Chennai is a paradise for food lovers, especially those craving authentic South Indian flavors. From fiery Chettinad curries to buttery dosas and sweet treats, the city’s local food scene is both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition. Here are the must-try local foods and the best restaurants in Chennai where you can savor them.
1. Murugan Idli Shop
Why visit: An institution in Chennai, this humble eatery is known for its soft idlis, served with a wide range of chutneys and spicy sambar.
Highlights: – Ghee podi idli – Pongal – Jigarthanda drink
Timing: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹50 to ₹150
2. Rayar’s Mess
Why visit: Tucked away in Mylapore, this old-school mess serves hot, home-style Tamil tiffin items on banana leaves.
Highlights: – Crispy vadai – Ghee roast dosa – Filter coffee
Timing: 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Entry: Dishes from ₹30
3. Buhari Hotel
Why visit: A legendary non-veg spot known for inventing the Chicken 65, this place is a must-visit for meat lovers.
Highlights: – Chicken 65 – Mutton biryani – Parotta with gravy
Timing: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹200 onwards
4. Ratna Café
Why visit: A local favorite since 1948, famous for its generous serving of piping hot sambar poured over soft idlis.
Highlights: – Sambar idli – Masala dosa – Filter coffee
Timing: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Entry: Breakfast sets from ₹100
5. Ponnusamy Hotel
Why visit: If you want to dive into bold, spicy Chettinad flavors, this is one of the best places in town for authentic dishes.
Highlights: – Nethili fry – Mutton chukka – Chicken biryani
Timing: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹250
6. Sangeetha Veg Restaurant
Why visit: A dependable option for South Indian classics, this family-friendly chain is perfect for casual meals at any time of day.
Highlights: – Mini tiffin – Pongal – Thali meals
Timing: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: Average spend ₹150 per person
7. Marina – Sea Food Restaurant
Why visit: For coastal Tamil Nadu cuisine, Marina serves up freshly caught seafood cooked in spicy gravies and grilled to perfection.
Highlights: – Tandoori prawns – Crab masala – Meen kuzhambu
Timing: 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹500 per person
8. Karpagambal Mess
Why visit: Nestled in the lanes of Mylapore, this iconic mess offers simple, flavorful vegetarian fare loved by locals for decades.
Highlights: – Onion uthappam – Lemon rice – Authentic rasam
Timing: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: Items from ₹50 to ₹120
9. A2B – Adyar Ananda Bhavan
Why visit: Famous for its sweets, snacks, and quick-service meals, A2B is a great stop for local food lovers on the go.
Highlights: – Ghee pongal – Badam milk – Indian sweets counter
Timing: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹100
10. The Grand Sweets and Snacks
Why visit: Ideal for takeaway or gifting, this iconic store is known for its rich sweets, savory snacks, and traditional rice mixes.
Highlights: – Puliyodarai (tamarind rice) – Mixture – Mysore pak
Timing: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: Packets from ₹50 onwards
