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Known as the city of great thinkers, musicians, cultural heritage, and perfect beaches, Chennai is also the hub of excellent food options. The capital of Tamil Nadu - Chennai (previously, Madras), is home to several exotic dishes of South Indian or other origin that have acquired a special Chennai touch over the years.
Every city has some must-try delicacies and we bring to you a colourful list of tried-and-loved cuisines from Chennai that will leave you craving them. Let's explore the 10 delectable food items from Chennai that you must try.
10 local dishes that you must try on your next Chennai trip
1. Madras Atho
Atho is a Burmese variety of noodles that has received its Madrasi remake owing to Tamil Nadu’s association with Burma. When Tamilians relocated from Burma to India, they brought back Atho which is now served as the popular dish Madras Atho. It is a type of fried noodles cooked with onion, cabbage and tamarind juice. Atho can be easily found in the many hole-in-the-wall Burmese eateries in Chennai. Take a walk down the Burma Bazaar in North Chennai and enjoy Atho and the other Indo-Burmese delicacies that the street offers.
Where to find: Burma Bazaar, K.K. Nagar
Price range: Rs 100 (for two)
2. Nethili Fry
One of the oldest inhabitants of the city, Chennai's fishing community does excellent work of procuring fresh seafood to meet the daily market demand. Both local households and restaurants purchase seafood in huge quantities every day to cater to the cravings of seafood lovers. A Chennaiyin delicacy that you must try is the all-time favourite seafood dish - Nethili fry. Anchovy or Nethili is a type of fish found in Chennai that is cooked in a spicy masala. This crispy finger-food dish is sure to make your heart content!
Where to find: SS Hyderabadi Biryani, The Marina, C Salt
Price range: Rs 100 - 250
3. Chicken 65
Not many people know that the famous Chicken 65 that features in the menus of most Indian restaurants, had its origin in one of Chennai’s oldest restaurant chains - the Buhari Hotel. Another amusing fact about Chicken 65 is that the number ‘65’ in the dish represents the number of chillies that go into this delicious Chicken item. Whether as a snack, a starter or a main course item, Chicken 65 is always a hit, and a must-try especially when you are in Chennai - the place of its origin!
Where to find: Buhari, Erode Amman Mess (Thiruvanmiyur), Manjal (Teynampet)
Price range: Rs 200-300
4. Sundal
A walk by the beach or watching the sunset near the banks of the sea remains incomplete without something to munch on. But while on one of Chennai’s beaches, you need not worry about this, because Sundal has your back! Sundal is a dish prepared with boiled white chana, grated coconut, raw mango, mustard seeds and curry leaves. It is a refreshing and healthy snack ideal to beat the heat of the city.
Where to find: Beachside eateries/stalls
Price range: Rs. 10-30
5. Sappadu
The highlight of your Chennai trip is bound to be a full-course meal served with love traditionally, on a banana leaf. These Tamil Nadu meals or Andhra meals can be tried at any of the famous and hygienic restaurants in the city. These sumptuous meals will leave you full and with a smile!
Where to find: Amaravathi, Nair’s Mess, Manjal (Teynampet)
Price range: Rs. 60-300 (depending on the place)
6. Biryani
Biryani is a readily available and famous dish across the country but there is something about the biryani in Chennai that makes it exceptional. The Ambur Biryani has outlets across major Indian cities and originated in the town of Ambur in Tamil Nadu. Similarly, the Dindigul version of biryani that is cooked using the small grain seeraga samba rice is quite popular in Chennai and a must-try.
Where to find: Buhari, Ambur Star Biryani, Mylai Biryani
Price range: Rs 150-200 (serves two)
7. Dosai
Found and loved across the South-Indian belt, dosai is a popular all-day available food item that has a flavourful Chennai version. All the famous Udupi hotels in Chennai serve crispy, hot dosai that will satisfy all your cravings. Some of the recommended dosai in Chennai include the ghee dosai, ghee masala roast dosai, and the Mysore masala dosai.
Where to find: Vrindavan Restaurant, Ratna Cafe, Prem’s Graama Bhojanam
Price range: Rs 30-140
8. Mulligatawny Soup
Originating from the Tamil words ‘Milagu Thani,’ meaning, pepper water, Mulligatawny is an anglicised term introduced by the British. The Mulligatawny soup is an iconic dish in Chennai that is made from both traditional and British-introduced ingredients like grated coconut, carrot, apple, and chicken. It is consumed with some rice and its most authentic versions are still served at clubs like the Madras Club and Gymkhana.
Where to find: Malgudi Southern Cuisine Savera Hotel, Anna Nagar East
Price range: Rs 100-150
9. Filter Coffee
A popular beverage across South India and Chennai, Filter Coffee or Filter Kaapi is the perfect concoction of freshly brewed coffee beans and high-fat milk. This frothy mix when served in a tumbler with a small bowl below it (to store the overflowed milk) is sure to refresh you and satiate your caffeine needs.
Where to find: Madras Coffee House, ID Restaurant, Ratna Cafe
Price range: Rs 20-30 (per cup)
10. Mysore Pak
Popularly known as a speciality of the city of Mysore in Karnataka, Mysore Pak is also a famous dessert in Chennai. The Chennai Mysore Pak is prepared in pure ghee and melts in your mouth. If you have a sweet tooth then the Chennai Mysore Pak must be on your list for sure, after all, it's a delightful indulgence!
Where to find: Sri Krishna Sweets, Shree Mithai
Price range: Rs 150-700 per kg (depending on quality)
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