Chennai has a rich heritage and the customs over here are preserved even till today. In our quest to taste the best Tamilian food, we travelled from Mylapore to Triplicane and from Pallavaram to T Nagar.
Chennai’s has a rich heritage and the customs over here are preserved even till today.
In the quest to taste the best Tamilian food, we have travelled from Mylapore to Triplicane and from Pallavaram to T Nagar.
With the help of our local hosts, we visited these food outlets that serves authentic Tamil food which could make you feel one with the Tamils!
All these places are worth the time and the money spent. They say it right, “Listen to the locals”.
Let’s explore!
MYLAPORE:
Rayar’s Mess- This place is a legend. It is one of the oldest eateries and is very popular among the people. The Idlis here are very soft and the Vadas are crispy from the outside and soft inside.
These and other accompaniments like the chutney and sambar are served on a banana leaf. This way of eating on banana leaves with hands is quintessential to the South Indian culture. Then, a cup of steamy Filter Coffee is a must after breakfast (Already feeling like a Chennaite).
Fun Fact- This shop has earned a name for itself over the years. It is not even a fancy place but is always crammed with people. As an obvious result of which you’ll have to have your coffee standing outside. This way everyone gets to have the coffee.
Oh! And also try their Pongal. It is highly appreciated.
Price- INR 100 for two people approximately.
Kalathi Rose Milk Shop- Rose Milk is a must try beverage! It is very basic but is refreshingly luscious. A blend of rose syrup and milk, this drink is served cold.
You can get a bottle of Panneer (Rose Water) for your entire trip.
Price- INR 15 per glass.
TRIPLICANE:
Ratna Cafe- Yet another outlet to try super delicious Idli and Sambhar! Here the sambar is directly poured over two soft idli pieces. The quantity of sambar is so much that it submerges the Idli. That’s an interesting way to eat it.
Sambar- It is a spicy lentil and vegetable soup.
PALLAVARAM:
Ya Mohaideen- Having Biryani with garlic, ginger and tomato as the predominant flavours, means it is from Chennai!
You should try their Mutton Biryani. The quantity they serve is mammoth and it is served on a banana leaf with thick onion Raita and Saalan.
Raita is spiced curd and Saalan is a spicy curry.
T NAGAR:
Buhari Hotel- You should try the Chicken 65 and Campbell Chicken here.
Chicken 65 is big chicken lollipops. It is mildly flavourful and not so spicy. Campbell chicken is a tender piece of mutton in thick onion and tomato gravy. It tastes lip smacking with Lachha Paratha, a layered tandoori roti.
But wait, there’s Jamali Chicken too! It is slightly on the sweeter side and has a nutty taste.
* This place is the first restaurant of Chennai.
Jannal Kadai- For some amazing, fresh and crisp fritters, this is the place to go to! This shop is a small window through which ‘Bhajiyas’ parcels are sold. This place is always crowded owing to its popularity!
