Authentic Andhra Meal at National Lodge Mess, George Town, Chennai

Authentic Andhra Meal served in Banana leaf.

Govindappa Naicken Street, George Town, Chennai

Govindappa Naicken Street, George Town Chennai

If you are salivating over  hot Avakkai pickle or spicy gongura pachadi (chutney) or as an inveterate lover of authentic Andhra bhojanam (Andhra meal), then make a trip to National Lodge located at No.112, Govindappa Naicken Street, Sowcarpet, Chennai. The oldest three storey building with narrow winding staircase now housing the nondescript lodge (second floor)and the Andhra mess (first floor). At the entrance the cash counter is surrounded by people and the small Que waiting for their turn at the dingy (a.c and non a.c) dining halls.

Since Andhra Pradesh is the state of largest producer of rice and the hub of red chillies in India , Andhra cuisine is mostly based on rice and hot and spicy side dishes. Yes the mouth watering Andhra delicacies use spices and oil liberally.

They serve the Andhra meal in banana leaf; to start with sweet dish, pickle, condiments, thalinpoo (vegetable fry) and the mound of steaming rice. They also serve their unique spicy lentil powder (paruppu podi), avakkai (raw mango) pickle, gongura (sorrel leaves) pachadi and hot  ghee and it will make to feel the taste as divine if taken after with mixing with rice. The rice courses, if combined with authentic red hued sambar, kara pulusu (hot and spicy stew), majjika pulusu (buttermilk stew) and rasam (South Indian tamarind soup), are unique and traditional. To end with they serve a cup of thick curd and a spoon full of sugar and the taste is awesome. You are free to take a cup of buttermilk (poured in curd cup). The big meal will make you to feel sumptuous,  satisfied and sleepy too.