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Chennai’s Guide to Soju, Sake and Good Times

Name: Gaia By Off The Record
Address: RK Salai (Cathedral Road), Chennai, Chennai, IN
Price range: ₹2400 for two
Rating: 4.1

District

Oct 19, 2026

4 min

A little pour goes a long way.

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Remember when a night out in Chennai meant beer towers and the usual cocktails on repeat? Things have changed. Somewhere between the K-drama binges and the city's growing love for Korean and Japanese food, soju has found its way onto more tables. Sake, meanwhile, has been quietly moving beyond sushi counters and fine-dining menus into Chennai's buzzing Pan-Asian scene.Quick refresher, in case you've been nodding along at dinner without actually knowing:Soju: Korea's clear, mild spirit, traditionally made from rice or other grains. It's smooth, easy to sip, and pairs particularly well with Korean food.Sake: Japan's fermented rice drink. Delicate and aromatic, it can be enjoyed warm or chilled alongside sushi, sashimi, ramen and other Japanese dishes.What's interesting is how naturally both have found a place in Chennai's dining scene. With its growing appetite for Korean, Japanese and Pan-Asian food, the city has plenty of spots where you can pair your pour with sushi, ramen, grilled meats and izakaya-style plates.These are the spots to know for your next soju-and-sake night.

At a glance

Koox

4.6

Japanese • ₹3500 for two

Nandanam, Chennai

Vibe CheckRooftop & Poolside Seating, Authentic Japanese Robata & Izakaya Dining, High-Octane MixologyThe Ultimate PairingChilly Chicken Skewers

Off The Record

4.4

Continental • ₹2400 for two

Nungambakkam, Chennai

Vibe CheckThemed Musical Nights, Rooftop Seating, Greco-Roman Lounge Vibe, Tamil ThursdaysThe Ultimate PairingGun Powder Fried Chicken

Purple Chameleon

4.4

Continental • ₹3400 for two

Phoenix Market City, Velachery

Vibe CheckNocturnal Botanical Lounge Vibe, Neon-Lit Energy, Dance Floor, Open-MicThe Ultimate PairingBeet and Pickle Croquettes

Aura - Hotel Radha Regent

4.0

North Indian • ₹2100 for two

Radha Regent, Arumbakkam

Vibe CheckWeekly Theme Nights, Live Music, Courtyard Seating, Pool TableThe Ultimate PairingSchezwan Chilli Fish

Gaia By Off The Record

4.1

Asian • ₹2400 for two

RK Salai (Cathedral Road), Chennai

Vibe CheckElectronic & Niche Music, Open-Air Rooftop, Sunday Sundowners, Techno Star NightsThe Ultimate PairingLasooni Jhinga

Koox

4.6

₹3500 for two • Japanese

Nandanam, Chennai

If you’re looking to sip sake and soju under the stars while taking in Chennai’s skyline, KOOX at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road sets the ultimate stage. Perched high up in Nandanam alongside an open-air pool, this rooftop restobar blends alfresco chic with plush velvet and gold accents.You can pair your drinks with authentic Japanese Robata charcoal-grilled skewers and Izakaya small plates, or try their theme-driven "Kooxtails" designed to complement the rich, smoky flavors. As the night unfolds, the venue smoothly transitions into a high-energy lounge with live DJ sets. It's the perfect spot to gather your favorite group, order a round, and soak in the vibrant party vibe!Vibe Check: Rooftop & Poolside Seating, Authentic Japanese Robata & Izakaya Dining, High-Octane MixologyThe Ultimate Pairing: Chilly Chicken Skewers

Flat 30% OFF + Free Welcome drink(s)

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Off The Record

4.4

₹2400 for two • Continental • Asian

Nungambakkam, Chennai

If you’re looking to sip sake or soju while soaking in one of Nungambakkam's most energetic nightspots, Off The Record (OTR) by The Thief delivers an unforgettable multi-floor experience. Downstairs has a cool dive bar feel with pop art murals, perfect for enjoying custom drinks and Asian fusion bites.Upstairs, the high-energy dance floor comes alive with Tamil Thursdays and Bollywood nights, while the breezy rooftop offers a relaxed escape. With trippy neon lights and bold red-and-black decor, it's the ultimate spot to gather your squad, order a round, and party!Vibe Check: Themed Musical Nights, Rooftop Seating, Greco-Roman Lounge Vibe, Tamil ThursdaysThe Ultimate Pairing: Gun Powder Fried Chicken

Flat 35% OFF

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Purple Chameleon

4.4

₹3400 for two • Continental • North Indian

Phoenix Market City, Velachery

For an experience of sipping craft cocktails, sake, or soju in a space that completely changes mood with the clock, Purple Chameleon is the ultimate hot spot. True to its name, this upscale resto-bar shifts from a relaxed daytime hangout into an electric, high-energy lounge bathed in purple light, glowing neon art, and birdcage lanterns. Their mixologists serve up visual liquid art with signature drinks, alongside ever-evolving food menus ranging from Japanese sushi to Mediterranean grills.Vibe Check: Nocturnal Botanical Lounge Vibe, Neon-Lit Energy, Dance Floor, Open-MicThe Ultimate Pairing: Beet and Pickle Croquettes

Flat 10% OFF

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Aura - Hotel Radha Regent

4.0

₹2100 for two • North Indian

Radha Regent, Arumbakkam

Set inside Radha Regent in Arumbakkam, Aura – The Lounge Bar offers a quiet, warm escape framed by Art Nouveau accents and light beech wood furniture. It’s a great spot to sip sake, soju, or craft cocktails over a corporate catch-up or a relaxed evening out.Instead of DJ tracks, it sets the mood with nostalgia-fueled live music events like their "Kollywood Kondattam" Fridays and "Sensational Saturday" melodies. Drop by for a melody-filled night out with great drinks and zero rush!Vibe Check: Weekly Theme Nights, Live Music, Courtyard Seating, Pool TableThe Ultimate Pairing: Schezwan Chilli Fish

Flat 10% OFF

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Gaia By Off The Record

4.1

₹2400 for two • Asian • Italian

RK Salai (Cathedral Road), Chennai

Trade the dark indoor club scene for a lush, open-sky forest escape at Gaia By Off The Record. This rooftop destination brings a nature-inspired earth vibe to Chennai's nightlife, making it the perfect backdrop to sip sake or soju under the stars.It's a huge hub for niche electronic music, filling the air with House, Progressive, and Techno beats for its iconic Sunday Sundowners. Switch between the high-energy party downstairs and the relaxed rooftop energy upstairs while enjoying artisanal wood-fired pizzas, global bites, and craft drinks.Vibe Check: Electronic & Niche Music, Open-Air Rooftop, Sunday Sundowners, Techno Star NightsThe Ultimate Pairing: Lasooni Jhinga

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Planning Your CrawlTrying to hit all of these in one night is ambitious, even for us. Here's how to actually make it work:Book ahead on weekends. Popular Pan-Asian restaurants and bars can fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights, especially around dinner. A quick call beforehand can save you the wait.Pace your sake. Sake can be deceptively easy to drink. Order food alongside your pours and take your time instead of treating it like a quick shot.Know your soju options. Depending on the spot, you'll find classic soju, flavoured varieties or soju-based cocktails. If you're new to it, ask your server what pairs well with your food.Pair your drinks with food. Korean fried chicken, kimchi, grilled meats, sushi, sashimi and small plates can all make good companions for your drinks.Download the District App to reserve your table, enjoy the latest offers, and discover your next favourite spot.