I came to Varam after having noticed their daily thali lunch specials which end at 3pm, as they're one of the most visually appealing and varied that I've seen. I was happy to find out that everything was also delicious, and the service was fantastically friendly.
Varam is hidden on the edges of downtown RWC with funny huge tablet menus (I think normal printed ones would work a bit better). The parking, both street and lot aren't too bad, but it's paid and they are strict with fining to a tee. When we went, it wasn't crowded at all, which allowed me to appreciate the beautiful interior more. They are a little extra upscale and fancy than the usual Indian restaurant, but the prices are still accessible. I love how unique their menu is, even though I can't decipher what many things mean. It seems they do specific regional dishes and add in modernized touches with fresh ingredients.
- Varam Virunthu Platter
Veg, non-veg, and fish appetizers - veg, chicken, and non-veg entrees - bread, pulao of the day, pappad, and dessert. It's like a ten-course meal! I really want to come back to try the other spreads. My thali consisted of a salad, a lentil curry, saag paneer, a bone-in goat curry, stewed chicken, delicate fish, a ground meat kabob, and some kind of soft breaded cheese. It also came with a mini scoop of rice, the pappad that's like a thin wafer, a piece of plain naan, and the dessert, payasam, which amazed me so much that I had to inquire about it so I knew what to order at all future Indian restaurants. It tasted like dreamy, creamy warm and sweet milk.
- Butter Chicken
The chicken was tender but not as hearty as we would have liked, though the curry was a flavorful velvety roux. It comes with a small bowl of rice, which is very generous because it's usually an extra side order. An extra order of naan was definitely needed to mop up all the delicious curry, but it's so worth it.
- Garlic Naan
One of the best naan in the bay! It was so fresh and dripping with butter. It was more of a grippy naan opposed to soft or fluffy, but that was made up for in crispness with multiple bubble pockets.
Varam is now one of my favorite Indian restaurants in the bay! Will gladly make the commute out here whenever I'm craving Indian food or a multi-coursed set meal. And yes, I'm aware of the competitors in this same city - to be honest, I'd choose Varam over them all still! read more