coffee |
| Hook Tandoori | 4.4454 | 5.5 mi away | hook tandoori special, bombay potatoes, garlic naan |
The 1 nearest indian restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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