Flavors of the Streets: Chennai's Top Street Food Picks

1.  Chettinad Chicken:

If you enjoy spicy and flavorful non-vegetarian dishes, don't miss out on Chettinad Chicken. This fiery and aromatic chicken curry is a speciality of the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu. It's typically served with fluffy rice, parotta, or dosa.

2. Pazham Pori:

Pazham Pori, also known as banana fritters, is a popular snack in Chennai. Slices of ripe banana are coated in a batter made from gram flour and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The sweet and savory combination is a delightful treat.

3. Jigarthanda:

Beat the Chennai heat with a refreshing glass of Jigarthanda. This traditional drink is made with a combination of milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla syrup, and ice cream. It's a sweet, creamy, and cooling beverage that's perfect for a hot day.

4. Pongal:

Pongal is a classic Tamil dish made with rice and lentils, cooked to a creamy consistency and flavored with ghee, black pepper, cumin, and cashew nuts. It's often served as a breakfast option and is a comforting and wholesome choice.

5. Atho:

Atho is a Burmese street food that has found its way into the hearts of Chennai's residents. It's a salad made with flat rice noodles, cabbage, and a spicy dressing that includes garlic, chili, and lime. You'll find vendors expertly tossing and preparing this unique dish.

6. Kuzhi Paniyaram:

Kuzhi Paniyaram are small, round, and fluffy dumplings made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. They are a popular snack or breakfast option in Chennai and are typically served with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.

7. Bonda:

Bonda is a deep-fried snack made from spiced potato filling coated in gram flour batter. It's a crispy and savory delight that pairs wonderfully with a cup of piping hot chai.

8. Paruthi Paal:

For those with a sweet tooth, Paruthi Paal is a must-try. It's a traditional Tamil milk dessert made by reducing milk to a thick, sweet consistency and flavored with cardamom. It's often served at weddings and special occasions.

9. Idli and Vada:

No visit to Chennai is complete without indulging in the classic South Indian breakfast combo of idli and vada. These fluffy, steamed rice cakes (idlis) and crispy lentil doughnuts (vadas) are served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. Head to any local eatery or roadside stall, and you'll find this comforting and nutritious breakfast option.

10. Masala Dosa:

Another South Indian favorite, the masala dosa, is a thin, crispy rice crepe filled with a spiced potato mixture. It's often served with coconut chutney and tangy tomato-based sambar. You'll find countless variations of dosas in Chennai, but the traditional masala dosa is a must-try.

11. Chaat:

Chennai's street food scene offers a delightful array of chaat options, including pani puri (also known as golgappa), bhel puri, and sev puri. These snacks are a burst of flavors, combining crunchy textures with sweet, spicy, and tangy tastes. Visit the famous Marina Beach or Pondy Bazaar for some of the best chaat stalls in the city.

12. Kottu Parotta:

Kottu Parotta is a unique and flavorful street food that's a specialty of Chennai. It consists of shredded parotta (layered flatbread) mixed with spices, vegetables, and your choice of protein (chicken, mutton, or egg). The rhythmic chopping of the parotta on a hot griddle is a signature sound at Kottu Parotta stalls.

13. Egg Omelette Sandwich:

A popular grab-and-go option in Chennai is the egg omelette sandwich. A fluffy omelette is prepared with spices and your choice of toppings, such as onions, green chilies, and coriander. It's then placed inside a soft bun or sliced bread, creating a tasty and satisfying sandwich.

14. Sundal:

Sundal is a healthy and wholesome snack that's often enjoyed during religious festivals and by the beach. It's made from steamed lentils or legumes like chickpeas, cooked with coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and garnished with grated coconut and coriander. The combination of flavors and textures is delightful.

15. Murukku:

For those with a penchant for crunchy snacks, murukku is a popular choice. These spiral-shaped, deep-fried snacks are made from rice flour and spices, resulting in a crispy and addictive treat. You'll find vendors selling freshly-made murukku at various street corners.