The newly launched Woodlands Drive-in operates on an acre of land in Arumbakkam Photo courtesy: Thamodharan B
For those of us who grew up in Madras, the memories of The Woodlands Drive-In will never fade. The restaurant, where you could eat dosa in a metal tray attached to your car, was a peaceful escape from the dust and noise of the city. The approximately 12 acres of land with a lush green canopy of trees more than 100 years old and needless to say, its strategic location in the heart of Cathedral Road was a big advantage.
Playback singer late PB Srinivas used to spend a few hours every day at the Old Woodlands Drive-in for more than 25 years. Photo courtesy: The Hindu Archive
Its saga began in 1962, when the Agri-Horticulture Society transferred a part of its land to hotelier K. It was here that many Chennaiites tasted their first taste of Chhola Bhatura and Bread Matar Masala. Those who had the luxury of cars enjoyed food and filter coffee in them, making it the first drive-in restaurant in South India.
Anyone can come at 6 am for a cup of coffee and hot Pongal. This legacy lasted for six decades, when the lease expired in April 2008 and the Agro-Horticultural Society and the State Government decided to develop a botanical garden (Semozhi Poonga) and a Horticultural Research Center on 320 acres of this prime land.
Masala Dosa and Filter Coffee at the newly launched Woodlands Drive-In | Photo Credit: Thamodharan B
Now after almost 18 years, Woodlands is relaunching its most successful brand, Woodlands Drive-In, on a one-acre plot in Arumbakkam. The brainchild of Suchitra Rao, the founder’s granddaughter, and Ram Bhatt, who runs Matsya in Udupi Home, the place is designed to relive the memories of the past.
Says Ram, “We got this huge piece of land in the middle of the city and started working on developing it as a drive-in restaurant. It’s nowhere compared to the old Vishal restaurant, but we are trying to recreate that nostalgia. We have also created a PB Srinivas Corner in his memory.” Famous singer Srinivas spent a few hours every day at the Old Woodlands Drive-In for more than 25 years.
Non-AC Dining Area | Photo Credit: Thamodharan B
AC Dining Area | Photo Credit: Thamodharan B
Ram began clearing land and planting saplings in 2021, nurturing the trees during the pandemic. The soft launch took place a few weeks ago and has generated a lot of interest among the public. “Many celebrities came here, curious to know what the place looked like. During the 70s and 80s, The Woodlands Drive-In was frequented by celebrities and film stars,” says Ram.
He laughs, “Interestingly, the salespeople would gather at the restaurant by 8.30 in the morning, then go on their rounds, and gather again by 6 in the evening to discuss sales over a cup of coffee, perhaps making it the first co-working space in the city! Also it was common to see marital alliances taking place, a tradition that continues here too.”
Founder Krishna Rao and his son were seen with former TN Chief Minister MG Ramachandran at The Woodlands Drive-In. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The newly launched drive-in has space for around 20 cars and an air-conditioned dining area that can accommodate 100 guests. The verandah is non-AC and can accommodate 40 guests. Although this location is equipped for car service, they no longer put steel trays on the doors because customers do not want scratches on their cars. “In those days, the Woodlands Drive-in had a children’s play area and pony rides. We are planning to start pony rides on weekends,” says Ram.
Bread and Pea Masala Photo Credit: Thamodharan B
The Old Woodlands Drive-in in Chennai served dishes like Masala Dosa, Adai-Avial, Puri-Bombay Saagu, Khichdi, Rava Pongal, Mysore Bonda, Grape Juice and Mosambi Juice, The new Arumbakkam location also features North Indian, Chinese and Continental food along with chaats, ice creams and cakes, Between noon to 3 pm, they offer Madras Cuisine (₹240), Special Meals (₹280) and North Indian Thali (₹370), While a Madras meal serves rice, paruppu-nei (lentil-ghee), sambar, rasam, vathkulambu, kootu, poriyal, curd, pickles and a dessert, a special meal additionally includes soup, a starter and ice cream, ,
“We have put up old photographs from an earlier era on the walls,” says Ram, explaining how the new space pays homage to the past. “I chose Burberry granite stones for the table tops, and all the wooden chairs were made to order from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The color palette is green and yellow for that retro feel. In a few years, the trees on the campus will provide a green canopy that will make outdoor dining enjoyable,” he adds.
Kasi Halwa, Carrot Halwa and Gulab Jamun. Photo Credit: Thamodharan B
A large number of senior citizens have already started coming for evening coffee. “They come as a group and some of them even finish their evening walk here and go home,” says Ram. To cater to this crowd, there is an ‘evening breakfast combo’ for ₹100 that includes Mangalore buns, Mangalore bonda and biscuit roti. And yes, Kasi Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa and Gulab Jamun, which were popular at the famous Woodlands, are still on the menu.
Drive-In Woodlands, Arumbakkam is open from 7 AM to 11 PM (Both Dine-in and Car Service). Call 9600684689
