Street food of Chennai

Idli Sambar

Dosai Chutney Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Onion Tomato Uttapam

Nagercoil breakfast

Vada sambar

Mirapakaya Bajji or Mirchi Bhajji

Street food of Chennai refers to the diverse and vibrant array of food items sold by vendors on the streets of Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The street food culture in Chennai is a reflection of the city's rich culinary heritage and its cosmopolitan nature, offering a variety of flavors and dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Popular Street Foods[edit | edit source]

Idli[edit | edit source]

Idli is a traditional South Indian dish made from fermented rice and black lentils batter, steamed into soft, fluffy cakes. It is often served with sambar and a variety of chutneys.

Dosa[edit | edit source]

Dosa is a thin, crispy pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and black lentils. It is typically served with sambar and chutneys. Variations include masala dosa, which is stuffed with a spiced potato filling.

Vada[edit | edit source]

Vada is a savory fried snack made from lentil or potato batter. Common types include medu vada, which is made from urad dal batter, and masala vada, made from chana dal batter.

Bajji[edit | edit source]

Bajji refers to a variety of deep-fried snacks made by dipping vegetables like potato, onion, banana, and chili in a spiced gram flour batter. It is a popular evening snack, especially during the monsoon season.

Pani Puri[edit | edit source]

Pani puri is a popular street food across India, including Chennai. It consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas.

Kothu Parotta[edit | edit source]

Kothu parotta is a dish made from shredded parotta (a type of flatbread) stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and meat, along with a blend of spices. It is a popular street food item in Chennai.

Sundal[edit | edit source]

Sundal is a healthy snack made from boiled legumes such as chickpeas, black-eyed peas, or green gram, seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It is commonly sold on the beaches of Chennai, especially Marina Beach.

Murukku[edit | edit source]

Murukku is a crunchy snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour, seasoned with sesame seeds and ajwain. It is deep-fried and enjoyed as a snack with tea or coffee.

Street Food Locations[edit | edit source]

Marina Beach[edit | edit source]

Marina Beach is one of the most popular spots for street food in Chennai. Vendors sell a variety of snacks, including sundal, bajji, and ice cream.

T. Nagar[edit | edit source]

T. Nagar is a bustling commercial area known for its shopping and street food. It offers a wide range of street food options, from traditional South Indian snacks to North Indian chaat.

Besant Nagar[edit | edit source]

Besant Nagar is another popular area for street food, especially around Elliot's Beach. The area is known for its vibrant food scene, offering everything from local delicacies to international cuisine.