The popular restaurant has relaunched itself in Arumbakkam and is serving staples from the old menu, including masala dosa, chole bhature and carrot halwa. And yes, you can still order from the car
Woodlands Drive-In Restaurant in Chennai. Established in 1962, it was South India’s first drive-in restaurant. | Photo Courtesy: The Hindu
The newly-launched Woodlands Drive-in operates on one acre of land in Arumbakkam | Photo credit: Thamodharan B
For those of us who grew up in Madras, the memories of Woodlands Drive-In will never fade away. This restaurant, where you could eat dosas from a metal tray in your car, was a peaceful place away from the dust and noise of the city. The nearly 12-acre land with a lush canopy of trees is over 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 spent a few hours every day at the old Woodlands Drive-in for over 25 years. Photo Credit: The Hindu Archive
Its story began in 1962, when the Agri-Horticulture Society agreed to lease a portion of its land to hotelier K. Krishna Rao, who had by then started The New Woodlands Hotel in Mylapore in 1952, serving Udupi-style cuisine in Madras. It was here that many Chennaiites tasted their first chhole bhatura and bread matar masala. Those who had access to a car enjoyed their meal and filter coffee in it, making it South India’s first drive-in restaurant.
One can come here as early as 6 a.m. and enjoy a cup of coffee and hot Pongal. This legacy lasted for six decades, when the lease expired in April 2008 and the Agri-Horticultural Society and the State Government decided to develop a botanical garden (Semmozhi Poonga) and a horticultural research centre on this 320-acre prime land.
Masala dosa and filter coffee at the newly launched Woodlands Drive-in | Photo credit: Thamodharan B
Now after nearly 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 granddaughter of the founder, and Ram Bhat, who runs Matsya in Udupi Home, the place is designed to rekindle memories of the past.
“We found a big piece of land in the middle of the city and started working on developing it as a drive-in restaurant. It is nowhere near the old restaurant which was much bigger, but we are trying to revive that old memory. We have also created a PB Srinivas Corner in his memory,” says Ram. Legendary singer Srinivas spent a few hours every day at the old Woodlands Drive-in for over 25 years.
Non-AC dining area | Photo credit: Thamodharan B
AC dining area | Photo credit: Thamodharan B
Ram began clearing the land and planting saplings in 2021, tending to the trees during the pandemic. The soft launch happened a few weeks ago and has generated a lot of interest. “Many celebrities came here, curious to know what the place looks like. In the 70s and 80s, Woodlands Drive-In was frequented by celebrities and film stars,” says Ram.
He laughs and adds, “Interestingly, salespeople would gather at the restaurant at 8.30am, then leave for their tour and gather again at 6pm to discuss sales over a cup of coffee, which is probably why it became the city’s first co-working space! It was also common to see marriages taking place, a tradition that continues here too.”
Founder Krishna Rao and his son spotted with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran at Woodlands Drive-in | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The recently launched drive-in has space for around 20 cars and an air-conditioned dining area that can accommodate 100 guests. The veranda is non-air-conditioned and can accommodate 40 guests. Though the place is equipped for car service, they no longer put steel trays at the door as 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 introduce pony rides on weekends,” says Ram.
Bread and Peas 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 serves all of these as well as North Indian, Chinese and continental food, in addition to chaat, ice cream and cakes. Between 12pm and 3pm, they offer Madras Meal (₹240), Special Meal (₹280) and North Indian Thali (₹370). While Madras Meal serves rice, paruppu-nee (lentil-ghee), sambhar, rasam, vathakulambu, kootu, poriyal, curd, pickle and a dessert, the Special Meal has soup, starter and ice cream in addition to this.
“We have put up old photographs from the era on the walls,” says Ram, explaining how the new space pays homage to the past. “I have chosen Burberry granite stones for the table tops, and all the wooden chairs have been sourced from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The colour palette is green and yellow for a retro feel. In a few years, the trees on the premises will provide a green canopy that will make outdoor dining enjoyable,” he says.
Kashi Halwa, Carrot Halwa and Gulab Jamun | Photo Credit: Thamodharan B
A large number of senior citizens have started coming here for evening coffee. “They come as a group, and some of them even go home after completing their evening walk here,” says Ram. To satisfy this crowd, there is an ‘evening snack combo’ for ₹100 which includes Mangalore buns, Mangalore bonda and biscuit roti. And yes, kasi halwa, carrot halwa and gulab jamun, which were popular at the famous Woodlands, are still on the menu.
Drive-in Woodlands, Arumbakkam is open from 7am to 11pm (both dine-in and car service). Call 9600684689
