Welcome to Chennai Express - Indian Cuisine
At Chennai Express - Indian Cuisine, located in Cranston, RI, we celebrate the rich tapestry of authentic Indian flavors. Born from a passion for southern Indian cuisine, our menu showcases a vibrant array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, meticulously crafted with traditional spices. Signature offerings like the Malai Kofta, Chicken Vindaloo, and savory biryanis transport diners to the heart of India. Renowned for prioritizing authenticity over ambiance, our eatery has garnered a loyal following among food enthusiasts. Friendly service and generous portions enhance the dining experience, making Chennai Express a must-visit gem for those seeking genuine Indian culinary delights.
- 745 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI 02910, United States Hotline: +1 401-228-0203
Welcome to Chennai Express - Indian Cuisine, a delightful ode to authentic Indian flavors nestled right in Cranston, RI. Located at 745 Reservoir Ave, this hidden gem has quickly become a favorite among locals, offering a truly immersive culinary experience that stands out for its commitment to authenticity over ambiance. Whether you're a long-time aficionado of Indian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Chennai Express promises a flavorful journey that will leave your taste buds dancing.
The menu here is a vibrant tapestry of options, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers and entrees. From the crispy Gobi Manchurian—cauliflower battered and fried to perfection, drizzled with a tantalizing Indo-Chinese sauce—to the rich and creamy Malai Kofta, made with handmade dumplings of paneer and a medley of vegetables, each dish is crafted with care and a deep respect for Indian culinary traditions.
- Vegetarian Appetizers include delights such as the Chilli Paneer and Paneer 65, both offering a wonderful array of spices and textures.
- Non-Vegetarian Highlights feature must-try options like Chicken Manchurian and the classic Chicken Tikka Masala, each dish boasting bold, authentic flavors that do not shy away from heat.
- The Entrees are a celebration of mouthwatering options like Dal Tadka and Dak Makhani, ensuring that every palate finds its match.
Numerous patrons have praised the eatery for its bold spices and generous portions. One regular, Vivek Oommen, shared that among all Indian restaurants he visited, Chennai Express consistently impresses for its dedication to traditional cooking, without the Americanized adjustments. Reviews highlight standout dishes like the Chicken Kadai and the biryanis, especially the Chennai special chicken biryani, which diners describe as phenomenal, bursting with distinct flavors that cater to various spice tolerances.
The atmosphere at Chennai Express is simple yet welcoming—a cozy space accommodating around 16 guests, ideal for take-out or a casual dine-in experience. Staff members are consistently described as friendly and professional, ensuring that your experience is as seamless as it is delicious.
In the world of Indian cuisine in the Northeast, Chennai Express positions itself as a beacon of authenticity and flavor. As one enthusiastic diner put it, “If you’re looking for the best Indian food in Rhode Island, stop searching!” So, whether you're drawn by the alluring aroma of spices or the promise of comforting Indian classics, let Chennai Express guide your culinary adventures. You may just find yourself coming back for more—like Stella Alexandre, who eagerly awaits her next taste of heavenly dishes!
This small yet magnificent venue is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of flavors and a tribute to the rich heritage of Indian cooking. Come hungry, leave happy!

Born and raised in India, I've spent the last three years in Providence exploring various Indian restaurants throughout Rhode Island. Among them, Chennai Express stands out for its exceptional Indian cuisine, a hidden gem that prioritizes authenticity over ambiance, unlike other local favorites like India Restaurant and Rasoi on Hope Street, or Kabob and Curry on Thayer Street. For those seeking authentic Indian flavors without American adjustments, Chennai Express is a top choice. The staff at Chennai Express are both friendly and professional. The wait time is around 10 minutes for appetizers and an additional 15 minutes for the main course, but it's worth the wait. Must-try appetizers include chicken pepper fry, chicken 555, and onion pakoda. For the entrée, we tried the Chicken Kadai, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, and Paneer Kadai, with the Korma standing out due to its rich and creamy gravy. The entrée comes with rice and the price ranges from 15-20. The ambiance is modest yet comfortable.

Delicious! Probably my favorite Indian restaurant in the Northeast. Everything was packed with flavor and the portions were huge too. The spices were all very authentic and I only wish I lived closer so I could order it more often. Don’t sleep on this place!

We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Vindaloo and Palak Paneer. Great Chicken Tikka Masala! You can order with the staff or via an app on the table that goes straight to the kitchen. Smaller place that does more Take-Away orders than dine in but they still have the capacity to seat around 16 people in here. Very good meat for an Indian place. They were good but I like palak paneer better when it’s like chopped spinach instead of spinach smoothie. There’s a full parking lot next to it.

Short review: We got take out and was probably some the best Indian restaurant I’ve had in my entire life (coming from an Indian). Not for those who can’t handle spice though! Full review: We got the paneer tikka masala, gobi manchurian, Hyderabadi chicken curry, tandoori chicken, Chennai special chicken byriyani and goat byriani. Everything was phenomenal. All of these dishes have very different flavors and spice levels and they nailed each perfectly. I can’t recommend the biryani enough and definitely will be coming back the next time In the area!

Small place but a great find with authentic southern Indian cuisine. Been here twice and really enjoyed the South Indian flavors and spices at affordable prices. Tried their vegetarian Manchuria, veg biryani and goat biryani. Biryanis were of hyderabadi style and tasted delicious. Dining area is smaller but nice decor. Must try for southern Indian food and biryani in the area. Staff were friendly too.

The Indian food here was outstanding. Ordered the chicken vindaloo, garlic naan, chicken samosa, mango lassi. So good. Highly recommend.

One of the most accurate and authentic you could get to Indian Cuisine in Rhode Island. I rarely see people here but truly a hidden gem. They don't try advertise like the others. They not trying too hard just the authenticity of their culture. Literally anything off of the menu is perfect.

BEST INDIAN FOOD IN RHODE ISLAND!!!!!!!! If not, New England …. If not AMERICA!!!!!! It’s freaking phenomenal! I love the Malai kofta so much I would marry it if I could. I have it once a week… if I could have it every day I would!!!! Garlic naan is fantastic paired with any dish here! I just love love love Chennai! I’ve also tried Methi chaman and it was incredible! I need to try more dishes here but I just get so obsessed with the ones I love. 1000000/10 here at Chennai - give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed!