8 foods to try in Chennai, India

Urvashi Roe

Published: May 26, 2026 at 2:16 PM

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Find out what foods this coastal city in the south of India has to offer

1. Dosa

Dosas and dipping sauce

Ubiquitous across southern India, dosas are thin, crisp pancakes made from rice, millet or semolina. Enjoy them with chutneys or spiced fillings like potato or paneer for breakfast, lunch or a street-food snack.

2. Idli

Two idlis on a leaf with dipping sauces on the side

Soft and fluffy idlis are made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, which is steamed into discs or balls. Enjoy them for breakfast with rasam or sambar, or try podi idli – miniature versions tossed in ghee and chilli powder.

3. Sapadu

A banana leaf meal spread out and ready to eat

No visit to Chennai is complete without a banana leaf meal in a mess hall – these communal-style eating houses are a fun way to meet locals as you munch unlimited rice, salad, pickles, stir-fried veg and a variety of dhals.

4. Murukku

Crunchy, spiral-shaped fritters on a worksurface

This crunchy, spiral-shaped fritter is made from rice and gram flour. It comes salted or spiced with asafoetida, chilli, cumin and, sometimes, fennel. Enjoy it on its own or with a hot glass of chai at any streetside tea stall.

5. Seafood

Loads of fish on a fish stall

Along Chennai’s coastline, seafood is in abundance all year round. Fish markets are bustling with different varieties, which are cooked in tangy, spicy dishes like meen kuzhambu, or fried in special masalas until crisp.

6. Jangiri

Jangiri spiral sweets frying in a large pan

This classic sweet is made from a thick batter deep-fried in spirals, then soaked in saffron and cardamom sugar syrup. The finished article is crispy, sweet and bright orange – you can see it being made on Mint Street.

7. Bun butter jam

A soft, bap-like bun, sliced in half, then slathered with salty butter and fruit jam

The British colonial era brought Western-style bread to Chennai, and it’s still popular. This simple treat can be found in bakeries across the city – a soft, bap-like bun, sliced in half, then slathered with salty butter and fruit jam.

8. Chicken 65

Deep-fried chicken marinated in a blend of secret spices and yogurt

Originating in Chennai in 1965 at the Buhari Hotel, this deep-fried chicken is marinated in a blend of secret spices and yogurt. It remains a signature dish on the menu and is served simply with lime and onions.

For more global cuisine and authentic local dishes, visit our travel hub.

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