I recently had the pleasure of indulging in the exquisite flavors of chicken biryani and kottu porotta at Elai, and I can confidently say that it was a culinary experience that left me in awe.
We started with the Shappu erachi. What truly impressed me was the depth of flavors in the Shappu Erachi .The spices were expertly blended, and the addition of aromatic herbs and curry leaves enhanced the dish's complexity. The combination of tangy, spicy, and earthy flavors made each bite a delightful adventure for the palate.
Then moved on to the chicken biryani, which was an absolute masterpiece. The fragrant aroma of the spices filled the air as the dish arrived at my table. The basmati rice was cooked to perfection, each grain separate and infused with the flavors of the aromatic spices. The tender pieces of chicken were succulent and perfectly marinated, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. Every spoonful of biryani was a burst of deliciousness, leaving me craving for more. The balance of spices was impeccable, neither overpowering nor lacking, and the addition of fragrant herbs elevated the dish to another level. It was truly a biryani that showcased the skill and expertise of the chefs at Elai
Next, the kottu porotta, a dish that stole my heart with its bold and unique flavors. The sizzling sound of the griddle and the rhythmic chopping of the porotta created an exciting atmosphere. The shredded porotta, combined with succulent pieces of chicken and an array of vegetables, was a medley of textures that delighted my taste buds. The spices were expertly blended, providing a perfect balance of heat and flavors. The dish had a delightful smoky undertone, adding an extra layer of complexity to the taste. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures that made me savor every moment.
The presentation of all the dishes was exquisite, showcasing the culinary artistry of the restaurant. The attention to detail in the plating was evident, and the vibrant colors of the garnishes added a touch of elegance.
Furthermore, the service at Elai was outstanding. The staff was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to provide recommendations made the entire meal even more enjoyable.
In conclusion, if you are a fan of authentic Indian cuisine, Elai is an absolute must-visit. The chicken biryani and kottu porotta that I had the pleasure of savoring were truly exceptional. The flavors, the presentation, and the impeccable service combined to create an unforgettable dining experience. I left Elai with a satisfied palate and a desire to return for more. Whether you are a connoisseur or new to Indian cuisine, the chicken biryani and kottu porotta at Elai will undoubtedly leave you craving for their delightful flavors.
The best Indian food I have ever tried.
A had a soup of the day and a palak paneer and they were both delicious. The soup was incredibly spicy, I don't know how I managed to finish it, but I could not leave it!!
The staff was so kind they offered some Yogurt to help cope with the spicy food.
Everything perfect!
This is my best place for Indian food since my first review and I got info that they are waiting for a new north Indian and a south Indian chef to join their team , which means this will increase the number of menu items πππ.. love the food here.. you just have to tell them what's your spice level and how u want your food to be .. your wish will be fulfilled, nothing can beat the taste of the food here it's simply awesome . ππππ
My Wife and I had our Wedding Party here at Elai Basingstoke and had an amazing time. The staff were brilliant and the food was beautiful and they really went above and beyond to ensure that all of our guests had a great time.
Had a lovely dinner yesterday with our friends on our holidays in Basingstoke. They were kind enough to accommodate group of 10 without prior reservation. Food was delicious, staff looked little inexperience but food was good.
Amazing South Indian Food. Love the vegetarian Thali, Dosas and the appetizers.
I was in 2 minds on this review. On the one hand the food was excellent and the owner and staff were also. On the other hand the area at the front where we were sat, just didn't feel "polished". Trunking and cables and music with adverts in between was a real knock on what was a great dining experience. Their paratha is great, it's like a cross between bread and pancake. The flavours were delicious and not your normal Indian. Based on the food and service, it would have been 5*, but nuances with the dining area meant i didn't "love it". They do have an interesting beer choice that I really liked. Give it a try if you love good food.
Didn't notice adverts in the music anymore. Malabar is good subtle IPA.
Very pleased and pleasantly surprised with this restaurant. We have ordered delivery from here and was always happy with the food. Now visited and the atmosphere and the staff were equally excellent. Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for Indian food in Basingstoke.
Thetchinamoorthy Esakkymuthu
+5
Excellent and delicious South Indian food. Good customer service is much appreciated. Nice atmosphere for family and friends for a get togetherness.
Excellent Kerala Cuisine Experience!
This restaurant offers excellent customer service with attentive staff who consistently provide updates on food preparation and timing. They specialist in serving authentic Kerala Cuisine served in traditional way The food quality and tastes are outstanding. The restaurant maintains a clean environment, including the restrooms. Convenient car parking is available on the lane
Perfect Indian restaurant. Delicious food, which isn't your ordinary 10 dishes. Each meal was well described and the staff were knowledgeable about the elements and complementary dishes. The atmosphere was very well designed and felt like walking into a posh hotel!
Very attentive and friendly staff all round, which is rare. Felt us feel like VIPs!
Would definitely recommend.
The decor, food and customer service was top class. This restaurant is a gem in Basingstoke. If you love southern Indian cuisine you will not be disappointed with the exotic flavours of every dish. Highly recommend for birthday parties.
Excellent food and service. Easily the best south indian restaurant I have ever tasted in my 13 years in the UK. We ordered approximately 10-12 dishes and all were great. Food felt home-made and very light. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Just eaten a fantastic combination of vegetarian dishes. Super friendly staff really attentive and the ambience was nice - although a little noisy. However, still a great eating experience and I would eat here again.
My own experience was a very warm welcome, a choice of seating, detailed information on the menu when requested, attentive service without being intrusive and some really tasty and delicious food, spiced just right. What more could anyone want?
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