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Deriving its name from the very action that is key to its preparation, Tamil Nadu’s kothu parotta enjoys quite the legend across various parts of the state. Encapsulating the essence of street food which is unlike the white-washed perception of steaming idlis and crisp dosas – although they might be integral to the breakfast culture – the scramble of kothu parotta is robust, spicy, savoury and above all, a heady combination of textures ranging from crisp to chewy to soft. Typically made by shredding flaky parottas and cooking them on a hot flat iron with onions, tomatoes, chillies, eggs and a kurma gravy, the delicacy also omits the eggs or sees the addition of shredded chicken based on personal preferences.
Consumed as a snack or for a meal, the kothu parotta is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka and found its way to the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu – where it is largely popular for being filling and indulgent. What was essentially conjured as a smart way to use up day-old parottas, became a cheap offering in the Tamil-populated regions of Trincomalee and Batticaola during the 70’s. Also known as kothu roti, the preparation is best enjoyed right off of the pan, served on a plate lined with a banana leaf and eaten with ones hands.
We’ve rounded up a list of places, with a little help from foodies who grew up in the city, to have you find yourself the best kothu parotta experience; and for a quick bite, of course!
Nandhini Mess – Recommended by @walk_with_foodie_girl
Known for its delicacies like chicken cooked in a curry leaf masala, Nandhini Mess also serves up a lip-smacking kothu parotta containing scrambled eggs. Shreds of flaky parotta are placed on a pan along with onions and chillies, before eggs are cracked open over them – followed by a blanket of salna gravy – the ultimate treat when you want a savoury snack or meal.
Phone Number: 7200909521
Address: Shop F, Kashyap Enclave, Velachery Main Road, Velachery, Chennai
Cost for two: ₹200
Available Cuisines: Hyderabadi, North Indian
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Snacks
Sri Raghavendra Mess – Recommended by Umesh (@food_chemist_chennai)
If you’re a vegetarian and find yourself frowning at this list, fret not! Sri Raghavendra is a haven for those who want a taste of the famous kothu parotta but without the meat or eggs. Raghavendra’s version – which includes a medley of cauliflower and peas – unless you order their uthiri paneer version which has cubes of the soft cheese, is tossed along with dry spices and a vegetable gravy holds up against its non-vegetarian counterparts.
Phone Number: 7680050003
Timing: 7am – 11pm
Address: 23/36, Battachari Street, beside Muthu Vinayagar Temple, Ramanuja Nagar, United India Nagar
Cost for two: ₹250
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sri Karpagam Chettinad Hotel – Recommended by E Sivathanu (@travelandtastey)
Flaky parotta shredded by hand, diced onions and tomatoes as well as a slow-cooked chicken curry are some of the secrets to getting a fabulous plate of kothu parotta at this eatery. The real treat? Watching your kothu parotta meal coming together on the flat iron that is seasoned to perfection as a result of being used over a period of time!
Phone Number: 9092441199
Address: Old 43/2, New 52/2, 11th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai
Cost for two: ₹100
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast
Stall Opp. Old Brand Factory – Recommended by @the_vogue_traveller
A non-descript stall dishing out Chennai’s popular street food makes for an unsurprising addition to this list, for its ‘top notch’ chicken kothu parotta. Served with a side of the salna gravy that is used to make the dish, the preparation is flavoured heavily with curry leaves and onions. The standard portion – which easily serves two – is open until the wee hours, just in case a late night snack craving must be satiated.
Timing: 5pm – 3am
Cost for two: ₹180
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Snacks
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Sri Pandian Hotel – Recommended by Jehosh J (@foodtastingmission)
Unlike the other eateries which offer loaded versions of the kothu parotta, Sri Pandian’s version is rather simplistic in preparation style and flavour. Using a runnier salna gravy and minimal spices, this egg kothu parotta allows each ingredient to shine through – resulting in a relatively dry preparation compared to the others. Finished off with a dash of black pepper for an extra punch, the small portion is ideal for when you want a light snack.
Phone Number: 9094025589
Timing: 12pm – 11pm
Address: 8/9, AR Street, Janaki Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai
Cost for two: ₹250
Available Cuisines: South Indian, Chettinad
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Madurai Sri Muniyandi Vilas – Recommended by Jehosh J (@foodtastingmission)
If the biryani and mutta poriyal at Muniyandi Vilas isn’t enough to get your attention, their kothu parotta combo will surely leave you coming back for seconds. The meal – which includes a portion of egg kothu parotta, a muttai kalakki – Madurai’s runny, soft omelette – and a few pieces of the fiery chicken 65 – all priced at a mere ₹100! A must-visit spot for carnivores, this eatery is perfect to visit when you have a large appetite.
Timing: 11:45am-10:45pm
Address: Park Dugar, Ramapuram, Chennai
Cost for two: ₹400
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Snacks
NS Thoothukudi Poricha Parotta – Recommended by Ragavan Padmanathan (@the.dining.chennai)
Touted to be a local favourite spot to find some of the most delicious kothu parotta in the city, NS Thoothukudi Poricha Parotta’s making of the dish is a sight to behold. Starting off with the usual suspects of chopped onions, tomatoes, curry leaves and salna gravy, a big hunk of cooked chicken is then added on top, before it is shredded using the same method. The crisp parottas and the rest of the soft mixture offer a great textural contrast to elevate the experience.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/74b2gLX75wqzAgqHA
Phone Number: 9677073927
Timing: 10am-10pm
Address: 13, Mettupalayam, West Mambalam, Chennai
Cost for two: ₹300
Available Cuisines: South Indian
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
