By now, you must have enjoyed your fair share of idli, dosa, and sambar—the classic South Indian breakfast dishes that are popular all over the world. But there is so much more to the food scene in Chennai than these well-known dishes. Moreover, hassle-free cake delivery in Chennai makes the celebration more memorable. Tucked away in its hidden corners, you can find a treasure trove of culinary delights. Culinary creations that speak of the city’s history, culture, and diverse influences. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, these lesser-known culinary gems of Chennai will leave you savouring every bite.
Another popular food found in Chennai is Chettinad food, which is from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Chettinad food is very spicy and uses a lot of strong spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. The food also includes slow-cooked meats and rich gravies along with many vegetarian dishes.
Try spicy Chettinad chicken curry with freshly ground spices. Chettinad Vegetable Kurma, with mixed vegetables in a creamy coconut-based gravy, tempered with spices, is another must-try. These dishes are generally served with appams or string hoppers.
This is a great snack for a day when you need something heavy and filling. Sundal is a festival snack that we get to eat a lot in Chennai. You can also have it as a quick snack. You can make it with chickpeas, moong dal, or black-eyed peas. You can boil them and then sautée them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, grated coconut, and some chili powder.
Sundal is a protein-rich and flavourful dish. It’s not just a healthy snack but also a true reflection of the simplicity of food in Chennai—where the freshest ingredients leave a lasting impression.
Kothu Parotta is another dish that you must try when in Chennai. It is one of the most popular street foods of Tamil Nadu. It is made by shredding parotta (flaky, layered flatbread) into pieces and then stir-frying them with a mix of vegetables, eggs and spices on a large griddle. You can also find it with chicken, mutton, or beef, so there is something for everyone.
It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the spices make it absolutely irresistible. Kothu Parotta is a crowd pleaser, eaten with raita or spicy chutney. It can be found at roadside stalls as well as posh restaurants, but it is a must-try for anyone who wants to get a taste of Chennai’s street food.
Idli and dosa are the first things that come to mind when we think of South Indian breakfast, but Adai is a savory pancake that should get more credit than it gets. Made from rice, lentils and spices, Adai is high in protein and much healthier than the traditional dosa. The batter is thicker than dosa batter and results in a crispy and golden pancake.
But the best part about Adai is the combinations that you can have with it. You can have Adai with spicy avial or coconut chutney. You can have Adai at any time of the day, but it is most popular as a breakfast dish. It is sometimes topped with a dollop of butter or ghee.
Another dish that doesn’t get much limelight outside of Chennai is Pongal. Pongal is a simple rice and lentil dish that is prepared during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal. It is made with rice, moong dal (yellow lentils) and seasoned with black pepper, cumin, ginger, and curry leaves. It is usually topped with cashews and served with coconut chutney or sambar.
Pongal is savory, a bit spicy, aromatic, and comfort food to most locals. It doesn’t get the international recognition that idli and dosa get, but for its heartiness and richness, it is one of the staple foods in Chennai.
Mutton Sukka is a spicy, dry-fried mutton dish cooked with spices like red chilies, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. The mutton is simmered till it is tender and soaks in all the aromatic flavors of the spices. It is a rich, intense, and spicy dish that goes really well with rice or parotta.
Mutton Sukka is a staple food in the city of Chennai and showcases the love for spicy food here. So whether you decide to eat it at a traditional restaurant or from a street vendor, it’s a great way to sample meaty dishes from the city.
Most of us think of Biryani when we think of Hyderabad or Lucknow, but here is one that you can try at home. Biryani is made here using short-grain rice, so it is slightly firmer in texture as compared to the long-grain rice used in other regions. It is generally cooked with chicken or mutton along with a host of rich spices, fried onions and saffron which gives the dish its golden colour.
Another thing that you will notice about this biryani is the complement—brinjal (eggplant) curry that is served with it. The curry is hot and goes really well with the biryani. This dish is served at most restaurants in Chennai but it is best to get it from a local biryani place.
Filter coffee, if we’re talking about food in Chennai, then we can’t talk about coffee without talking about filter coffee. A favourite in South India, filter coffee is brewed using a traditional metal filter, giving it a bold and rich taste. Served with milk and sugar, it’s the perfect complement to breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Filter coffee in Chennai is a drink and a place to sit in small coffee shops and talk to each other. It’s a part of the city’s life, and one must try it once they come here.
But there’s so much more to this city than just idli, dosa, and sambar! From Chettinad curries to Pongal, Kothu Parotta to Mutton Sukka, the lesser-known delicacies of the city are a true reflection of Tamil Nadu’s food culture. And for those special occasions, remember you can always rely on online cake delivery to add a sweet touch. Whether you’re a foodie or just visiting for the first time, visiting these hidden gems will help you understand the food scene in Chennai, one bite at a time. So, the next time you’re in Chennai, step outside the usual and let your taste buds discover the diversity of South Indian cuisine!
