This is the dish Sri Paandi built their reputation on. Multiple reviews describe it as 'out of the world.' The gravy is thick and clings to the crab meat, layered with warm spices that build without burning. Diners note generous portions of crab.
Tips from diners
This is the only reason to come. Order it without hesitation.
The crab curry comes with a lot of shell. Eat slowly and savor — it's worth the work.
A traditional crispy pancake that serves as a textural contrast to the thick curries. Reviewers note it arrives crisp on the outside and soft inside — perfectly executed for wrapping around curry.
Tips from diners
Order this with the crab curry — tear off pieces and scoop the curry with them. Better than rice for control.
A North Indian touch in a South Indian-focused restaurant. The naan arrives warm and the cheese is generous. Best paired with curries rather than eaten alone.
Tips from diners
Skip this and order extra thosai instead — better value and more versatile with the curries.
A lighter option on the menu, this arrives with a spice rub and tandoor char. Not the signature dish, but reviewers note it's competent and offers a break from heavy curries.
Tips from diners
Good value if you want to fill up without spending on multiple heavy curries.
The base vehicle for the crab curry. Sri Paandi's rice is fluffy and generously portioned. The sambhar has a good balance of spice and sourness, and the rasam adds brightness to the meal.
Tips from diners
Tell them you're ordering the crab and ask them to hold space on your leaf for it. The rice alone is not the draw.
Sri Paandi sits on the busy stretch of Jalan Tun Sambathan in Brickfields and specializes in Chettinad-inspired cuisine served on banana leaf. The restaurant operates with a self-service model — you point to what you want and they heap it onto your plate. Reviewers consistently single out their crab curry as 'out of the world,' with diners noting thick, spiced gravy and generous portions.
Parking on Jalan Tun Sambathan is the biggest challenge. Arrive early or park in the nearby temple lot and walk.
The outdoor seating has lively Brickfields ambiance; the AC section in back is quieter. Choose based on mood.
No reservations — walk-in only. Come before 12:30pm or after 2pm to avoid lunch rush.
Go for the crab curry and build the meal around it. Other dishes are competent but not reasons to visit.
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