#Food Blogger #Food Review : Bhale Bhale food and hospitality at BANGHRA - Punjabi Restaurant near Mayajaal ECR Road, Chennai

After a sumptuous meal in the afternoon - celebrating PONGAL Festival at home, we as a family wanted to drive down in the famous ECR road, visit a temple and then have dinner outside.  

The crowds at ECR Chinmaya Mission Matsya Narayana temple, was too much and there was no parking possible anywhere near by.   So we decided to drive further down to Sri Jaganatha Puri temple opposite to Mayajaal crossing the Reddikupam fish market (Ofcourse, we did buy the fish coming back home)...and then when it was time for dinner, our young adults were sure that we go to 'Bhangra'... especially after seeing the 4.9/5 rating in the Google ((google uncle never tells lies))   

The restaurant was  overflowing when we visited, and we had a waiting time of around 20 mins and then got a table for 8 of us.   The menu card itself was tempting with so many options and authentic punjabi kanna...we went ahead ordering 3 big Thali's  - 2 non veg and 1 veg, and the Thali can be shared by 2 or 3 people easily.   The brocolli cream tandori starter was mouth-watering and finely cooked.  The corn stuffed starter was equally good, and crispy outside and creamy and softer inside with right blend of spices.   The papad and masala chutneys was equally good.    Then came the Soups, salad, 3 starters, naan, roti, pulov rice and a whole bunch of gravies including Mutton, Chicken, Egg curries and with the kheer and traditional lassi.   The veg side was equally appealing with aloo-mutter, rajma, finely made dal tadka,  dal  makhani and nice tomoto soup.  

It was great meeting the owner Navtej bhai,  who ensured every customer is attended aptly, he took time to come and speak to us if we would need anything else,  suggesting us dishes and ensuring we had a good time.   Finally we felt the experience truly enriching and definetly the restuarant is worth the raving ratings it is receiving.    Honestly we could not finish everything we ordered, for the quantities were also higher than what we expected.  No wasting of food, and the staff was courteous to ensure we get the food packed to take home on the extra orders we made.   

If you are driving down in the ECR, stop by Bhangra and you would surely not be disappointed.   For a rich spread of both veg and non-veg, your taste buds will be surely tickling long after you leave the place too.    If you have a group of food lovers, I am sure this place provides the best dining experience.     Bhale Bhale Bhangra!!!   Punjabi's are known for their hospitality and love in serving food and you will surely experience this at Bhangra.   

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 1 - Santhome Basilica and Tomb of St. Thomas (Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai)

• First constructed by the Portugese in the 16th century, this church was subsequently renovated by the British in the late 19th century when they came into power.
• This church is significant because it is believed that St. Thomas stayed at the place where it was erected for approximately 20 years, making the land the church is built on divine.
• St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica is a minor basilica in Chennai and is one of the most important religious sites for Christians around the world.
• This stunning piece of architecture with an all-white facade is built in Neo-gothic style, naturally lit interiors and huge windows with coloured panes.
• As the church is close to the ocean, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is among the most beautiful churches in the world. The structure that you see today is a result of multiple renovations that the Basilica underwent over the last few centuries.
• The religious significance of the cathedral is linked to the belief that one of the 12 apostles of the Christ visited the place in the middle of the first century, and was put to death at St. Thomas Mount in 72 A.D. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica was built on top of his final resting place.
• The church also houses a museum that has the fingerprint of the apostle and wall paintings depicting his life and death. The lance head that killed the apostle, a rare piece of precious bone, an episcopal chair and stone receptacle are also kept in the museum
• Christmas is a good time to visit this church. This is the biggest church in Chennai. Denomination/Affiliation: Roman Catholic
• Location: Santhome High Road, Chennai
• Timings: 06:00 am – 09:00 pm (All days of the week)