Walking through Mylapore’s narrow lanes at dusk feels like stepping into a nostalgic postcard. The 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple stands tall as a cultural hub, surrounded by vibrant street food stalls. At Pitchu Pillai Street, locals gather at Rahul Kuzhi Paniyaram to enjoy soft, pan-fried snacks. On East Mada Street, people patiently wait for crispy onion samosas at Sri Karpagambal Kapali Sweets Stall. A little ahead, Karpagambal Hot Boli and Chats serves delicious bolis, a sweet flatbread treat.
Mylapore is known for its classic South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and filter coffee. However, the city’s food scene is much more diverse. Chennai has never been too concerned with creating an image—it lets its food speak for itself.
A City Built on Trade and Flavors
Chennai’s history dates back to the 17th century when the East India Company set up Fort St. George. Traders from Rajasthan and Gujarat settled in George Town, creating the bustling market of Sowcarpet. Here, North Indian flavors blend with Tamil cuisine. Alongside kachoris and lassi, you’ll find unique fusion dishes like murukku sandwiches with chutneys and cheese.
At Kakada Ramprasad, a chaat shop from 1958, the raj kachori is a must-try. The busy streets of Sowcarpet show that food traditions are ever-evolving, mixing old and new flavors seamlessly.
Changing Food Culture
Chennai’s food culture has grown in the past 20 years. Earlier, eating out was rare, but today, the city is home to diverse restaurants. Amethyst Café, a landmark since 2000, serves everything from cheese naan to dal makhani, attracting locals and visitors alike.
With the rise of IT and manufacturing industries, Chennai has welcomed people from across India and the world. The Korean community has brought authentic Korean restaurants, making ingredients like gochujang and ramen common in local stores.
A New Wave of Dining
Chennai’s food scene is evolving beyond its traditional roots. Avartana, at ITC Grand Chola, is a fine-dining restaurant redefining South Indian cuisine. Dishes like Spiced Aubergine and jasmine payasam showcase artistic and innovative cooking.
Non-Vegetarian Delights
Though Chennai is famous for vegetarian food, the city loves its meat dishes. At Nair Mess, tucked near MA Chidambaram Stadium, Kerala-style meals shine. The mildly spiced mutton biryani, crispy seer fish fry, and flavorful prawn masala are comforting and affordable.
Chennai is a city that blends tradition with modern flavors. Whether you love classic dosas or fusion delights, the city’s food will never disappoint.
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