10 Best Street Foods In Chennai
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is not just known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches but also for its vibrant street food culture. The streets of Chennai are a gastronomic delight, offering a plethora of flavors that cater to every palate. From spicy to sweet, tangy to savory, the best street food places in Chennai are a true reflection of the city’s diversity. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the must-try street foods in Chennai, including the best places to savor them and an estimate of the cost for two.
Also Read: Things to Do in Chennai for Every Traveler
Masala Dosa Magic
Chennai’s love affair with dosas is legendary, and the masala dosa stands out as a South Indian classic. The crispy golden-brown dosa, stuffed with a perfectly spiced potato filling, is a symphony of flavors. Pair it with coconut chutney and tangy sambar for the ultimate culinary experience. The streets of Mylapore and the iconic Murugan Idli Shop are renowned for serving some of the best masala dosas in the city.
Made With:
- Fermented rice and urad dal batter
- Spiced potato filling
- Chutney and sambar
Best Places to Try:
- Mylapore Mess
- Murugan Idli Shop
- Sangeetha Veg Restaurant
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹200 – ₹300
Chaat Delight:
If you’re a fan of explosive flavors and varied textures, Chennai’s chaat options won’t disappoint. The crunchy puris filled with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and an array of chutneys create a flavor explosion in every bite. Bombay Lassi and Sowcarpet Chaat Corner are some of the best places to eat street food in Chennai for chaat enthusiasts, offering a wide range of options, from pani puri to dabeli.
Made With:
- Crispy fried dough
- Boiled potatoes
- Spices, chutneys, and yogurt
Best Places to Try:
- Bombay Lassi
- Sowcarpet Chaat Corner
- Aminabad Dabeli
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹150 – ₹250
Succulent Kebabs and Rolls
For those seeking a savory delight on the go, Chennai’s kebabs and rolls are a perfect choice. Whether it’s succulent chicken kebabs or flavorful shawarmas, the city’s street vendors have mastered the art of grilling and wrapping. These are some of the best nonveg street food in Chennai. Khan’s Chaps, Roll Over, and Alreef’s Shawarma are the best street food shops in Chennai and renowned for their mouthwatering kebabs and rolls that cater to meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Made With:
- Grilled or skewered meat (chicken, beef, or lamb)
- Freshly baked bread or wraps
- Spices and herbs
Best Places to Try:
- Khan’s Chaps
- Roll Over
- Alreef’s Shawarma
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹250 – ₹400
Piping Hot Bajji and Bhajiis
When it comes to deep-fried goodness, Chennai’s street food scene offers a variety of bajjis and bhajjis that are perfect for a quick snack. Whether it’s the crispy onion bajjis or the spicy mirchi bhajjis, these deep-fried delights are best enjoyed with a side of coconut chutney. Marina Beach Bajji Stall and Nair Mess are popular hotspots for indulging in these crunchy treats. These are some of the best veg street food in Chennai.
Made With:
- Sliced vegetables (often onions, potatoes, or chillies)
- Gram flour batter
- Deep-fried until golden brown
Best Places to Try:
- Marina Beach Bajji Stall
- Nair Mess
- Thambi Vilas
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹100 – ₹200
Sweet Tooth Indulgence with Jalebi and Pongal
Chennai’s street food journey is incomplete without satisfying your sweet cravings. Sri Krishna Sweets, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, and Grand Sweets and Snacks are iconic establishments offering delectable desserts like Pongal and Jalebi. Pongal, a traditional South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentils, is a sweet and savory delight. On the other hand, the spiral-shaped Jalebis, soaked in sugary goodness, are a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.
Made With:
- Fermented rice and lentil dish (Pongal)
- Coiled and deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup (Jalebi)
Best Places to Try:
- Sri Krishna Sweets
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan
- Grand Sweets and Snacks
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹150 – ₹250
Filter Coffee Bliss
Chennai’s love affair with filter coffee is legendary, and the city takes pride in its unique preparation. Served in stainless steel tumblers and davaras, the filter coffee is a perfect blend of strong coffee decoction and frothy, boiled milk. Saravana Bhavan, Ratna Café, and Karpagambal Mess are renowned for serving the best filter coffee in the city, providing a refreshing and aromatic experience that is a must-try for any coffee enthusiast.
Made With:
- Freshly ground coffee beans
- Boiling hot milk
- Sugar (optional)
Best Places to Try:
- Saravana Bhavan
- Ratna Café
- Karpagambal Mess
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹100 – ₹150
Egg Street Delights
Eggs take center stage in Chennai’s street food scene, offering a variety of flavorful options for egg lovers. Whether it’s the popular egg roll, egg bhurji, or egg curry, these dishes are both delicious and filling. Burma Bazaar, Rayar Mess, and Anmol Egg Corner are well-known for their innovative and tasty egg-based street food creations, making them go-to spots for a quick and satisfying meal.
Made With:
- Boiled or fried eggs
- Spices and herbs
- Various accompaniments like bread or parathas
Best Places to Try:
- Burma Bazaar
- Rayar Mess
- Anmol Egg Corner
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹100 – ₹200
Kothu Parotta Extravaganza
Kothu Parotta, a popular street food dish in Chennai, is a flavorful and spicy medley of shredded parotta mixed with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, eggs, and sometimes even meat. The rhythmic chopping on the hot griddle adds to the sensory experience of enjoying this dish. Kottu Kadai, Sangeetha Fast Foods, and Kumar Mess are well-known for serving this delightful and filling street food that captures the essence of Chennai’s culinary diversity.
Made With:
- Shredded parotta (layered flatbread)
- Mixed with vegetables, meat, or eggs
- Spices and aromatic seasonings
Best Places to Try:
- Kottu Kadai
- Sangeetha Fast Foods
- Kumar Mess
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹150 – ₹250
Sundal by the Seashore
Sundal, a nutritious and protein-packed snack, is a popular street food enjoyed by beachgoers in Chennai. Made with steamed legumes like chickpeas, this dish is flavored with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies, and garnished with fresh coconut. The beaches of Chennai, especially Marina Beach and Besant Nagar Beach, are dotted with vendors selling this healthy and tasty snack, providing the perfect accompaniment to a stroll along the shore.
Made With:
- Steamed legumes (usually chickpeas)
- Freshly grated coconut
- Tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies
Best Places to Try:
- Marina Beach Sundal Kadai
- Besant Nagar Beach
- Thiruvanmiyur Beach
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹50 – ₹100
Chennai Street Pizza
Chennai’s street food scene puts a unique spin on the classic pizza, offering a South Indian twist with dosa-based pizzas. These pizzas feature a crispy dosa base topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings. Dosa Plaza, Fruit Shop on Greams Road, and Street Pizza Co. are known for their innovative dosa pizzas, providing a delicious fusion of Italian and South Indian flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Made With:
- Crispy dosa base
- Pizza sauce, cheese, and assorted toppings
- Baked to perfection
Best Places to Try:
- Dosa Plaza
- Fruit Shop on Greams Road
- Street Pizza Co.
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹200 – ₹350
Conclusion
Chennai’s streets are a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be explored. From the crispy and spicy to the sweet and savory, the street food culture in Chennai is a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these gastronomic wonders. So, the next time you find yourself in Chennai, embark on a street food adventure and treat your taste buds to the diverse and delicious offerings this city has to offer.
