Street Food In Chennai: Unveiling The City’s Hidden Culinary Treasures

The street food in Chennai offers diverse traditional flavours and contemporary treats

Street food in Chennai offers a delightful gastronomic experience with its diverse mix of traditional South Indian flavours and contemporary treats. From crispy dosas to spicy sundal, the streets of Chennai are a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re wandering around Marina Beach or exploring the bustling markets, Chennai’s street food scene never disappoints. Its culinary offerings are not just a meal but an experience of the city’s rich culture and heritage. Embark on this culinary tour to discover the best street food in Chennai, available at every corner.

10 Best Places For Street Food In Chennai

Discover the top spot for street food in Chennai, offering a delicious array of flavours, from savoury snacks to sweet treats.

1. Murugan Idli Shop

 Popular street food in Chennai features soft idlis with delicious chutneys

Photo: Shreyak Singh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Murugan Idli Shop is renowned for its fluffy idlis and spicy chutneys, making it a must-visit for breakfast or a light snack. The idlis are steamed to perfection and served hot, accompanied by a variety of chutneys and sambar. Locals swear by the quality and taste, ensuring you won’t be disappointed.

Location: Various outlets across Chennai, including T. Nagar and Kotturpuram
Price: ₹300 for two

2. Kumarakom Restaurant

The street food in Chennai is known for authentic Kerala cuisine

Photo: Triv.rao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Famous for its authentic Kerala-style dishes, Kumarakom also serves delicious street food options like appam and stew. The unique combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes every dish a flavorful delight. The casual setting adds to the charm, making it a popular choice for locals craving something different.

Location: Mogappair East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Price: ₹150 – ₹250

3. Bombay Chaat

Vibrant spot offers the best street food in Chennai with a variety of tasty snacks

Photo: Sruthi612 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Babu Chaat is a hidden gem in the city, offering a variety of spicy chaats that are a hit among the youth. The tangy flavours and crispy textures of the bhel puri and pani puri are truly irresistible. A visit here will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement.

Location: Anna Nagar, Chennai
Price: ₹300 for two

4. Saravana Bhavan

Iconic restaurant famous for traditional South Indian vegetarian meals

Photo: Kalaiselvi Murugesan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A landmark in Chennai, Saravana Bhavan is famous for its vegetarian South Indian dishes. Don’t miss their crispy dosa and sambar, which are loved by many. The bustling atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.

Location: Multiple branches, including Vepery and T. Nagar
Price: ₹100 – ₹200 for two

5. Lala Jalebi Wala

 Image of delectable jalebi - Famous for quick bites and flavorful local snacks

Photo: Kvr.lohith / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Lala Jalebi Wala is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. The crispy, golden jalebis are made fresh and served hot, drizzled with sugar syrup. Their irresistible taste has garnered a loyal following, making it one of the best spots for dessert in Chennai.

Location: AGS Colony, Ramakrishnapuram, West Mambalam, Chennai
Price: ₹50 – ₹100 for two

6. Anand Stall

Image of a popular snack item from South Indian cuisine - one of the best street food in Chennai

Photo: OdetomyLife / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Anand Stall is famous for its cutting chai and an array of snacks. The crispy onion pakoras and vadas are perfect companions for a steaming cup of tea. It’s a great place to relax with friends and indulge in some delightful street food in Chennai at night.

Location: Egmore High Road, Ansari Estate, Egmore, Chennai
Price: ₹40 – ₹100

7. Chennai’s Food Street

Bustling street food in Chennai offers diverse local food options and delicacies

Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Chennai’s Food Street offers an extensive variety of street food, from rolls to biryanis. You can explore various stalls and enjoy tasting different cuisines. The lively atmosphere makes it an exciting place to visit, especially during weekends.

Location: Thoraipakkam Road, Kovilambakkam, Chennai
Price: ₹100 – ₹200 for two

8. Border Rahmath Kadai

Image of Parotta with Egg Kurma and Onion Slices - Popular for its spicy biryani and hearty Indian meals

Photo: Nundhaa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Border Rahmath Kadai is a unique dish made from shredded parotta mixed with spices and vegetables. This spicy street food is perfect for those looking for something filling and flavorful. The vibrant colours and aromatic spices make it a feast for the senses.

Location: Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai
Price: ₹150 – ₹200 for two

9. Sundal Stalls

Image of street vendors serving delicious, healthy snacks and varieties

Photo: Rengan Visweswaran / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only

Sundal is a popular snack made from boiled legumes, flavoured with spices and coconut. The Sundal Stall offers a healthy yet delicious option for street food lovers. This refreshing snack is particularly popular during festivals and is a must-try.

Location: Found throughout the city, but advised to try them at Marina Beach
Price: ₹50 – ₹100 for two

10. Mithai Mandir

Traditional sweets - Sweet shop offering an array of traditional Indian sweets

Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mithai Mandir is a sweet shop famous for its traditional Indian sweets. Don’t miss their delicious Mysore pak and kesar peda. The sweets are freshly made and packed with flavour, making it the perfect place to end your street food journey.

Location: Shop No. 17, Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani, Chennai
Price: ₹50 – ₹100 for two

Chennai’s street food scene is a delightful experience filled with flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. From savoury snacks to delectable sweets, the variety available is truly remarkable. Whether you are strolling along the beaches or exploring the bustling markets, the street food in Chennai tour will offer you a taste of local culture and culinary heritage. Don’t miss out on indulging in these tasty treats the next time you visit this vibrant city. Book your trip with TripXL to explore more.

Cover Photo: Anonymous / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the best street food dishes include idlis, dosas, chaats, kothu parotta, and sweets like jalebi.
Popular areas include T. Nagar, Marina Beach, and Anna Nagar, which host a variety of street food stalls.
Evening and late night are great times to explore street food in Chennai, as many vendors come alive during these hours.
Yes, Chennai is known for its vegetarian street food options like dosas, idlis, and sundal.
Yes, there are various street food in Chennai tours that take you to popular stalls and help you taste local delicacies.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month