Chap Chay

One of the striking aspects of the interior decor at Chap Chay are two large frames with one Chinese language character each on two opposing walls And the muted lights that cast a soft, warm glow inside. The atmosphere is sedate and the kind that encourages soft conversation, not boisterous laughter. I don't know if decor can influence behaviour but it is certainly worth considering. We went there a couple of months apart, ordering ala carte the first time and then the buffet. The buffet is fine if you like choosing the ingredients, the sauce and the noodles for the chefs to add their own touch. And if soup is high on your priorities. Otherwise it is overpriced because it does not include a dessert either The a la carte option was way better. The momos were translucent morsels, with softness, crunchiness and flavour spreading satisfyingly with each mouthful. The noodles and the vegetables were perfectly cooked and flavoured. When you don't need to add any sauces or spices, you know the chef has balanced everything right. I have no idea if this is authentic Chinese. But stir-fry, which is what Chap Chay apparently means is what the restaurant is about. Choose wisely and you'll eat well

Chap Chay is a lovely Pan Asian restaurant located in The Raintree Hotel in St. Mary's Road, Chennai. I had occasion to go there several times and loved the food. On my last visit we had the Chicken Siu Mai with Carrot Burnoise, Bulgogi Beef with Napa Cabbage Kimchi & Gochujang Chilli and Pan Fried Sichuan Lamb & Pine Nuts Jiao Jiao Dim Sum. All the dishes tasted great and the ambience and sevice are super too.