A tasteful pause for Japanese in Chennai: Teppan

Written by Tim Blight

Writer, traveller, amateur photographer, teacher. Based in Melbourne and Lahore.

November 10, 2014

Teppan Restaurant

(Image: Teppan, Facebook)

(Image: Teppan, Facebook)

The delicate flavours of Japanese cuisine are an acquired taste for many Chennai locals, but for those who dare, Teppan really hits the mark.

Teppan, on TTK Road above Benjarong Thai restaurant, is a delicious, small-scale Japanese retreat from the rat-race happening outside. From the moment you enter, you are in a different world – one where gentle smiles and time-honoured cooking techniques are blended with southern hospitality.

Yakitori at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

Yakitori at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

The whole gamut of Japanese signature dishes are here, and while you can dine a la carte, it’s really worth taking a seat at one of the Teppanyaki tables to have a banquet cooked in front of you.

Sashimi at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

Sashimi at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

Think inventive sushi rolls such as niku maki – salmon, avocado, and crabmeat rolled in rice and topped with partially charred beef – as well as the traditional options like shake maki (salmon roll) and of course that hybrid favourite Californian maki.

Niku Maki at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

Niku Maki at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

As can be expected, lots of fish is on the menu – sashimi, Norwegian salmon, and a seafood miso soup. Additionally, to have cooked at your table and served atop fried rice, the beef teriyaki comes highly recommended.

Dessert at Teppan (Image: Trip Advisor)

Dessert at Teppan (Image: Trip Advisor)

Western style desserts are offered in small bite-size portions – chocolate cake, creme brûlée, mango pudding; and are set out in a buffet for your choosing. Service is helpful but not overbearing or pushy – overall Teppan has a warm convivial atmosphere which feels somewhat like a parallel universe to the chaos unfolding on the street far below.

Traditional Japanese lunchbox or "Bento Box" at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

Traditional Japanese lunchbox or “Bento Box” at Teppan (Image: Teppan, Facebook)

Details

Food: 9/10

Ambience: 8/10

Service: 8/10

Cost: Three courses should cost around INR 1,200 per head

Level 1, 146, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai

(044) 3221 6635

www.facebook.com/TeppanGrillAndSushiBar

Daily: 12:15pm – 3pm, 7:15pm – 11pm

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8 Comments

  1. Jameela Deen

    wow that made me really hungry for Japanese food. Sounds like a really nice atmosphere and the food i’m sure is delicious. Do they have a franchise in Saudi cause Chennai is a little off my route lol

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      It’s a great spot – wish I was there now!! I’m sure you’ll find something great in Jeddah too, inshaAllah 🙂 Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  2. anna@shenANNAgans

    Japanesey – how I love thee 🙂 Whoever invented Sushi should be sainted – I would love, love, love this place & am super envious all I got to do was read about it….. just sayin’

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      Isn’t Japanese cuisine simply amazing? I soooo wish I had of my own from when I was last at Teppan, but I lost them somewhere 🙁
      Looking forward to visiting again early next year 🙂

      Reply
  3. Shikha (whywasteannualleave)

    Yummmm…..looks delicious!! I didn’t eat sushi for years before finally deciding I would try it and now I’m totally hooked – can’t believe I was missing out for so long 😀

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      I was exactly the same – it took me years to really understand good sushi… but I’m glad I finally do! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  4. Andrew

    The food looks amazing. Not sure about raw fish in India………. lol

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      I wasn’t sure either, but it was delicious and I lived to tell the tale!! 😀

      Reply

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