Thu Dec 04 05:56:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article followed by a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

Van Dough Pizzeria and Cafe, originating from Coimbatore, has opened a new location in Chennai at the Alliance Francaise of Madras. The restaurant offers an experimental menu with unique pizza toppings and dishes inspired by the founders’ experiences. The review highlights the cherry tomato and garlic confit, sugarcane chicken, double-fried oyster mushrooms, and various pizza options like ghee roast chicken and beetroot pesto. While some pasta dishes need improvement, the cafe also plans to introduce burgers, sandwiches, brunch options, and desserts. The cafe has seating both indoors and outdoors, with a private dining area for events. The founders are excited about experimenting with local ingredients and creating new menu items.

News Article:

Coimbatore’s Van Dough Pizzeria Makes Impression in Chennai with Experimental Flavors

Chennai, December 4, 2025 – Van Dough Pizzeria and Cafe, a popular eatery from Coimbatore, has officially opened its doors at the Alliance Francaise of Madras in Chennai. The cafe promises a unique dining experience, offering a menu brimming with experimental flavor combinations and dishes inspired by the founders’ culinary journeys.

Located in the space formerly occupied by the Alliance Francaise cafeteria, Van Dough has already garnered attention for its innovative offerings. A recent tasting revealed stand-out dishes like the Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit, a burst of fresh sweetness, and the Sugarcane Chicken, a dish born from a street food vendor’s creativity.

But the star of the show appears to be the pizzas. Diners can expect inventive toppings like sherry leek and potato, ghee roast chicken with kandhari chillis, and a beetroot pesto with mushrooms, a recipe passed down from one of the founder’s mothers. The crust is reported to be perfectly charred.

While some of the pasta dishes are still a work in progress, Van Dough is not resting on its laurels. Chef Pratham revealed plans to introduce a burger, sandwich, and brunch menu in the near future. Dessert options from Paris Plage are also available.

“We can’t wait to experiment,” said Chef Pratham. The founders expressed their enthusiasm for sourcing local ingredients, including the mangoes from the campus, and even starting a herb garden, pending approvals.

Van Dough Pizzeria and Cafe offers seating for 30 in its cafe-library and 20 in it’s picturesque outdoor space, plus a private dining area for events. The restaurant is located at AF Madras, College Road, Nungambakkam. A meal for two is estimated to cost ₹1,500. Reservations can be made by calling 9840894518. It looks like Van Dough has landed with quite an impression.

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