New Restaurant Kondattam Celebrates Indian Cuisine in Calgary

A new culinary destination has emerged in Calgary, as the vibrant restaurant **Kondattam** opened its doors last month, bringing a taste of India to the city. Located in the **Upten Apartments** building at **1006 1st St. S.E.**, the restaurant welcomed guests with an evening of celebration, complete with wine, cocktails, and lively dance performances. For owner **Sudha Thangavel**, Kondattam represents a long-held dream to showcase her passion for Indian cuisine.

Thangavel is no stranger to the restaurant industry. Her husband, **Saravanan Senniappan**, operates popular establishments like **Big Fish** and **Open Range**. Together, they envisioned a unique dining experience that would stand out in Calgary’s already diverse Indian culinary scene. After thorough planning, Senniappan took on the role of chef, determined to create a menu that reflects the rich flavors of India.

To achieve this, the couple traveled to India to curate a collection of decor and spices for their 80-seat restaurant. They filled a shipping container with exquisite artwork, lighting fixtures, and stone tables, ensuring the ambiance transported diners straight to India. Senniappan emphasized the importance of authenticity in their dishes, stating, “The interior is important, but at the end of the day, people are here for the food.” He meticulously sources fresh spices from various regions across India, believing that quality ingredients are key to capturing the essence of Indian cooking.

Kondattam, which translates to “celebration” in Tamil, aims to provide exceptional service along with a modern beverage program. While traditional options like mango lassi and Kingfisher beer are available, the restaurant also offers a creative cocktail list featuring Indian ingredients such as **Kumbakonam coffee** and black cardamom. The wine selection includes notable offerings from the Indian winery **Sula**, complementing other international choices.

The menu at Kondattam is expansive, showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine from “**Kashmir to Kanyakumari**,” a phrase Senniappan uses to describe the pan-Indian approach. The offerings are thoughtfully curated, featuring snacks like **pani puri** balls ($10) and fried squid with house masala ($18). The restaurant also serves ultra-crisp **dosas** ($10) and five varieties of **naan** ($3 to $7).

One standout dish is the signature **Kondattam curry**, a fragrant blend of **16 spices** from the Karaikudi region in Tamil Nadu, which has quickly become a customer favorite. The tandoor section includes unique items like Atlantic salmon cooked in charcoal tandoor ($24) and Alberta sirloin steak ($26) served in a flavorful tomato butter curry.

The couple’s commitment to authenticity and quality is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. With a steady stream of customers since its opening, Kondattam has quickly become a beloved destination for Calgarians looking for genuine Indian cuisine.

Kondattam operates from Tuesday to Sunday, offering both lunch and dinner services. For reservations or more information, the restaurant can be contacted at **403-453-0078** or through their website at **kondattam.ca**.

In related news, the importance of understanding food sources has led to the popularity of agri-tourism events. The annual **Open Farm Days** will take place on **August 16 and 17**, inviting the public to explore local farms and learn about food production. Visitors can tour renowned farms like **Edgar Farms** and **Spirit Hills flower winery**, among others. A full list of participating farms is available at **albertaopenfarmdays.ca**.

For further updates, Elizabeth Chorney-Booth can be reached at **[email protected]** or followed on Instagram at **@elizabooth**.