Navigating the sea of honking cars and bikes during peak hour traffic on Nelson Manickam Road, you could quite easily miss the red ‘Naga Reju’ board over a demure gate grill, a little way down from the Choolaimedu signal. In fact, the only thing that might call attention to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is the fact that there might be people outside, waiting to be seated.On stepping inside, however, the space widens and the enticing aroma of freshly cooked meat wafts up to us, a welcoming sign, sure to make the most well-bred stomach growl. Straining our eyes in the warm glow of valentine-red lanterns that hang above each table, we quickly settle down to take a look at the menu. A favourite among most customers at this North-Eastern fast food joint are the momos, steaming hot and served with a spicy chilli sauce on the side. So, a plate of chicken momos (Rs 50) to start with it is, followed by oily Beef Fried Rice (Rs 50) and extra-spicy Pork Chilli (Rs 65) to go with it.It would have been nice to wash the meal down with one of their fruit beers (Rs 15 and non alcoholic), but they were out of these, although, from a previous visit’s experience, I do recommend that you give one a try.Before the food arrives, I chat up the waiter. He says, “We have been here for five years now and open up just after noon.” No doubt just in time for the North-Eastern college students to grab a quick bite of home food.The momos were delightfully authentic, but already cold by the time they arrived (lost some brownie points here); oozing with chicken stock, these little appetiser bombshells provide an experience better than most fancier oriental restaurants can plate up. For those of you who like ‘munchy’ appetisers, the fried option is available as well. Steaming hot fried rice soon made its way to our table on a large platter. Considering the cook did not know that we were there for a review, he was certainly generous this evening. With tiny chunks of fried beef, scrambled eggs and a few veggies thrown in for that extra crunch, the base dish was an instant hit. Unanimously voted the best dish of the evening was the Pork Chilly — spicy, saucy and simply spectacular. What stands out among the options on the menu is the fact that the most expensive dish here is Rs 65!(Naga Reju is located on Nelson Manickam Road, adjacent to The Mobile Store. It is open from 1pm to 10pm.)
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