Visiting Chennai — top 10 dishes you MUST have in Chennai!

By Niveditha Kalyanaraman

August 31, 2023

Image Credit: Pexels

Chennai is not all idlis and dosas. Amidst the stereotypical sambhar and comforting curd rice, Chennai prides on a number of dishes. Here are 10 MUST have dishes in Chennai!

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Jigarthanda

Originally from Madurai but quite popular in Chennai, this is a chilling beverage, famously made with almond resin and ice cream. Keep your mind and tummy cool with this beverage!

Image Credit: Sallu's recipe

Kozhukattai

These are sweet, steamed dumplings with a filling of jaggery and grated coconut and are the perfect dish if you have a sweet tooth!

Image Credit: Sharmis Passions

Bhajjis

A staple favourite of all Chennaites, these are usually green chillies, capsicum, plantain, potato and onion based dipped in batter, fried till crisp. Find yourself drooling over them at Marina beach!

Image Credit: My Dainty soul Curry

Podi Idli

If you're addicted to idlis, this is an innovative dish you mustn't miss out on. Slathered with podi (powder), these soft idlis are amazingly good!

Image Credit: Swasthi's recipes

Fried Fish

A speciality of this coastal city, fried fish served with peanut-based masalas are just the exciting kind of seafood you're looking for.

Image Credit: Vicky Pham

Filter Coffee

If you're in Chennai, it goes unsaid that you'll HAVE to try filter coffee. Try it as a side with dosas, idlis or even as a solo beverage worth taking a whiff of and enjoying slowly!

Image Credit: WhiskAffair

Murukku Sandwich

This crispy, spicy and exclusive dish screams "Chennai" in all its crunchy, tangy flavors.

Image Credit: Cook's Hideout

Mutton Kola Urandai

Home-made minced mutton with spicy masalas — what’s not to love? Give your taste buds a treat with this muttony delight!

Image Credit: Cook with Sharmila

Paneer Water

Not the dairy paneer, but just another nickname for tasty rose water. Gives you the perfect cooling effect for your mind and heart!

Image Credit:  TradeIndia

Sundal

Protein rich chickpeas mixed with veggies and spices, topped off with coconut; they are the perfect snack for when you're hungry or just bored.

Image Credit: Spice Up The Curry