Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s capital, is a famous coastal city that is a stunning tourist destination as well. With beautiful scenery and exceptional weather, it’s a perfect summer getaway, especially if you’re looking for some vitamin sea. However, apart from the scenery, there is so much more to Chennai, ranging from delectable cuisine, to historic landmarks to beautiful temples. Chennai is a vast city, with a rich history and heritage, and a culture that has extensively evolved over the years. According to many, Chennai is the gateway to Southern India, owing to its ports and location as a transport hub. Chennai is also quite a diverse city, with people from all over India residing in it. Owing to itsmulticultural population, Chennai turns out to be a really good place for people who are fond of trying out different cuisines.

It is known to serve some of the most authentic South Indian dishes, and you’re missing out if you don’t try some local staples. Steaming idlis, flaky dosas and countless chutneys are all available, along with a hot cup of filter kaapi, but you’ll find that Chennai’s true flavours are hidden away. Immigrants from Burma offer Kauk Swe Thoke, a popular street food dish in Burma, tucked away from many in North Chennai. Another popular delicacy is boli, which is an exceptionally delicious snack. You can also sample some street food in Chennai’s streets, but the real treat is Chennai’s seafood. Since it’s a coastal town, you’ll find the freshest seafood, with 5 star hotels in Chennai dishing out an unforgettable cuisine range. However, if you’re really looking for something authentic and local, then head to a local curry shop, which sells fish, prawn, and lobster preparations.

A few other unique foods include sundal, which is a boiled pulse salad of sorts that is tossed with mustard seeds, grated coconut, tart raw mango, and curry leaves. You can also taste some nethili fry - crisp anchovies fried with a spicy sauce - which is a brilliant accompaniment with a cold beer. With various communities in Chennai, the food culture in Chennai seems to have been significantly influenced. A local favourite is themurukku sandwich, which was created by the Marwadi community in Chennai. A murukku sandwich is like a Bombay sandwich, except the bread in the Bombay sandwich is replaced with murukkus, and voila!

When you visit Chennai, one thing is for sure – you won’t ever go hungry!