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Welcome to Chennai Express

Chennai Express, located in Chantilly, VA, offers a diverse menu of authentic Indian cuisine with a focus on traditional flavors. Known for its extensive vegetarian options, the restaurant also caters to meat lovers with dishes like Goat Biryani and Shrimp Biryani. The restaurant prides itself on its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great option for families and groups. With amenities such as Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and wheelchair accessibility, Chennai Express strives to provide a comfortable dining experience for all guests. Don't miss out on their flavorful appetizers and soups, which showcase the rich culinary heritage of Southern India.

LOCATIONS
  • Chennai Express
    14516 B Lee Rd Chantilly, VA 20151
    14516 B Lee Rd Chantilly, VA 20151 Hotline: (703) 961-1600

Welcome to the vibrant culinary landscape of Chennai Express, your gateway to authentic South Indian cuisine nestled in the charming town of Chantilly, Virginia. With an inviting ambiance and a menu that pays homage to the rich flavors of Southern India, this eatery is a must-visit for food lovers seeking a delightful dining experience.

Located at 14516 B Lee Rd Chantilly, VA 20151, and reachable at (703) 961-1600, Chennai Express has garnered a reputation for its bustling atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes. The restaurant's focus on authenticity shines through its offerings, from soul-warming soups like Kozhi Milagu Rasam to the hearty and flavorful Attukal Soup. Each bowl tells a story, richly laced with traditional spices and ingredients that warm both the body and heart.

The restaurant proudly serves an array of delectable biryanis, including the extravagant Shrimp Biriyani and tender Goat Biriyani. These dishes are a testament to the skillful blending of basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and spices, creating a feast that tantalizes the taste buds. One customer noted the generous portion sizes at affordable prices, making every visit worthwhile.

Appetizers like the crispy Medhu Vada and Masala Vada elevate the dining experience, offering a delightful crunch and robust flavors. The generous portions invite sharing, or indulging solo, as noted by customer reviews highlighting the strong flavors infused into the traditional snacks.

One of the standout features of Chennai Express is the signature Masala Dosa. This gigantic crepe, filled with a spiced potato mixture, is a crowd favorite. Customers rave about its taste, with one review describing it as 'flavorful and ginormous,' perfectly complemented by a selection of chutneys and sambar. The Chennai Dosa Special further showcases the diversity of the menu, featuring thick, spongy dosas served with a rich Mixed Vegetable Korma sauce.

Chennai Express stands as a beacon of Southern Indian culinary heritage in Northern Virginia. The blend of authentic flavors, attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seated in-house amid the lively environment or opting for takeout, the meals at Chennai Express promise to be a delightful indulgence.

As the evening rolls in, you can savor a cup of hot chai while feasting on a spread that celebrates the essence of Indian cuisine. With specialties that cater to both spice lovers and those seeking milder options, it’s evident why this gem is cherished by the community. Dive into the world of Chennai Express, where every dish offers a taste of tradition and innovation, keeping your cravings for South Indian flavors well satisfied.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Chennai Express
Aarti B.
Aarti B.

Bustling, authentic South Indian dosa spot! While the restaurant is a hole in the wall, it was packed - I can see why! The crispy Masala dosa was flavorful and ginormous, 2 feet long! I really enjoyed the Peanut sauce on the side. The spiced potato Masala had a mild kick. The Chennai Dosa Special was fun to try with thicker spongy dosa like large circular pancakes and Mixed Vegetable Korma sauce. While the enjoyed it, I would save my appetite for the crispy Masala Dosa. The staff was really nice and patient. My little tots got antsy and restless, and made a bit of a mess on the seats and floor, and the staff humbly cleaned it up. There are Happy Hour specials and also Daily specials. Excited to come back to check out the specials and get some Masala Dosa!

Akshitha I.
Akshitha I.

This is my favorite place in NOVA for indo chinese. I always get the chilli chicken and the flavors are so perfect with a good proportion of sauces and spices. I've tried other dishes too and everything tastes great but it is a different palette of flavors as it is has some Tamil Nadu influence which is something I have limited exposure to. The best part is the portion size, for the affordable price, the portions are really large. It is a self-service place which is why its called Chennai express but the staff are really kind. Overall, one of the most consistent and money for value indian restaurants in the city.

Nathan N.
Nathan N.

Most of their food is good and tasty but only little spicy but manageable. Their food basically suits south indians customers. I normally do a take out because the restaurant is always packed most of the time but I enjoy their food for even a take out

Sabriya T.
Sabriya T.

Been here a few times now over the last few years. Food was great. We got biriyani, chicken lollipop and the aloo dosa. All was good. We ordered everything medium and it was spicy. The service was good. The ambiance was low key. We went in sweatpants and nobody cares which is great lol

Janelle E.
Janelle E.

This is one of my favorite places for a snack or meal in Northern Virginia. I always get the masala dosa and hot chai. It comes with a giant crepe filled with flavorful potato and spices. Then you guys various dips and stew on the side. It's enough for two people to share if you're not that hungry, but I can eat an order all by myself. Service is fast and efficient. Sometimes the restaurant can be very busy and they can run out of tables, so on occasion I just order to go. But I love eating in the restaurant because sometimes I want to order more! It's so good.

Melissa G.
Melissa G.

So...right up front I will tell you there is no ambiance here. The restaurant is in an industrial/warehouse type park and is easy to miss. Much of the food is served in take out containers or on plastic plates, except for the dosas with their metal trays. You order at the counter, seat yourself, and help yourself to napkins and plastic flatware. But 'express' is in the name so what did you expect? However, the food is delicious! The dosas are fantastic and huge and come with a variety of chutneys and a small cup of sambar. I also love the sambar with vada (savory lentil donuts). The dosas are of course prepared fresh and come out quickly. This is my favorite place to stop when I'm in the area. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan options here!

Varun S.
Varun S.

This restaurant is our go-to spot for cauliflower manchuria, and as usual, it didn't disappoint--freshly made with great flavor. However, the chicken kothu parotta was a letdown. It lacked flavor and was dry and chewy, making it difficult to enjoy. While I'll definitely return for the cauliflower manchuria, the chicken kothu parotta needs improvement.

Raj S.
Raj S.

Was googling for some South Indian restaurant near chantilly and found this place . The food and overall experience was ok . I thought of giving a 3 star but bumped it upto 4 .. actually a 3.25 restaurant . Service could be better . Ambience wasn't that good . Tables were close to each other and hardly any space to move around . Food wise it was ok. Chutneys weren't that good . I liked kal dosa and chick curry . Chilly parotta was average . Cheese dos was good . Wish the chutneys were a bit more spicy/ tangy and had some salt in it . Overall a ok experience . 3/5 but bumped it to 4 !