Runaway Rice by Sketch in Chennai serves up comfort food for a quick bite and go

Look out for familiar staples, both Indian and Oriental, albeit with a twist
Murgh malai tikka
Murgh malai tikka

Tucked into a narrow bylane off Greams Road, Runaway Rice by Sketch is a spot of cheer in the midst of the dusty bustle. This 60-seater, sporting contemporary interiors, is from the same team that brought us Canvas by Sketch in Alwarpet — however there is a marked shift in the concept. From catering to food connoisseurs who like to savour and linger over their meal — this cosy place is for those in a rush in the middle of a working day. So, expect quick and friendly service. 

<em>Mutton biryani</em>
Mutton biryani



The menu is stuffed with familiar staples from Indian and Oriental cuisine, albeit some with a twist. The starters include juicy pepper chicken, batter-fried chilli prawns and melt-in-the-mouth chicken tikkas. The first thali up for tasting had mini-naan breads dotted with golden, roasted garlic. Along with the quintessential Black Daal and the Butter Chicken — this combo was finger-licking delicious.

Just when we were thinking that their North Indian offerings seemed ahead of the rest — along comes the ghee-laden Podi Rice and Chicken 65! Familiar and delectable, this one had us craving for more despite being distracted by fluffy idiyappams, chicken noodles and moist Kotthu Parathas. 

<em>Brightly coloured interiors</em>
Brightly coloured interiors
<em>Assortment of desserts</em>
Assortment of desserts



Though we are stuffed to our gills, our ever-smiling waiter manages to coax us into a pot of fragrant Mutton Biryani. Paired with a spicy peanut dip instead of the usual salna, the meat slides off the bone and we concede that a meal is not complete here till you have had their biryani. From the dessert line-up, the favourite Gulab Jamun is the tried and tested winner.

Meal for two at INR 500.
 

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