Welcome to the City Foodie Guide, an exclusive series by Times Foodie where we dive fork-first into the best food experiences in cities across India. With the help of local foodies, bloggers, and experts in their city’s culture, we’re rounding the best places to eat – from hidden street food treasures to the local haunts only insiders know, right up to the historic must-eats that you simply can’t miss. Stay tuned for personalised guides that will help you eat better wherever you go.
Chennai- a city renowned for great food and vibrant culture. The city’s diverse culinary landscape provides a unique experience for diners to savour flavourful dishes from the cuisine. From Chettinad chicken to dosa, there is an array of ingredients that can satisfy your tastebuds with every bite. The food markets of Chennai like Anna Nagar, sowcarpet and more are not only charming but deemed to offer delicious food as well. But nothing can beat the recommendations of the city’s food bloggers. In a recent conversation with Times Foodie, 5 City bloggers recommended their hidden gems and go-to dining spots which you can add to your food itinerary before visiting Chennai. Savour the authentic flavours of this coastal gem with the blogger’s recommendations and make the most of your trip.
Nisha Nivedha (@the.chennai.foodie)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Chennai must try?
According to me, some of the must-try street foods in Chennai include Sundal (especially on Marina Beach), Kothu Parotta, Atho (a Burmese street food found around George Town), Jigarthanda, Bhajjis on the beachside, Fried Rice/ Noodles at Marina, Ghee Podi Uthappam at Seena Bhai and Jalebi at Kakada Ramprasand for a complete taste of the city.
What are your go-to hang-outs in the city?
For a chill evening with friends’ head to Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot’s Beach) for a change. Some other hang-out spots according to me are Express Avenue for shopping and cafes, Theosophical Society for a quiet escape in nature, Amethyst Café for a serene ambience and great coffee and Anna Nagar Tower Park for great food and a relaxed outdoor vibe.
Are there any hidden gems in Chennai that one shouldn’t miss?
To explore the bustling city’s delightful food head to Chamiers Café for a cosy café experience and DakshinaChitra to explore South Indian heritage.
Worst street food you have tried in the city?
This can be subjective, but I once had a not-so-great experience with overly spicy roadside Pani Puri. The flavours were just too overpowering, but it might have just been that vendor!
Which areas of Chennai are best for exploring food?
For best food experiences in Chennai, explore Sowcarpet for North Indian chaats and sweets, T. Nagar and Pondy Bazaar for a variety of South Indian and street food, Besant Nagar for seaside food joints, Mylapore for traditional South Indian delicacies, Anna Nagar for trendy cafés and eateries, East Coast Road (ECR) Plenty of restaurants and cafés along the coast and last but not the least, Adyar A peaceful area with classic South Indian restaurants like Sangeetha.
Also Read: Five Kochi’s Oldest Outlets You Need To Visit During Your Kerala Trip
Jehosh J (@foodtastingmission)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Chennai must try?
Everyone must try Maggi Tiffin Centre Tirumangalam- 300rs seafood platter – affordable Sandys kitchen, marina beach- can sit on beachside over a bedsheet and try foods Sellam milk depot – gulab jamun for a refresh from the busy life.
What are your go-to hang-outs in the city?
When it comes to my favourite hangout spots, Writers’ Café, VR Mall and Vee’s Café in Ramapuram have become my absolute favourites. I like exploring new eating joints but these are my favourites as of now.
Are there any hidden gems in Chennai that one shouldn’t miss?
Chennai is a street food haven for all the food explorers. You can explore Nair mess, arasi mess for a change with your friends and family.
Worst street food you have tried in the city?
When it comes to the worst street foods, according to me fish stalls on Marina Beach must be avoided by every diner or food explorer.
Which areas of Chennai are best for exploring food?
For authentic dishes and street food experiences, Anna Nagar is best for exploring food. The destination offers fantastic food with trendy cafes for delicious meals with your family and friends.
Thamizhan P (@sooda_enna_irukku)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Chennai must try?
According to me atho, kallan fry, mutton leg soup & chicken pakora, fisherman’s famous atlappam (kasimedu) and kakada Ramprasad Badam milk are some of the must-try foods. Everyone should try the badam milk for a hearty start to the day.
What are your go-to hang-outs in the city?
Although I love exploring new eating joints and food dishes, Anna Nagar Kora food street, Pattanipakam Seashore seafood stalls and Tiruvanmaiyur RTO beach food street for affordable and good-quality food.
Are there any hidden gems in Chennai that one shouldn’t miss?
Chennai is loaded with many food joints and for someone who wants to explore the city’s famous and perfect hidden joints with family and friends, Kailash kitchen momos, and Royapettah are some of my recommendations.
Which areas of Chennai are best for exploring food?
For the perfect food experience, you can explore Pallavaram, Anna Nagar, Royapettah, periyamedu and Sowcarpet for a cosy ambience and quality food. With affordable pricing, you can treat your friends for a change.
Also Read: Italy To India: 7 Best Cafes For Tiramisu Lovers In Delhi NCR With Your Friends
Priya (@Chennaifoodcommunity)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Chennai must try?
If you are exploring Chennai’s food then don’t forget to try samosa and jalebi from Bombay lassi, fresh seafood from Besant Nagar, and Beach fish stalls Lassi from Jam Bazaar Lassi shop for a hearty meal with your family and friends.
What are your go-to hang-outs in the city?
According to me, some of the best hangout spots include Kora Food Street, Anna Nagar and Food Court at Aerohub for a wide variety of foods. You can explore trendy cafes at Anna Nagar for a change.
Are there any hidden gems in Chennai that one shouldn’t miss?
Chennai is loaded with hidden gems but some of my favourites include Basha halwa wala, triplicane for delicious halwa and Hot chocolate and a sandwich from Buddha Hut, pallavaram. If you planning to savour hearty dishes, then head to these destinations.
Worst street food you have tried in the city?
I would not say that you will find good food everywhere but the food eateries from the platform of Egmore and central railway stations can’t satisfy my palate. So, I wouldn’t recommend trying anything from there.
Which areas of Chennai are best for exploring food?
For the best food experiences, Sowcarpet is one of the best places in Chennai for delicious and affordable food. You can take your family and friends there for quick meals.
Manikandan S (@thatfoodieguy._)
What are the famous must-try street foods every person in Chennai must try?
Chennai is a treasure trove for the foodies and Burmese atho parrys corner, Venkateswara poli stall mambalam, Bombay lassi triplicane, Dhashamakan meals and Sowcarpet chaats are some of the foods everyone must try during their visit.
What are your go-to hang-outs in the city?
I’ve so many hangout spots and some of my favourites are VR Mall, Annanagar, ECR Beach and Besant Nagar Beach for affordable and good-quality food. These destinations serve finger-licking dishes that will definitely make you crave more.
Are there any hidden gems in Chennai that one shouldn’t miss?
Chennai is packed with food destinations but for all the food enthusiasts, my recommendations include Theosophical Society Adyar and Madhavaram Botanical Garden for good quality food.
Worst street food you have tried in the city?
According to me, everyone must avoid street shawarma as it causes health issues. So, shawarma must be avoided while you’re exploring food options in Chennai.
Which areas of Chennai are best for exploring food?
For the best street food, Sowcarpet is unbeatable. You can explore Royapettah, Besant Nagar, Annanagar, Tnagar, OMR and ECR for delightful food options. For a perfect dining experience, head straight to Anna Nagar and take a walk through trendy cafes for great pictures.
