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Have you ever tasted amazing street food in Chennai?
Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of the biggest cities in South India. It is a city that is famous for its rich culture and heritage, but not many of us know that it is one of the top food destinations in India. Be it street food or authentic south Indian dishes, Chennai will always be a favourite destination for foodies.
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Let’s check out the best street food in Chennai:-
1. George Town, Sowcarpet
Image source: foodiestech
It is one of Chennai’s busiest and oldest area where you will find the most appetizing food. If you want to have some of the delicious North Indian snacks like kachori, sandwiches, sweets, snacks, and lassi, you will get numerous variations based on taste, flavor, and ingredients. One can find hygienic food at affordable prices.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Kakada Ramprasad Chats and Sweets: Famous for high-quality Mithai (sweets) and large, tasty Samosas.
- Ajnabi Mithai Ghar: Known for specialty sweets and snacks.
- Anmol Mohit Lassi: Go here for the creamy, hand-churned Lassi and Rabri.
2. Anna Nagar
Another well-known street food place in Chennai is Anna Nagar. Now, this place is famous for local street food joints that cater to the needs of people from different communities. Moreover, you will get a unique flavor in all food varieties. In addition, you can find Jigarthanda, one of the popular drinks in Chennai and delicious south Indian dishes.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Vaishnavi Idli Kadai: Known for their distinctive Thattu Idli Podi (large, flat Idli with spice mix).
- Dindigul Thalappakatti: While a restaurant, it’s a key spot in the area for tasting authentic Jigarthanda.
3. Mount Road
Are you craving for some good samosas? Then do visit Mount Road. Here you can get piping hot samosas at very cheap prices and moreover, this place is the best for lassi lovers. Here you can get good lassis to delight your mood. This place is one of the best places to have street food in Chennai.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Devi Theatre/Bombay Lassi: Famous stops for dense, sweet Lassi.
- Richie Street Vendors: Look here for freshly fried, cheap Samosas.
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4. Burma Bazaar
Looking for some delicious Burmese dish? Then you are in the right place. Here you can find varieties of Burmese dishes especially, Atho which is popular street food in Chennai. It is made of noodles served with vegetables. Not only this there are many more Burmese dishes like Bejo, Mohinga, egg noodles, etc.
Specific Stalls to Try
- Look for Atho Man and Atho Corner near the Chennai Beach Station for the most authentic flavor.
5. East Mada Road
Bhajjis, a well-known mouth snacking dish, similar to pakora is a snack that is popular in many parts of India. It is one of the loved dishes for the people of Chennai. Served with spicy chutney and a plate of hot and spicy bhajis is for sure going to boost your mood.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Makk Bhajji Shop / East Mada Road Stalls: Any of the established counters here will serve amazing, fresh bhajis.
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6. Besant Nagar
Besant Nagar is a good place for trying out new dishes, you will get many options with varieties and different types of cuisines. So, if you are in Besant Nagar then do try Sundal. Sundal is one of the popular street foods in Chennai, which is made up of boiled chickpeas mixed with onions and served with coconut granules.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Walk along the Besant Nagar Beach promenade and choose from the numerous vendors selling fresh, hot Sundal.
7. Vepery Road
It is one of the best places to have some delicious street food in Chennai. It’s an ultimate food joint for food lovers with minimal cost of dishes. Moreover, it’s a great place to explore varieties of options with your friends. If you are looking for yummy chats and panipuri then you must give this place a try.
Specific Stalls to Try
- Keshav Chaat House and Hemanth Chats are popular for reliable, hygienic chaat options.
8. Marina Beach
If you are in Marina Beach then how could you miss out on the delicious street foods over here. Marina Beach is famous for its delicious Sundal. Moreover, you will get bhelpuri, panipuri, chaats, bhajis, seafood and many more.
Specific Stalls to Try
- Look for the established food clusters near the lighthouse for the best seafood fries or traditional snacks.
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9. T Nagar
Being in Chennai, how can you forget the dosa? Being the staple and best street food in Chennai, you can get delicious dosa everywhere. Not only that there are other food items like good dhoklas, chaats, etc. You can also find a local dish called Iddiyapam which looks like noodles. North India food also has some options over here specially Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Srinivasan Road: Home to several carts offering crisp, well-made Dosa.
- Mansuk’s Sweets and Snacks: A reliable shop for North Indian snacks like Dhokla and sweets.
10. Monteith Road, Egmore
If you are in Monteith Road, Egmore then do visit Alsa Mall. One of the popular places in Chennai where along with shopping, you can have amazing, delicious street food stalls. Sandwiches and bread omelet here is going to give you absolute joy. Be it any weather, the snacks varieties of this place are going to make your day.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Check out the cluster of street food stalls outside Alsa Mall for the best selection of quick sandwiches and snacks.
11. Thiruvanmiyur
One more beach locality, it is one of the top street food options. You can find all the street food options like kachoris, vada pav, mocktails, spring rolls, dhoklas, panipuri, sundal, and many more. If you are missing North Indian food, then surely try this place.
Specific Stalls to Try: Chaat Adyar (nearby) is famous for its wide variety of chaats.
12. Nungambakkam
A place where you will get yummy panipuri and chat in different food joints. So, if you are in this place then, definitely try panipuri and chats over here. So, all the panipuri and chats lovers don’t forget this place.
Specific Stalls to Try: Look for Karishma Pani Poori Shop or the well-known Nungambakkam Chat Shop stalls.
13. Kilpauk
One more food junction is Kilpauk, a place where you can explore foods specifically into without onions and garlic. You can look for some of the best options over here when it comes to idli, dosa, chats and other snacks.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Dosart: Known for creative and classic Dosa recipes.
- Murugan Idli Shop: While a chain, it’s famous for its soft Idli and variety of chutneys.
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14. Mylapore
If you want to treat yourself, then you should know this place for the best street foods. It gives you wholesome experience catering to the needs of different varieties. If you are here then don’t miss these famous things for which this place is famous for. Especially, Rose milk and samosa are going to delight your heart. Bajjis and Bondas can also be an add on to your plate over here.
Specific Stalls to Try:
- Jannal Kadai (Window Shop): A tiny, iconic spot famous for freshly made Bhajjis and Bondas.
- Kalathi Newspaper Mart: Must visit for their traditional, flavorful Rose Milk.
15. Pondy Bazaar
Pondy Bazaar is one of the markets in T.Nagar where you will get awesome podi dosa, a different kind of spicy dosa. You will commonly find it in the street-side stalls at affordable rates. So, If you want to have this mouth-watering dosa then, surely try these places to get the authentic taste.
Specific Stalls to Try: Look for the Pondy Dosa specialised stalls found across the market for the authentic taste.
So, these were the best street food places in Chennai that you must try. Chennai is the ultimate destination for food lovers from all around the world. Plan a trip to Chennai with your friends and indulge in an amazing culinary street food experience that is sure to melt your heart. Whether you are planning a trip to Chennai, considering moving there, or have just recently moved, finding a comfortable place to stay is essential.
FAQ’s
Dosa, Idli, Vada (known collectively as Tiffin), Filter Coffee, and the spicy street food Atho (Burmese noodles).
There is no official “national dish” of Chennai (or Tamil Nadu). However, the most iconic and staple food is the Idli-Sambar combination.
Parrys Corner is famous for being a major commercial and historical hub, especially known for its busy bus terminus and central location near George Town and the port.
Chennai is known for its rich culture, classical music/dance (Carnatic/Bharatanatyam), and being the gateway to South Indian cuisine and heritage.
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, traditional Tanjore paintings, and local Filter Coffee powder and decoction makers.
Pondy Bazaar is famous for being a major shopping area known for street shopping, clothing, jewellery, accessories, and electronics.
The staple food in Chennai is rice, consumed primarily in the form of Idli, Dosa, and Sambar-rice preparations.
