Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Dipping Pot opened up recently in Alwarpet, right opposite the Raj Park Hotel. We, the Chennai Sappadu Kings decided to try it out and let you all know whether it's worth the fuss - the Fondue, that is.

The place looks like a cross between an upscale cafe, and a decent, local eatery. There was several hints of poshness on show - right from the Samsung Galaxy Tabs used in lieu of menu cards (yes, the entire menu is a PDF loaded onto Samsung Galaxy Tabs!) to the decent iron pot used for the Fondue Pots. Yet, the seating arrangement on the Ground Floor seemed to not be as posh. Overall, the ambience is a mixed-bag, but it doesn't feel off. It's a great ambience to partake of a Fondue.

Non-Alcoholic 'Rose' Wine at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

The waitresses were full of smiles, and it was sometimes difficult to divine the meanings of their heavily-accented words, but they were pleasant. Towards the second-half of our meal though, it became quite a tiresome task to be after them for refills of water, for the dessert menu (and the actual order itself) and then finally for the bill. They did start off quite well - leaving us wondering as to what went wrong. Perhaps it was too late for the ladies to stay behind, and the restaurant was understaffed as it grew late? No clue. Hit the place in the early evening, and you should be good.

The Fondue Pot kept hot by a tealight candle at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Parking can be a strain, as the restaurant shares its space in a complex with a clothing store. Thankfully, we were able to squeeze our car in a just-vacated spot.

The restaurant is a good experience, and if you're looking for something different and something new from the usual Chinese / Italian / Continental / Indian fare of the city, you definitely must-visit. The Fondue Pot as the main course, though, left us feeling full but psychologically as if we've not eaten anything much.

Here's the list of what we ordered - with our recommendations on whether to order them or not. You can click through to the individual articles to read about them. (Prices below are exclusive of 4.944% service tax, a 2% VAT and a 7% service charge)

Bruschetta (Vegetarian)

Rs. 180

Tasty

Our Review

Buffalo Wings (Chicken)

Rs. 180

Palatable

Our Review

Masala Omelette

Rs. 80

Palatable

Our Review

Dipping Pot Veg Cheese Fondue (for two) (Vegetarian)

Rs. 650

Tasty

Our Review

Dipping Pot Non-Veg Cheese Fondue (for four)

Rs. 850

Tasty

Our Review

Chocolate Fudge Cupcake

Rs. 75

Tasty

Our Review

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Rs. 120

Palatable

Our Review

Blue Lagoon

Rs. 110

Tasty

Our Review

Nutty Fruity Surprise

Rs. 120

Tasty

Our Review

Vanilla Milkshake

Rs. 100

Tasty

Our Review

Café Choco Blast

Rs. 135

Tasty

Our Review