Chennai is a foodie’s fantasy

Rohit Panikker, TNN | Apr 25, 2012, 12.00AM IST

From the classic tea kadai to the fast food joints, Chennai has it all.

The best part about living in an urban metropolis like ours is the diversity, and it does not stop with just the people. Chennai's always been a foodie's paradise. From the crisp dosas and delightful chutneys to the forever-popular street food as well as variety internationalcuisine open to your choice, the city has always one been for those who love and appreciate new tastes and culinary experiments.

From spicy chaats to Burmese food

 
To begin with, the street food trail will take you through the narrow bylanes of north Chennai to the streets of Egmore or Aminjikarai. You don't have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket to feast on good chaat or a sandwich. Of course, no one can resist a round of pani puri followed with a stick of cold kulfi in Nungambakkam or a few spoons of the Burmese Atho (boiled rice prepared with spices and sauces) near the Second Lane Beach road or even a bite from the stuffed toasted sandwiches on Montieth Road.

Kebabs anyone?

 
For those who fancy some inexpensive non-vegetarian food, the row of kebab places on Royapettah would be your best bet! For a city that is home to some of the best educational institutions in the country, these street food vendors enjoy constant patronage from students and young working adults. Why, you ask? When you can snack on anything from the ever-favourite vada and tea combination or a juicy kati roll, each for less than Rs 50, who would really complain?

Seafood still rocks

 
Chef Damu, one of the city's favourite chefs, is in awe of the culinary traditions of this meting pot of spices called Chennai. He says, "If there's one authentic dish that belongs to Chennai it has to be the seafood. "Chennai, being a coastal city, has an abundance of tasty sea food. It doesn't stop at just the small fish. I make excellent shark puttu, which is very popular," beams Damu. And Chennaiites can't live without their spices. Peppers, cumin, fenugreek, coriander ... Name it and we have it!

Good ol' Biriyani

 
Among the non-vegetarians, are you one who shares the south Indian fantasy for biriyani? Well, you are in for a treat! Start from the flavoured Hyderabadi biriyani, the north Indian dum biriyani, the rich Kerala biriyani or even the delicious kuskas you get in the roadside stalls...the list is endless!

But where Chennai stands out is how it caters to its vast population of vegetarians. Sure, there's always the standard idly-dosa-kaapi or saapaad. But you'll be fascinated by what the street stalls can put together for veggies.

So, whether you are one who eats to live or one who lives to eat, this city has everything for you! 

So pick up that plate, and take a long, savoury bite. Bon appetit! Or rather, vaangai saapidalaam!