Annamalai

Everything about Annamalai sets it apart from other South Indian restaurants in the city. They prepare dishes on the spot when you order (it takes time to arrive and is worth the wait). You can tell it is home cooked, tastes vary from day to day, as they are supposed to when being prepared fresh everytime, but everything remains tasty. Super light on the tummy, and you can vary the spice level by asking them. In any other place I would mind the TV blaring Indian songs, but somehow, the vibe of the place is so authentic, with underground, dim-lit room, small and cosy, adorned with old school decor, that the TV with songs back to back actually reminds me of local joints back home. I love the peace, you can spend good time without being disturbed. On weekends they do special combo meals like Chicken Biryani with Chicken 65, boiled egg and yoghurt (although I am vegetarian, my partner tried this and loved it). Staff is relaxed and respectful, and one of them is a freelance student of Charles University and is very attentive and polite. The only South Indian I keep going back to.