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India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Chennai is a food lover's paradise with its authentic South Indian cuisine, legendary filter coffee, and flavorful Chettinad dishes. It is also a shopper’s haven, offering everything from silk sarees to street fashion and luxury brands. Whether you’re looking for traditional Tamil delicacies or modern shopping experiences, Chennai has something for everyone!
Must-Try Foods in Chennai
|
Dish |
Description |
Best Places to Try |
|
Idli & Dosa |
Soft steamed rice cakes & crispy fermented crepes served with sambar & chutney |
Murugan Idli Shop, Sangeetha, Ratna Cafe |
|
Vada |
Crispy lentil fritters, served with chutney & sambar |
Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Hot Chips |
|
Sambar Rice |
Tangy lentil stew mixed with rice, a staple Tamil dish |
Saravana Bhavan, Komala Vilas |
|
Chettinad Chicken |
Spicy, pepper-infused chicken curry, famous in Tamil Nadu |
Junior Kuppanna, Ponnusamy Hotel |
|
Biryani (Dindigul/Buhari Style) |
Flavored rice with aromatic spices, Chennai's unique biryani style |
Thalappakatti, Buhari, SS Hyderabad Biryani |
|
Parotta with Salna |
Layered flatbread with spicy gravy, popular in Tamil street food |
Royal Sandwich, Ente Keralam |
|
Kothu Parotta |
Minced parotta stir-fried with egg & meat |
Maplai, Madurai Kumar Mess |
|
Paniyaram |
Crispy outside, soft inside dumplings made from dosa batter |
ID (VR Mall), A2B |
|
Jigarthanda |
Madurai-origin milkshake with ice cream & badam |
Famous Jigarthanda, The Old Madras Café |
|
Filter Coffee |
Famous Chennai-style strong coffee, served in brass davara set |
Madras Coffee House, Sri Krishna Sweets |
Best Time to Enjoy Street Food in Chennai: Evening (5 PM – 10 PM) for hot, fresh delicacies!
Best Shopping Places in Chennai
Chennai offers a mix of traditional markets, modern malls, and street shopping, making it a shopper's paradise! Whether you're looking for Kanchipuram silk sarees, handcrafted jewelry, or international brands, Chennai has it all.
Top Markets for Traditional Shopping
|
Market Name |
What to Buy? |
Location |
|
T. Nagar (Ranganathan Street, Pondy Bazaar) |
Kanchipuram silk sarees, gold jewelry, streetwear, footwear, handicrafts |
T. Nagar |
|
George Town (Parry’s Corner, Sowcarpet) |
Wholesale sarees, dry fruits, wedding accessories, budget shopping |
Near Chennai Central |
|
Mylapore |
Temple jewelry, classical dance accessories, religious items |
Mylapore |
|
Pondy Bazaar |
Trendy clothes, handbags, footwear, and accessories |
T. Nagar |
|
Anna Salai (Mount Road) |
Traditional bookstores, handicrafts, antiques |
Mount Road |
Best Time for Market Shopping: Morning (10 AM – 12 PM) or Evening (4 PM – 7 PM) for less crowd
Best Malls for Modern Shopping
|
Mall Name |
Best For |
Location |
|
Phoenix Marketcity |
Luxury brands, food court, multiplex |
Velachery |
|
Express Avenue Mall |
International brands, entertainment, gaming zones |
Royapettah |
|
VR Chennai Mall |
Unique theme-based shopping, dining, live concerts |
Anna Nagar |
|
Ampa Skywalk Mall |
Budget-friendly shopping, food court, cinema hall |
Aminjikarai |
|
Spencer Plaza |
Oldest shopping mall, antique stores, handicrafts |
Anna Salai |
Best Time to Visit Malls: Afternoons (1 PM – 4 PM) on weekdays for less rush
Handicrafts & Antique Shopping
|
Shop/Market |
Best Items to Buy |
Location |
|
Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium |
Tanjore paintings, bronze idols, wooden carvings |
Anna Salai |
|
VTI (Victoria Technical Institute) |
Silk textiles, stone sculptures, Thanjavur dolls |
Anna Salai |
|
DakshinaChitra Craft Shop |
Handmade pottery, jewelry, palm leaf crafts |
ECR Road |
Why Visit Chennai for Food & Shopping?
✅ Authentic Tamil Cuisine – Dosa, filter coffee, and Chettinad dishes.
✅ Silk & Handicrafts Paradise – Famous Kanchipuram sarees and traditional jewelry.
✅ Budget to Luxury Shopping – From street markets to high-end malls.
✅ Local & International Flavors – Street food, fine dining, and global brands.