The joy of dining at pre-independence eateries like Rayars Mess in Mylapore, Chennai, lies in the timeless experience they offer. These humble establishments, often tucked away in narrow lanes, have been serving generations with dishes that embody the essence of local cuisine. This eatery, has been a beloved spot for over 84 years, where people flock for its iconic pongal—a savoury rice and lentil dish that's a breakfast staple in Tamil Nadu.
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Despite the modest ambience and the occasional wait times, patrons are drawn purely by the unmatched flavours of the authentic South Indian eats like vada, uttappam, dosai, pongal, and more that are mostly served on plantain leaves with two kinds of chutneys and sambar. Many don't mind enjoying their meal standing on the street, savouring the history and authenticity that only a place like Rayars Mess can offer. It's not just about the food; it's about a taste of the past. The secret to Rayar's Mess's enduring success lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. That's not all. All the meals are served piping hot and fresh at anytime that you pop by for a quick bite. A visit to this heritage eatery is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Chennai's culinary history.
The Humble Beginnings Of Rayar's Mess
Rayar's Mess is an iconic eatery with humble beginnings, founded in 1940 in Mylapore, Chennai. It started as a small, family-run establishment serving traditional South Indian dishes. The restaurant was established by P.V. Srinivasa Rao, who hails from Karadipakkam in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. Originally located on Kutchery Road, the eatery moved to Arundale Street in 1992. The first Rayar Cafe, as it was initially known, was renamed Rayar’s Mess in the 1970s, and it has since become a beloved spot for authentic South Indian cuisine. This iconic restaurant has been passed down through the Rao family, with Rao's son Padmanabha Rao taking over the business, and later Padmanabha's sons P Kumar and P Mohan, who currently run the place.
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What Makes Rayar's Mess So Famous?
Rayar’s Mess is famous due to several factors. First is its food, which is simple and has incredible flavours. The idlis are soft and fluffy, the dosas are crispy and golden, and talking about their pongal, it is such a comforting bowl of goodness. Its menu is limited and includes idli, vadai, and pongal for breakfast and sweets, bonda, and dosa as their evening tiffin offerings. These items are served on the banana leaf with delectable coconut chutney, defining their authenticity and tradition as key. Another major highlight is their filter coffee, which is strong, aromatic, and the perfect accompaniment to each of their meals.
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In addition to its quality food, Rayar’s Mess is also known for its affordability; from idily to ghee dosai, the price range of each item falls under INR 30 to INR 60 rupees in the menu. This reasonable price distribution of food items by this iconic restaurant makes it accessible to a wide range of local patrons, from students and families to office professionals who can grab a quick bite before work kicks in for the day.
Famous Personalities Who Have Visited Rayar's Mess
The mess has hosted several celebrities from various walks of life and the Tamil film fraternity like Suriya, Sivakarthikeyan, Simbu, Santhanam, Gautham Menon, and Vasanth, who often stop at the Rayar's Mess for a hearty breakfast.
Not only this, but the iconic restaurant has also attracted several famous and well-known personalities in the past, such as MG Ramachandran (former chief minister of the state), Nagesh, Cho Ramaswamy, and others.
Today, this family-run business has two present owners, the Padmanabhan brothers, Kumar and Mohan. According to them, it was word-of-mouth publicity that made their establishment famous and made it a must-visit spot for foodies.
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Additionally, there is a tip for you when visiting Rayar's Mess: it's not uncommon for first-timers to struggle a bit in finding this hidden gem tucked away in Mylapore, Chennai. The eatery is well-known among locals, so don't hesitate to ask for directions. Alternatively, following Google Maps should guide you straight to this iconic spot where you can enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine.