Chicken nuggets, Indian-style, with Styrofoam
January 4th, 2008 by Cliff Bostock in Restaurants
We’ve eaten three Indian meals in a row. The winner by a mile was Saravanaa Bhavan, in the former location of the similarly named Madras Saravana Bhavan, long regarded as the city’s best Indian (and vegetarian) restaurant.
But we also ate at Zyka, whose dish pictured above, 65 Chicken, is one of the city’s favorites. Why? Because it’s fried chicken nuggets that have been marinated in Indian spices, of course.
Zyka was absolutely packed when we visited and there was a lengthy wait at the counter and for food afterward. I have to say, either my palate has changed or the food has deteriorated here. The chicken dish is as irresistible as ever, but a goat biryani, supposedly the specialty of the region featured at the restaurant, was very disappointing.
The restaurant is using Styrofoam cups and plates, by the way. That is so not green.
We also had our regular Monday night Indian meal at the Standard in Grant Park. A huge bowl of chicken curry, it was as delicious as ever. Unfortunately, the pub’s new smoke eaters were operating at low speed and, between the hot spices in the curry and the unfiltered smoke, I had a virtual crying fit at the table and — gross — a major nosebleed.
More on Zyka and Saravanaa in an upcoming Grazing column.
January 4th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
The food has severely deteriorated at Zyka. It’s fast food that’s I’d barely categorize as Indian. The Styrofoam and plastic are just horrible…insultingly horrible.
Please visit Swapna on Cobb Pkwy for their Sat and Sun lunch spread…you’ll never look at Indian food the same way again.
January 5th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Styrofoam is painful.
HIstorically, I have enjoyed all the “roasted” meats. The chicken boti, tandoori chicken, chicken seekh kebabs, and Chicken 65 seem to be consistently great. I have always stayed away from the vegetarian dishes here. Occasionally, the specials or goat curry are worthwhile, but the curries are rather oily for most of my friends. I hope Zyka doesn’t continue this trend of deterioration.
BTW, my favorite Zyka move is to get some naan and stuff it with the grilled meats and condiments. Best kebab in town?
The Dallas location bothers me a little too. Is it a “chain?” The styrofoam is just plain sad.
MSB seemed to have been deteriorating for quite a while too, before finally closing. I am so glad Saravana Bhavan is worthwhile.
Looking forward to your Grazing column.
Cheers