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Best food in Chennai is a major attraction of tourists. This vibrant city that blends rich traditions with modernity, is a food lover’s paradise. Famous for its authentic South Indian cuisine, Chennai is also home to a variety of regional and international culinary experiences. Whether you’re in the bustling area near Chennai Central, waiting for a flight at the airport, or looking for a leisurely lunch. In this guide, we’ll explore the best food, including the top places for dining, from iconic eateries to hidden gems, serving up the famous food in Chennai that both locals and visitors rave about.
10 Places For Best Food In Chennai
Here is a list of the top must visit places for the best food in Chennai.
1. Murugan Idli Shop
Photo: Harikrishnan N / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Murugan Idli Shop is an iconic eatery located close to Chennai Central Railway Station. Known for its light and fluffy idlis paired with a variety of flavorful chutneys and sambar, this spot is a must visit for anyone craving authentic South Indian breakfast or snack options. Their crispy dosa and vada also make them a local favourite, especially when paired with filter coffee. Murugan Idli Shop has a legacy of serving traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine, making it one of the best food joints in Chennai Central for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Best Time To Visit: Morning and evening
Price: ₹150 – ₹250 for two
2. Junior Kuppanna
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Located near Chennai International Airport, Junior Kuppanna is a top spot for those seeking the flavours of Chettinad cuisine. Whether you’re in transit or just landed, Junior Kuppanna serves some of the best food airport vicinity. Their signature dishes, like mutton sukka and chicken biryani, are prepared with aromatic spices that offer a bold and rich taste. The restaurant’s ambiance is simple, but the food speaks volumes, making it a favourite among travellers who crave traditional nonvegetarian delicacies before or after a flight.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch and dinner
Price: ₹250 – ₹500 for two
3. Sangeetha Veg Restaurant
Photo: Simranjeet Sidhu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sangeetha Veg Restaurant is synonymous with wholesome South Indian vegetarian meals. This restaurant is a perfect spot to enjoy a fulfilling lunch, serving some of the best food for lunch. The restaurant’s South Indian thali offers a delicious array of dishes like sambar, rasam, poriyal, and curd rice, all served on a banana leaf. With its relaxed atmosphere and prompt service, Sangeetha Veg Restaurant is ideal for families, office goers, and tourists alike, ensuring a complete South Indian dining experience at affordable prices.
Best Time To Visit: 12 PM – 3 PM
Price: ₹200 – ₹400
4. Ratna Café
Photo: Faruq Sayyed / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ratna Café, established in 1948, has earned legendary status in Chennai’s food scene. Renowned for its idli soaked in aromatic sambar, Ratna Café has been serving some of the famous food in Chennai for decades. This spot is the goto place for a typical South Indian breakfast or evening snack. Alongside their signature idli, they serve crispy dosas, pongal, and filter coffee that perfectly complement the meals.
Best Time To Visit: Morning and evening
Price: ₹150 – ₹300 for two
5. Marina Beach Food Stalls
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Marina Beach, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offers more than just scenic views—it’s a street food haven. The food stalls at Marina Beach are well known for offering a variety of tasty snacks, such as sundal (spiced chickpeas with coconut), bajji (fried fritters), and roasted corn. The beachside atmosphere, coupled with the delicious street food, creates the perfect environment to indulge in some of the best food. Enjoying a sunset here while munching on these local delicacies is an experience not to be missed.
Best Time To Visit: Evening
Price: ₹50 – ₹100
6. Annalakshmi Restaurant
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Annalakshmi Restaurant offers a unique and spiritual dining experience that focuses on serving traditional South Indian vegetarian food. The restaurant is operated by volunteers and all proceeds go towards charitable causes. With its fine dining ambiance, it’s ideal for those who wish to enjoy some of the best food in Chennai in a peaceful setting. The thalis and a la carte dishes are rich in flavour and prepared with a focus on authenticity. Dining at Annalakshmi is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of culture and service.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch and dinner
Price: ₹500 – ₹1000 per meal
7. Ponnusamy Hotel
Photo: Mohan Babu V / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in the mood for spicy and flavorful nonvegetarian cuisine, Ponnusamy Hotel is the perfect destination. Known for its Chettinad Style dishes, this restaurant serves mouthwatering chicken and mutton curries, biryani, and parottas. Ponnusamy Hotel is popular for its bold use of spices that bring out the best flavours in their food, making it a favourite for nonvegetarian lovers. The rich and hearty meals here make it one of the best spots to indulge in the best food in Chennai for lunch or dinner.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch and dinner
Price: ₹300 – ₹600 per meal
8. Buhari Hotel
Photo: SnapMeUp / Wikimedia Commons
Buhari Hotel is one of Chennai’s most iconic restaurants, known for introducing Chicken 65 to the world. Apart from this famous dish, the restaurant is revered for its flavorful biryani, parottas, and a variety of other South Indian and Mughlai dishes. A dining experience at Buhari Hotel is a must for anyone looking to sample famous food in Chennai. The historical significance of the restaurant, combined with its lip smacking food, ensures that it remains a top choice for both locals and visitors.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch and dinner
Price: ₹300 – ₹700 per meal
9. Saravana Bhavan
Photo: Guilhem Vellut / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Saravana Bhavan is one of the most recognized names in South Indian dining, not just in Chennai, but globally. This vegetarian restaurant specialises in a variety of traditional South Indian dishes, such as dosa, idli, uttapam, and full thalis. Known for serving consistent quality food, Saravana Bhavan is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best food if you’re looking for a quintessential South Indian meal.
Best Time To Visit: Morning, lunch, and evening
Price: ₹200 – ₹500 per meal
10. Komala Vilas
Photo: ঈশান জ্যোতি বৰা / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As, established in 1947, is one of Chennai’s oldest and most beloved vegetarian restaurants. This place offers authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine, with specialties like banana leaf meals, sambar rice, rasam, and filter coffee. Komala Vilas has maintained its traditional values while evolving with time, making it a perfect spot for anyone wanting to enjoy authentic and famous food in Chennai. The simple yet tasty meals are what keep both regular patrons and newcomers coming back for more.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch and dinner
Price: ₹150 – ₹400 per meal
Chennai is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of flavours that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the best food in Chennai Central to the variety of dishes available, the city’s culinary scene never disappoints. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick street snack at Marina Beach or a full course meal at a traditional restaurant, these top places you’ll have a memorable dining experience. Book your trip with TripXL to try the best food.
Cover Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
