Iconic & Heritage Eateries Trail In Chennai
Embark on a gastronomic adventure through the historic streets of Chennai, where the past and present converge in a symphony of flavours. While these eateries do not have the official heritage tag, they are widely regarded by locals and food connoisseurs for their historical and cultural significance. These establishments have stood the test of time, preserving the essence of Chennai's diverse food culture and offering a unique dining experience that transports you to a bygone era.
*Some restaurants listed in this trail serve non-vegetarian food, but have been added because they have good vegetarian options on their menu as well.
Rayar’s Mess
A great spot for home-style Tamil food, Rayar’s Mess offers all the classics and more. It’s best known for its sambhar which is savoury with a hint of tart flavours. The mess is around eight decades old and hasn’t really changed its menu a lot over the years. It’s the most crowded during the breakfast and lunch rush as people flock to the venue for their economically priced foods. It offers a nice break from the fine-dining and fast casual places that have cropped up over the years and most local fodies crave its signature flavours.Ratna Cafe
The establishment has been around since 1948 and is bustling with customers due to its widespread popularity. My group and I ordered sambar idli, Rava Dosa, Masala Dosa, and Coffee. The sambar was noticeably darker and had a thick consistency. The idlis were soft and fluffy, and the dosas were good too. The hospitality was good, and my family enjoyed the Sambhar Idli, despite the slight delay in delivery.Karpagambal Mess
Established in 1953, Karpagambal Mess is a legendary eatery located in the bustling neighbourhood of Mylapore. Known for its authentic South Indian cuisine, this humble establishment has been serving generations of loyal patrons who flock here for their daily dose of steaming hotidlis, crispydosas, and mouth-wateringvadais. The aroma of freshly ground spices and the sound of sizzlingtavatransport you to a time when traditional recipes were passed down through generations, and every meal was a celebration of flavours and textures.Hotel Saravana Bhavan
With its roots dating back to 1981, Hotel Saravana Bhavan has grown from a modest eatery in Chennai to a global chain of vegetarian restaurants. Despite its international presence, the heart and soul of Saravana Bhavan remain firmly rooted in the city's culinary traditions. The restaurant's extensive menu features an array of South Indian delicacies, from fluffyidlisand crispdosasto flavourful curries and aromatic biryanis. The commitment to quality and consistency has earned Hotel Saravana Bhavan a loyal following and a place among Chennai's heritage eateries.Mami's Mess
Mami's Mess, a quaint eatery in Mylapore, has been serving traditional Tamil Brahmin cuisine since the 1950s. The menu at Mami's Mess features simple yet delicious vegetarian fare, including Adai Avial, Vazhaipoo Vadai, and Kootu. The eatery's dishes are prepared using age-old recipes and techniques, ensuring an authentic taste of Tamil Brahmin cuisine. The unpretentious ambience and warm hospitality at Mami's Mess make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Chennai's culinary heritage.Ponnusamy Hotel
Hotel has multiple locations throughout Chennai, but the one on Jaganathan Road in Nungambakkam is where you can get the renowned 32-inch Baahubali Thali. This is the ultimate food challenge that every foodie should try at least once because there are more than 50 dishes up for belting.
