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Aruvi Kaara-Saaram

Chakna — Indian Bar Snacks in Leander, TX

In every South Indian village tavern, the chakna (bar snacks) matter as much as the drinks. Ours are bold, fried and built to pair with whatever's in your glass. Complimentary chakna is also served at the bar — availability varies by day.

The chakna menu

"Kalakki Muttai" — Soft Folded Eggs $9Soft folded eggs with salna gravy, onion and cilantro. The bar snack that converts non-believers.
"Half-Boil" — Peppery Sunny Side Eggs $3Though it’s a fried egg, that’s how we call it. Peppery sunny side — the simplest, most satisfying bar bite.
Masala Omelette Spicy$9Onion, tomato, green chilli, cilantro and South Indian spices — the roadside omelette, elevated.
"Chennai Sundal" — Chickpea Bar Snack Vegan$11Spiced chickpeas with coconut, lime juice and spices. Chennai\’s favorite beach snack, now at your bar stool.
"Karaikudi" Chicken or Mutton Chukka Spicy$16 / $20Pan-roasted dry meat with fennel, peppercorn, sun-dried chilies and shallots. Demands a second round.
Spicy Chicken Wings (5 pcs) Spicy$14Crispy frenched winglets tossed in house spicy sauce — bar wings done the Chettinad way.
Spicy Boneless Wings (10 pcs) Spicy$14Crispy breaded boneless wings in house spicy sauce — ten, without the bones.
Chicken Poutine Fries — Indian Style $10Crinkle-cut or sweet potato fries layered with mild spiced gravy, chicken and cheese. Canada meets Chettinad.

Want more than a snack? The full House of Chettinad kitchen — Dindigul biryani, dosas, tandoor — is available at the bar.

Bar snack questions

What is chakna?

Chakna is the Indian word for bar snacks — the salty, spicy small plates traditionally served alongside drinks in Indian taverns. At Aruvi Bar & Grill, chakna ranges from Chennai sundal (spiced chickpeas) to Karaikudi chukka (pan-roasted dry meat with peppercorn and shallots).

Are there vegan or vegetarian bar snacks?

Yes. Chennai sundal is vegan, and vegetarian options include the masala omelette and egg dishes. All items are marked on the menu; ask your server about today's complimentary chakna.

How spicy are the bar snacks?

Dishes marked spicy — the chukka, wings and masala omelette — carry real Chettinad heat from sun-dried chilies and black pepper. Milder picks include kalakki muttai and the poutine fries, and the kitchen can adjust heat on request.