Live Coal Grilling in Chennai: The Hibachi Coal House Experience in T. Nagar

If you have been searching for a live coal grill restaurant near Pondy Bazaar, this is what to expect at Hibachi Coal House on Sivagnanam Street, T. Nagar, Chennai. Our signature grill dishes are fired over live charcoal for a distinctive smoky flavour, and the rest of the kitchen — Indian gravies, fried rice, noodles, breads and wraps — runs alongside it.

What live coal grilling actually means here

Charcoal cooks differently from a gas or electric griddle. The heat is dry and radiant, it sears the outside of a marinated skewer quickly, and the fat that drips onto the coals returns as smoke. That is the whole reason our tandoor and barbecue section exists: marinate properly, skewer, and let the coals do the work.

We are honest about the scope of it. Not every plate that leaves the kitchen touches charcoal — a paneer butter masala or a plate of noodles is cooked on the range, as it should be. The grill section is where the coal matters, and that is where our signature dishes come from.

Which dishes come off the coals

• Tandoori chicken — quarter, half or full, marinated in yoghurt and spice
• Hariyali, malai and reshmi kababs — green herb, cream and cardamom marinades
• Chicken tikka and tangri kabab — the classics, charred on skewers
• Peri peri and al faham barbecue chicken — our two barbecue specials
• Paneer tikka and malai broccoli — the vegetarian side of the grill
• Hibachi Coal Special plates — chicken or mutton kababs with roti, fries and salad

Vegetarian grilling, not an afterthought

Vegetarian guests get their own line-up rather than a single token dish: paneer tikka and malai broccoli from the tandoor, dragon paneer and corn cheese balls to start, veg, paneer and mushroom fried rice and noodles, and main-course gravies such as palak paneer, kadai vegetable and gobi manchurian, with naan, roti and paratha to go with them.

Lunch, dinner and eating around Pondy Bazaar

We serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, every day. Lunch is the quieter service and the combos — a grill or main course with rice or bread — are the quickest option if you are eating between errands on Usman Road. Dinner is when the grill is busiest, and weekends fill up, so a table booking helps.

The dining room seats families and larger groups, and takeaway is packed to hold its heat. For a party or bulk order, a day's notice lets the kitchen plan the skewers.

Plan your visit

• Get directions to T. Nagar: 3, Sivagnanam Street, Pondy Bazaar — a short walk from Panagal Park and Usman Road.
• Book a table at Hibachi Coal House: evenings and weekends fill up first.
• Browse the coal-fired menu: every dish, description and price is listed online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a live coal grill restaurant in Chennai?

Hibachi Coal House is at 3, Sivagnanam Street, Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017, where our signature grill dishes are fired over live charcoal.

Is Hibachi Coal House suitable for families and groups?

Yes. The dining room seats families and larger groups, and bulk platters can be arranged with a day's notice on 095143 11128.

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome, but weekend and evening tables fill up, so booking ahead through our reservations page is recommended.

Are there vegetarian dishes on the grill?

Yes — paneer tikka and malai broccoli come off the tandoor, alongside a full vegetarian menu of starters, fried rice, noodles, gravies and breads.