Ponnusamy Hotel

Dining

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.

Copyright: Joe Gough/Shutterstock.com

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 …

Read more

Copyright: Ustynchenko Iryna/Shutterstock.com

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 …

Read more

Copyright: zhgee/Shutterstock.com

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 …

Read more

Copyright: simplemomentss/Shutterstock.com

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 …

Read more

Copyright: StockImageFactory.com/Shutterstock.com

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, …

Read more

Copyright: In Green/Shutterstock.com

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 …

Read more

Copyright: bonchan/Shutterstock.com

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 …

Read more