Chennai Street Food

From pani puri to shwarma, to the steady favourite, the omelette sandwich, and even the traditional South Indian fare; you can get it all in Chennai. There are options at pretty much every street corner, and especially in the Nungambakkam/Egmore area, to the west of the central city. Those obsessed with hygiene or in possession of a weak stomach might want to give these places a wide berth though, lest you end up with the dreaded Delhi Belly.

The humble dosa is just one of many street eats available in Chennai!

For those fond of kebabs and try out places like Aladdin, Kebab Corner and Siddique. Aladdin is tucked away off Uthamar Gandhi Salai (also known as MG Road, previously Nungambakkam High Road). It is close to the Taj Hotel and is the new kid on the block. Meanwhile Kebab Corner is on Greams Road, next to the Fruit Shop on Greams which, by the way, has some great fresh juices. Siddique is to be found on Spur Tank Road, Chetpet. These three establishments all have one thing in common; they are mostly take away or eat by the road kind of places. The food is good and easy on the pocket too.  The cheap and tasty meals here are satisfying, and will cost you under US$6.

To cool off after the spicy kebabs, one can head to MG Road, Nungambakkam, where outside a boutique you can indulge in some malai or badam/pista kulfi. Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream which is traditionally much heavier than traditional ice cream. Swirled and set with either almond or pistachio, its nutty sweetness melts on a stick as you take some time out in the shade and watch the world go by. It is the perfect end to a delicious snack, or can be an excellent mid-afternoon treat with the hot summer months aproaching. So get out there and try some of Chennai’s street eats today!

Details

Cost: INR 200 – 300 for a satisfying meal – less for a simple snack. Kulfi can set you back between INR 20 to INR 125 depending on where you eat.

Aladdin is open from 2pm to 11pm daily.

Kebab Corner is open 5pm to 11pm daily

Siddique is open 5pm to 11pm daily

Article contributed by UrbanDuniya reader.