Over time, Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine co-owners Nalluraj Devaraj and Rathan Rajendren had noticed an influx of customers from the suburbs to their restaurant location in Austin. So, they did what came naturally:
They went to their customers.
Devaraj and Rajendren opened a Round Rock location at 2800 E. Palm Valley Blvd. on July 1, complementing the Austin location opened on Parmer Lane in 2018.
“We saw this as a sign that Round Rock not only had an appetite for authentic South Indian Chettinad cuisine, but also that it is a welcoming community that values cultural experiences and quality dining,” Rajendren said of those who regularly traveled to their Parmer spot from this community. “The rapid growth and vibrancy of the area made it an ideal next step for us.”
As Rajendren said, Sangam Chettinad specializes in dishes from the Chettinad region of South India known for its use of spices such as star anise, whole red chilies, cumin, fenugreek, fennel, clove, bay leaf, turmeric and tamarind. Traditionally, meals are served on banana leaves with servings of rice, buttermilk, pickles, papads and salads.
Sangam Chettinad has become known for its mutton chops, dosas, red chili-spiked dry “country chicken” and stir-fried mutton, but its menu features more than 200 items served over lunch and dinner.
There are also daily specials that rotate to keep things interesting and if you’d like to try out a mix of menu items at once, there’s the Thali experience, which comes with several dishes, and the Grand Thali, with more than 20 items on a massive plate.
“Whether you’re new to South Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, there’s something here for everyone,” said Rajendren.
Devaraj spent more than two decades in IT consulting before launching Sangam. Eventually, it was the team that formed — and pure joy for restaurant work — that swayed his decision to go into the restaurant business.
“Two things have always brought me the most joy — connecting with people and the food I grew up eating,” he said.
His brother-in-law Rajendren started out “helping here and there” in the restaurant before he dove in full bore.
“It’s been amazing to be part of something that brings people joy through food,” he said.
Devaraj credits their team, including Master Chef Ramesh Chakali and Customer Experience Manager Sivakumar Srinivasan, and their focus on consistent quality and great customer service for the restaurant’s success thus far.
“Their passion, hard work, and commitment are what make everything come together,” he said.
Sangam Chettinad offers delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats and more. They’re open at the Round Rock spot for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
