About us

About Us

Chennai Express first opened its doors in November 2018 when entrepreneurs and chef-patrons, Sagar Barlawar and Vamsi Madireddy began their new venture offering authentic South Indian Street food to, south of England, Basingstoke. Originally from Hyderabad, India, famous for its street food and biryanis, Sagar and Vamsi also hold degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts awarded by the Osmania University (India).

Chennai Express has a menu reflecting the very best of South Indian cuisine, taken from all five states of South India. It caters for the wider audience with an additional range of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including options for children. Diners are guaranteed an authentic experience, with freshly ground spices and food prepared in an open kitchen where cooking happens live, right in front of the guests.

South India is home to many of the world’s most coveted ingredients like curry leaves, peppercorns, tamarind, coconut and chillies. South Indian cuisine still retains many elements of the ancient Dravidian culture that flourished thousands of years ago. Inspired by the history and diversity of South Indian cuisine, Chennai Express adopts the traditional homestyle cooking techniques allowing the spices to mingle and marry to create the vibrant fireworks of flavour. The lunch menu of traditional street food includes a splendid variety of thalis and a selection of dosa. In the evening there is a change of tempo, with a varied dinner menu, extending to more starters, curries, a delicious range of tandoori dishes and sumptuous homemade desserts.

So, whether it is a working lunch, family meal or intimate dinner you are looking for, throughout the day or evening, the Chennai Express will cater for you.

Our Mission

Our mission is to take our diners on a culinary tour of South India by reflecting the spirit of the diverse spectrum of South Indian cultures and cuisines. We aim to become the first choice for Indian cuisine in the South of England by offering the perfect taste of South India, served in a warm, vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Our Culinary Philosophy

Chennai Express envisions to become a truly inclusive restaurant for dietary preferences, ethical food choices, cultural tastes and health needs.

Although curry has been an inherent part of the British heritage, Indian cuisine is often perceived unhealthy containing excessive amount of oil, butter, cream and sugar. While authentic Indian cuisine can be so fresh, light and flavoursome; we believe, it is unfortunate to be stereotyped as a ‘comfort food’ or ‘unhealthy food’.

Chennai Express is an attempt to transform the perception and experience of Indian cuisine in the UK. We essentially serve street food style South Indian food containing vital ingredients and nutritional qualities that make it as healthy as an Indian restaurant can be. While Southern Indian food is naturally light and avoids too much oil, ghee, cream and butter, our Chefs go above and beyond to incorporate fresh approach to cooking where every dish is cooked from scratch offering the distinct taste of fresh herbs and home-ground spices. Inspired by the traditional home-style cooking techniques, we endeavour to retain the versatility, freshness and nutritional values of the ingredients.

Meet our Chefs

Chennai Express exhibits the expertise and passion of chef-patrons, Sagar Barlawar and Vamsi Madireddy. Originally from Hyderabad, India, famous for its street food and biryanis, both Sagar and Vamsi have been in the forefront of culinary industry dedicating over 20 years each in the kitchen. The gastronomic duo developed interest in cooking at an early age watching their mums cook and assisting during family gatherings and festivals. While they enthusiastically witnessed the magic of spices at festive events, they equally enjoyed savouring exceptional food in the vibrant streets of Hyderabad. Their love for cooking eventually turned into a career, thanks to the Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts (BCT&CA) degree from the famous Osmania University in Hyderabad.

Chennai Express exhibits the expertise and passion of chef-patrons, Sagar Barlawar and Vamsi Madireddy. Originally from Hyderabad, India, famous for its street food and biryanis, both Sagar and Vamsi have been in the forefront of culinary industry dedicating over 20 years each in the kitchen. The gastronomic duo developed interest in cooking at an early age watching their mums cook and assisting during family gatherings and festivals. While they enthusiastically witnessed the magic of spices at festive events, they equally enjoyed savouring exceptional food in the vibrant streets of Hyderabad. Their love for cooking eventually turned into a career, thanks to the Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts (BCT&CA) degree from the famous Osmania University in Hyderabad.

After association with renowned establishments in India including the famous Taj and Oberoi hotels, both Sagar and Vamsi then arrived in the United Kingdom to expand their career in global hospitality sector. The colossal passion for cooking not only rewarded with a successful career but also contributed to the settlement in the UK. While permanently residing in the South of England, they noticed that most Indian restaurants in the South are run by Bangladeshi owners offering the westernised version of Indian cuisine. As foodies themselves, Sagar and Vamsi used to travel to London seeking for authentic Indian food. They also discovered that many authentic food lovers had been visiting London just for a meal. Capitalizing on this gap in the local market, Sagar and Vamsi eventually opened Chennai Express in 2018, bringing the tastes of authentic South Indian Street food to the South of England with an aim to transform the perception and experience of Indian cuisine in the UK. Under their leadership, Chennai Express has managed to scoop various prestigious culinary awards and achieve excellent ratings on social media.

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Award Winning Restaurant

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Highlights of Chennai Express

Testimonials

People say about us!

  • Ann Stebbing

    We went here recently and loved the experience. We went for the 6 course tasting menu (minimum for 2 people). I loved the food as it tasted freshly prepared and the variety was good. The service was also good, not too fast, not to slow and the attention to detail of the decor led to a pleasing ambia Read more

    Ann Stebbing

    Google

  • Steph Oliver

    Our favourite local restaurant by far! Keen diners from their Basingstoke restaurant… but this one in fleet is closer to home. The tastiest traditional Indian food!! Walk welcoming staff who we enjoying seeing. Vegetarian options: Vegetarian and vegan Kid-friendliness: Kid menu and welcoming Read more

    Steph Oliver

    Google

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