The cultural capital of India, Chennai is popular for its divine culture and lip smoking food. If you think dosa, chutney and idli is the only street food for Chennai, then you must try attractive street food like sundal, mukkuru, etc. Here is the list of the 10 best foods of Chennai which will drive you to grab a bite.
Sundal
Marina Beach – One of the longest urban beaches in the world, is almost an integral part of the city’s identity. It is also the best place to try the famous food- sundal. Generally boiled white gram tossed with mustard seeds, grated coconut, raw mango and curry leaves. Sundal is a traditional snack served during the 10 days of Dussehra.
Pani puri
Although Pani Puri hails from the northern states of the country, Chennai has had an old love affair with this simple, yet delicious street food. Small crispy puffs (puri) are filled with potatoes and served with sweet and minty water syrup (pani).
Bhajjis
There is no chance that you visit any of the beaches or fairs of Chennai and you get to try the delicious fritters. Plants such as potatoes and onions are dipped in a batter made of chickpea flour and served with spicy chutney.
Idli
Idli is a very popular snack in Chennai prepared with a mixture of rice and black gram flour. Idli is usually served with varieties of sambar and chutney.
Bao
Bao has recently grabbed the attention of the people of Chennai. There are only a handful of places that serve Bao. So, if there’s any chance you visit the city, bao is a must-try.
Murukku
A deep-fried, crunchy snack sold on the streets of Chennai is made using rice flour, salt, gram flour and cumin. The snacks are shaped into coils and served with tea. Murukku sandwich, which includes tomato, cucumber and mint sauce, is becoming popular among other street foods.
Uthappam
Uthappam is one of the best-selling street foods in Chennai. Uthappam is made of rice and is filled with all kinds of vegetables like capsicum, tomatoes and cabbage. With sambar and coconut chutney, Uthappam will definitely become one of your favourite South Indian dishes.
Paddu
Locally known as Paddu, Kuzi is a smaller version of Paniyaram Idli, but slightly different and tastier. Made from black lentils and rice solution, the paddus are made in a special mould. Kuzi paniyaram is one of the most popular dishes and locals often make it at their home.
Payasam
There are many varieties of payasam, including rice payasam, sevai payasam, paruppu payasam. This sweet delicacy is made by boiling rice, broken wheat, tapioca, vermicelli with milk and sugar. It is scented with dry fruits. There are lots of places in Chennai that cater to sweet tooths of the people who crave for sweet delights. Apart from that, there are many bakeries that are offering sweets and cake delivery in Chennai for your sweet cravings.
So, these were the top 10 must-try dishes in Chennai. The next time you visit the city do not forget to try even any one of these dishes.
