chennai food

by Propagandhi711 Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:20 pm

I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

by Guest Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:50 pm

Why veg? Try some non-veg food in Chennai. First, try some Chettinad non-veg food. And then try some Arcot Biryani. There are variations of the Arcot Biryani the most popular of which is the Ambur Biryani.

It is a mistake to think that non-veg food is not a part of tamil cuisine.

by Ponniyin Selvan Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:44 pm

Propagandhi711 wrote:I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

For non-veg I can suggest many restaurants, for veg, I can think only of "saravana bhavan". I can ask my veg. friends and update.. We have North Indian style veg. restaurants like Rajdhani (unlimited veg. food ), but some people like it and some don't.

by MaxEntropy_Man Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:00 pm

amaravathi.

by FluteHolder Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:32 pm

http://ishalife.com/mahamudra/restaurant/

Never been there. Must be good Smile

At saravana Bhavan near the road joining (new college)XMount road intersection they make good cauliflower/pepper fry. It was really good.

by b_A Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:05 pm

There used to be a good restaurant named Sudhara near T'nagar bus stand close to the Saravana Bhavan. Not sure if it is still in business. Saravana Bhavan is always a good bet.

by b_A Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:46 pm

b_A wrote:There used to be a good restaurant named Sudhara near T'nagar bus stand close to the Saravana Bhavan. Not sure if it is still in business. Saravana Bhavan is always a good bet.

Google says that it is still in business but I don't know how good it is now.

by Kris Thu Sep 18, 2014 2:55 am

FluteHolder wrote:http://ishalife.com/mahamudra/restaurant/

Never been there. Must be good

At saravana Bhavan near the road joining (new college)XMount road intersection they make good cauliflower/pepper fry. It was really good.

>>>Pretty much all SVBs seem to have reasonably good quality. If I am driving around and need something quick, I stop by one of those. Sangeeta is another chain, but is not a place where you really want to sit and eat. It is better for takeout and has both nI and SI dishes and is pretty cheap.

by Kris Thu Sep 18, 2014 3:14 am

Propagandhi711 wrote:I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

>>> Try azuri bay. I have been there a couple of times. If you are in the mood for strict SI fare, Southern Aroma at the Residency Towers in T.Nagar. I think it is still there. There is a multi culti place adjacent to it in the same hotel. They try to steer you to it. Avoid it like the plague. If you are in the mood for ambience, try the terrace restaurant at the same complex. Good to chill with a beer in the evening and see airplane takeoffs in the distance. Food is so-so at the terrace though and it is a limited menu. It seems to appeal to expats and not a bad venue for meetings. There is a Southern Spice at the Taj Coromandel. Great environment but I hadn't heard of half the food which is supposed to be all local cuisine. Many people swear by it. Mainland China and Ben Jurong (thai) are worth trying out. If you are up for NI food, Radisson Blu has great rajasthani food (maybe all veg- can't recall). If you are looking at run-of-the mill places, Saravanabhava, Sangeets, Murugan Idli are all chains, but take the food to go.

One other thing, if you have friends/cousins in the area, usually someone will be a member at the boat club, gymkhana or race course club. In general the food is very good at the clubs and those guys go out of the way even if you ask for items not on the menu.

by Maria S Thu Sep 18, 2014 6:33 am

Mr. DUT,

Nice to know about your upcoming trip to Chennai!

As others have mentioned for veg food, Saravana Bhavan chain is probably among the best, Annalakshmi in Egmore is quite good (their thali-variety is really good!) and Sangeetha in Guindy is fine too.

Lesser known, some smaller restaurants are really good..but, unless you lived close by, may not be worth traveling that far.

by MaxEntropy_Man Thu Sep 18, 2014 6:48 am

i second annalakshmi. the ymia in mylapore used to have excellent take out food a long time ago. not sure if they're still around.

by goodcitizn Thu Sep 18, 2014 10:32 am

Annalakshmi, Saravana Bhavan and Sangeeta are all good places at decent prices. If you want the ambience (at premium price) of carnatic music and bharatha natyam while having dinner, go to Southern Spices at Taj Coromandel. The food is served on a plantain leaf placed inside the plate with an assortment of chutneys and spice powders served while you are polishing off some aappams, idiaappams, adais, vadais, dosais etc. Their dessert menu includes all kinds of South Indian sweets. I better stop before my tastebuds get wild.

by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Thu Sep 18, 2014 10:53 am

Forget all this: Find some marriage with a big crowd, walk in and have some great food.

But, December is not a good month for marriage.

by Impedimenta Thu Sep 18, 2014 10:53 am

goodcitizn wrote:Annalakshmi, Saravana Bhavan and Sangeeta are all good places at decent prices. If you want the ambience (at premium price) of carnatic music and bharatha natyam while having dinner, go to Southern Spices at Taj Coromandel. The food is served on a plantain leaf placed inside the plate with an assortment of chutneys and spice powders served while you are polishing off some aappams, idiaappams, adais, vadais, dosais etc. Their dessert menu includes all kinds of South Indian sweets. I better stop before my tastebuds get wild.

agree about annalakshmi and southern spice. I also would add dakshin in PArk sheraton. Love it! love it! GC sir, you have inspired me to go a south indian place near my workplace for lunch, even if it means going SOLO :-)

by indophile Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:00 am

Back when I was a student, Madras was our transfer point for trains to west coast. We had enough of a lay over to go to Dasa Prakash for a meal. Back then they used to serve food on non-spotted banana leaves in buff (not leaf in plate). Damming the rasam from running was somewhat satifying Smile

Are they still in business?

by goodcitizn Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:07 am

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

Forget all this: Find some marriage with a big crowd, walk in and have some great food.

But, December is not a good month for marriage.

by goodcitizn Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:10 am

Impedimenta wrote:
goodcitizn wrote:Annalakshmi, Saravana Bhavan and Sangeeta are all good places at decent prices. If you want the ambience (at premium price) of carnatic music and bharatha natyam while having dinner, go to Southern Spices at Taj Coromandel. The food is served on a plantain leaf placed inside the plate with an assortment of chutneys and spice powders served while you are polishing off some aappams, idiaappams, adais, vadais, dosais etc. Their dessert menu includes all kinds of South Indian sweets. I better stop before my tastebuds get wild.
agree about annalakshmi and southern spice. I also would add dakshin in PArk sheraton. Love it! love it! GC sir, you have inspired me to go a south indian place near my workplace for lunch, even if it means going SOLO :-)

by Propagandhi711 Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:06 am

thanks. I am quite familiar with tamilnadu food, including some of the regional variances...have relatives in coimbatore that been there for centuries and talk funny (using really old language), have tamil sounding firstnames etc so I wouldnt be trying to eat at "intro to tamil food for foreigners" places. non veg, northindian "fusion" etc arent in my plan: my taste buds dont like northindian flava and am a traditionalist that doesnt care for fusion so I'll stick to authentic thalis and the like at some of the places mentioned, annalakshmi sangeetha etc.

I vaguely recall eating at a tiny place with less than 20 tables back in '01 that I'd like to try again, but that's neither here nor there since I dont recall the general area nor the name, all I remember is my companion raving and telling me it's authentic iyer food. I liked the fresh ground spices and slightly sweet coconut they used.

by smArtha Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:13 am

Someone I know hires a good local chef for the entire duration of their stay in India. Typically this is someone who cooks for small functions. The whole extended family/friends has their wishlist of regional/traditional dishes prepared all meals from breakfast till dinner each day.

by michelle2 Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:28 am

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

Forget all this: Find some marriage with a big crowd, walk in and have some great food.

But, December is not a good month for marriage.

"marriage?" the word is "wedding."

by Hellsangel Fri Sep 19, 2014 1:12 pm

Propagandhi711 wrote:thanks. I am quite familiar with tamilnadu food, including some of the regional variances...have relatives in coimbatore that been there for centuries and talk funny (using really old language), have tamil sounding firstnames etc so I wouldnt be trying to eat at "intro to tamil food for foreigners" places. non veg, northindian "fusion" etc arent in my plan: my taste buds dont like northindian flava and am a traditionalist that doesnt care for fusion so I'll stick to authentic thalis and the like at some of the places mentioned, annalakshmi sangeetha etc.

I vaguely recall eating at a tiny place with less than 20 tables back in '01 that I'd like to try again, but that's neither here nor there since I dont recall the general area nor the name, all I remember is my companion raving and telling me it's authentic iyer food. I liked the fresh ground spices and slightly sweet coconut they used.

Was said companion an Iyer?

by garam_kuta Fri Sep 19, 2014 1:33 pm

LoL...this sort of stuff, rubbing off on others, is only a myth. Crying or Very sad

by truthbetold Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:19 pm

Prop
now now don't say Coimbatore cousins speak funny. i lived there for a while. their language is from centuries back. it is a wonder that they still retain their language. in my family it is gone by next generation.

by Kris Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:02 pm

Propagandhi711 wrote:thanks. I am quite familiar with tamilnadu food, including some of the regional variances...have relatives in coimbatore that been there for centuries and talk funny (using really old language), have tamil sounding firstnames etc so I wouldnt be trying to eat at "intro to tamil food for foreigners" places. non veg, northindian "fusion" etc arent in my plan: my taste buds dont like northindian flava and am a traditionalist that doesnt care for fusion so I'll stick to authentic thalis and the like at some of the places mentioned, annalakshmi sangeetha etc.

I vaguely recall eating at a tiny place with less than 20 tables back in '01 that I'd like to try again, but that's neither here nor there since I dont recall the general area nor the name, all I remember is my companion raving and telling me it's authentic iyer food. I liked the fresh ground spices and slightly sweet coconut they used.

>>>Was the place you ate Karpagambal Mess? It is in Mylapore. I have never been there, but it looks like that could be a possibility based on what I have heard. Couple of things: Traffic has gotten significantly worse in Madras over the years. So factor that into your plans. If you are going to try Sangeeta's fare, the environment may likely be a turnoff pretty much at any of their locations. By the way, they just opened in Sunnyvale I think. Take the food to go. I like their kadai vegetables very much. I don't know if it is part of the standard menu. Saravana is a little cleaner and I think they usually have an a/c section which is relatively cleaner.

by pravalika nanda Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:31 pm

Kris wrote:
Propagandhi711 wrote:I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

>>> Try azuri bay. I have been there a couple of times. If you are in the mood for strict SI fare, Southern Aroma at the Residency Towers in T.Nagar. I think it is still there. There is a multi culti place adjacent to it in the same hotel. They try to steer you to it. Avoid it like the plague. If you are in the mood for ambience, try the terrace restaurant at the same complex. Good to chill with a beer in the evening and see airplane takeoffs in the distance. Food is so-so at the terrace though and it is a limited menu. It seems to appeal to expats and not a bad venue for meetings. There is a Southern Spice at the Taj Coromandel. Great environment but I hadn't heard of half the food which is supposed to be all local cuisine. Many people swear by it. Mainland China and Ben Jurong (thai) are worth trying out. If you are up for NI food, Radisson Blu has great rajasthani food (maybe all veg- can't recall). If you are looking at run-of-the mill places, Saravanabhava, Sangeets, Murugan Idli are all chains, but take the food to go.

One other thing, if you have friends/cousins in the area, usually someone will be a member at the boat club, gymkhana or race course club. In general the food is very good at the clubs and those guys go out of the way even if you ask for items not on the menu.

** are you allowed to walk into these fancy places in a lungi without people looking down on you or giving disapproving looks?

by pravalika nanda Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:35 pm

** For better or worse, I never ate out in Chennai. one of my dad's cousins made noodles with vegs for me when I visited his house between flights.

** I ate multiple 40 rupee road-side lunches and dinners in Coimbatore, never needed any pills for the endeavor, food was like home food.

by Vakavaka Pakapaka Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:48 pm

Propagandhi711 wrote:thanks. I am quite familiar with tamilnadu food, including some of the regional variances...have relatives in coimbatore that been there for centuries and talk funny (using really old language), have tamil sounding firstnames etc so I wouldnt be trying to eat at "intro to tamil food for foreigners" places. non veg, northindian "fusion" etc arent in my plan: my taste buds dont like northindian flava and am a traditionalist that doesnt care for fusion so I'll stick to authentic thalis and the like at some of the places mentioned, annalakshmi sangeetha etc.

I vaguely recall eating at a tiny place with less than 20 tables back in '01 that I'd like to try again, but that's neither here nor there since I dont recall the general area nor the name, all I remember is my companion raving and telling me it's authentic iyer food. I liked the fresh ground spices and slightly sweet coconut they used.

But then, both Coimbatore and Chennai are influenced by Gults. So, it is not surprising that you liked the food in some places there.

by Kris Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:27 pm

pravalika nanda wrote:
Kris wrote:
Propagandhi711 wrote:I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

>>> Try azuri bay. I have been there a couple of times. If you are in the mood for strict SI fare, Southern Aroma at the Residency Towers in T.Nagar. I think it is still there. There is a multi culti place adjacent to it in the same hotel. They try to steer you to it. Avoid it like the plague. If you are in the mood for ambience, try the terrace restaurant at the same complex. Good to chill with a beer in the evening and see airplane takeoffs in the distance. Food is so-so at the terrace though and it is a limited menu. It seems to appeal to expats and not a bad venue for meetings. There is a Southern Spice at the Taj Coromandel. Great environment but I hadn't heard of half the food which is supposed to be all local cuisine. Many people swear by it. Mainland China and Ben Jurong (thai) are worth trying out. If you are up for NI food, Radisson Blu has great rajasthani food (maybe all veg- can't recall). If you are looking at run-of-the mill places, Saravanabhava, Sangeets, Murugan Idli are all chains, but take the food to go.

One other thing, if you have friends/cousins in the area, usually someone will be a member at the boat club, gymkhana or race course club. In general the food is very good at the clubs and those guys go out of the way even if you ask for items not on the menu.
** are you allowed to walk into these fancy places in a lungi without people looking down on you or giving disapproving looks?

>>>I don't know. I haven't worn in a lungi to dinner in a very long time.

by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:54 pm

pravalika nanda wrote:** For better or worse, I never ate out in Chennai. one of my dad's cousins made noodles with vegs for me when I visited his house between flights.

** I ate multiple 40 rupee road-side lunches and dinners in Coimbatore, never needed any pills for the endeavor, food was like home food.

Ahhh...we could have gone on a date at any of these road-side dhabbas - perhaps even multiple dates... Wink

by b_A Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:27 am

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:
pravalika nanda wrote:** For better or worse, I never ate out in Chennai. one of my dad's cousins made noodles with vegs for me when I visited his house between flights.

** I ate multiple 40 rupee road-side lunches and dinners in Coimbatore, never needed any pills for the endeavor, food was like home food.

Ahhh...we could have gone on a date at any of these road-side dhabbas - perhaps even multiple dates...

Didn't know that you liked going on dates with fellow men, Saamiyaar.

by Merlot Daruwala Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:30 am

b_A wrote:
Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:
pravalika nanda wrote:** For better or worse, I never ate out in Chennai. one of my dad's cousins made noodles with vegs for me when I visited his house between flights.

** I ate multiple 40 rupee road-side lunches and dinners in Coimbatore, never needed any pills for the endeavor, food was like home food.

Ahhh...we could have gone on a date at any of these road-side dhabbas - perhaps even multiple dates...

Didn't know that you liked going on dates with fellow men, Saamiyaar.

The conquered woman fantasizes about living life dangerously. She knows that the penalty, if discovered, is death by stoning.

by garam_kuta Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:08 pm

Propagandhi711 wrote:I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

[/quote]I vaguely recall eating at a tiny place with less than 20 tables back in '01 that I'd like to try again, but that's neither here nor there since I dont recall the general area nor the name, all I remember is my companion raving and telling me it's authentic iyer food. I liked the fresh ground spices and slightly sweet coconut they used.[/size][/quote]
[/quote] Was said companion an Iyer?[/quote]

garam_kuta wrote:LoL...this sort of stuff, rubbing off on others, is only a myth.

a bit of an internal inconsistency issue, here;
AFAIK, iyers do not make idli-dosa-upma carb fests like kannadigas but prefer to keep them simble, and are very wuzzy about making them complicated by spicing ém up with something as subtle and almost passive as jeera, to violent and complex cinnamon, clove, cardamom, etc.,
I wait for our resident expert MD's views on this Smile

by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:14 pm

b_A wrote:
Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:
pravalika nanda wrote:** For better or worse, I never ate out in Chennai. one of my dad's cousins made noodles with vegs for me when I visited his house between flights.

** I ate multiple 40 rupee road-side lunches and dinners in Coimbatore, never needed any pills for the endeavor, food was like home food.

Ahhh...we could have gone on a date at any of these road-side dhabbas - perhaps even multiple dates...

Didn't know that you liked going on dates with fellow men, Saamiyaar.

Oh..when did PN become a man?...In that case, will have to let Maulana Gaywala date PN. Poor Maulana is fantasizing everyone as a female...

by confuzzled dude Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:51 pm

Propagandhi711 wrote:I spent about 10 days in chennai, pondicherry, coimbatore etc back in 2001 and recall eating some of the greatest vegetarian food outside of gultland in chennai (and coimbatore of all places) ..for someone who's not truly fond of vegetarian, it was quite an experience. will be going again in dec - are there any places in chennai that are must try vegetarian? I dont care about the typical idli-dosa-upma carb fests that kannadigas do better anyways

You want to show your Kosta pride/jingoism by not landing in Hyd Razz

I'm going in Dec too but will be staying in Hyd for the most part; may or may not visit Kosta, definitely not Rayalaseema; may be a day trip to Chennai.

by truthbetold Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:57 pm

I am planning a late dec/early jan trip. will be in Hyd . Will go to Vijayawada.

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