During a recent trip to Tirunelveli, we had the chance to check out Hotel Apple Tree, a 3-star luxury property that’s part of the Arya’s chain. Our visit was a serendipitous find—we were simply passing by when we decided to stop for dinner. Arriving around 6:50 PM, we were greeted warmly and led to the in-house dining option, the Coriander Restaurant. Although they offered a buffet, we opted for the à la carte menu, hoping for a more personalized dining experience.
The restaurant’s ambiance immediately set the mood for the evening. Dim lighting created a cozy and inviting atmosphere. As we explored the menu, we were impressed by the extensive range of dishes available, including soups, starters, salads, a variety of breads, vegetarian and non-vegetarian main courses, and an enticing selection of desserts. However, the prices were on the higher side, raising our expectations for the meal.
We were welcomed with a traditional paangam drink—a refreshing mix of lemon, mint, and jaggery—and some crispy papads. We decided to order one starter, one salad, two types of bread, one gravy, and one main course. Unfortunately, the experience did not live up to our expectations. Our main courses arrived before the starter, and we were informed that the starter we ordered was unavailable, which was a significant letdown.
We began with the stuffed chicken paratha, which was larger than usual and had a mild, appealing aroma. It was quite filling and tasted good.
Next, we had chapathis with chicken pepper curry. The curry looked appetizing but was served in a disappointingly small portion for the price. The taste was average, adding to our dissatisfaction.
Intrigued by the fusion of Rogan Josh with spaghetti, we ordered this dish. Unfortunately, it was a disaster—a failed fusion experiment that didn’t satisfy. Bhargav, initially hesitant, ended up regretting the decision after tasting it.
Finally, the cheesy prawn salad was served. This dish should have arrived at the start of the meal. It featured grilled prawns, sliced onions, green bell peppers, and was topped with pepper and cheese. However, the prawns were small, and the salad was just okay.
In the end, we were left feeling thoroughly disappointed despite the high prices. We were relieved not to have chosen the buffet, which might have saved us some money. If you’re considering a visit to Hotel Apple Tree, you might want to weigh these factors carefully. Thanks for reading, and we hope this review helps you make an informed dining choice!
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