Chennai - Dining

All Travel Guides

Dining

Chennai

Provided by: gagarych/Shutterstock.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Asia India Chennai Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-08-06

South Indian cuisine, often reflecting Dravidian traditions, features an array of mainly vegetarian dishes typically eaten with steamed rice. Tamil cuisine, known for its bold use of spices, aims to balance all six tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, astringent, and pungent—in a meal. A traditional Thali sometimes served on a banana leaf, is a feast of diverse flavours and textures, so observing local dining etiquette can be insightful.

In Chennai, the term 'hotel' frequently denotes a restaurant, and signage will usually indicate whether meat is served.

While upscale hotels often house excellent restaurants with lavish lunch buffets, the street stalls offer an equally rich culinary experience. Be sure to explore different times of day, as some dishes are exclusive to breakfast or night-time dining.

Murugan Idli Shop (T. Nagar)

Murugan Idli Shop (T. Nagar)

This is another chain of restaurants, with three different locations in Chennai. Famous for its idly – an Indian savoury cake, similar to semolina, served with coconut and sambar – and its dosa, a crepe, usually filled with potato curry, made from rice and lentils. This place serves some of the best South Indian food in Chennai.

Barbeque Nation

Barbeque Nation

The restaurant is primarily known for its barbecue, but vegetarians will surely not find themselves at a loss either. Their unique live grill concept allows you to barbecue your own skewers of succulent meats, paneer, and fresh vegetables right at your table, plus a sumptuous buffet spread that includes appetisers, main courses, and desserts.

Ponnusamy Hotel

Ponnusamy Hotel

The obvious choice for food from India’s Chettinad region, this restaurant is definitely one of the best in Chennai. It offers a great selection of meat and strictly vegetarian dishes, with its seafood specialties being a popular choice.

Bayleaf

Bayleaf

Since 1997, Bayleaf has been a cherished gem in Chennai’s culinary scene, celebrated for its authentic Bengali and North Indian cuisine. Specialising in traditional dishes such as Bengali fish curry and North Indian kebabs, the restaurant combines time-honoured recipes with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Bayleaf’s carefully curated menu also features a selection of unique regional specialities and homemade sweets that provide a tasty end to your meal.

Cream Centre

Cream Centre

Renowned for its eclectic and inventive menu of vegetarian fare, Cream Centre masterfully blends traditional Indian flavours with global influences, offering a tantalising array of dishes that range from pasta and pizza to chaat and curries. The modern yet warm interior creates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Notably, their signature dish, the 'Cream Centre Special Sizzler', is a must-try for its bold flavours and theatrical presentation.

Pan Asian

Pan Asian

Pan Asian offers an upscale dining experience and is a perfect venue to go for a special occasion. Request to be seated by the open kitchen and observe the culinary masters in action.

Dakshin

Dakshin

The restaurant enjoys a spotless reputation and serves superb South Indian food. The owners have invested as much thought into the restaurant's interior as into the constantly updated menu.

Next section

Next Section