Chennai Dosa and the Essence of Idli — Tiffin Master Road
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the home of South Indian tiffins, represented by idli, dosa, and sambar. It is considered polite to eat with your right hand at restaurants served on banana leaves, and since most famous establishments are strictly vegetarian, seek out non-vegetarian options at established Muslim restaurants (such as Buhari). Due to the intense humid heat, use autos (calling Uber or Ola) for transportation, and drink only bottled water.
Murugan Idli Shop
Murugan Idli Shop
Ratna Cafe
Ratna Cafe
Saravana Bhavan Mailapor Branch
Saravana Bhavan, Mylapore
Buhari Hotel
Buhari Hotel
Mailai Karpagambal Mess
Mylai Karpagambal Mess
Murugan Idli Shop
Murugan Idli Shop
The Chennai flagship branch of a famous idli house from Madurai. Enjoy cotton-soft idli while refilling the four types of chutney.
Ratna Cafe
Ratna Cafe
A long-standing Triplicane restaurant established in 1948. The signature dish is the "Sambar Idli," which features a generous amount of sambar poured over the idli.
Saravana Bhavan Mailapor Branch
Saravana Bhavan, Mylapore
The home store of a South Indian vegetarian chain that has expanded globally. It is a great place to enjoy a comprehensive tasting with a mini tiffin set after visiting Kapileswara Temple.
Buhari Hotel
Buhari Hotel
The original home of Anna Salai, who created "Chicken 65" in 1951. Enjoy Chicken 65 and Chennai-style biryani as a non-vegetarian course.
Mailai Karpagambal Mess
Mylai Karpagambal Mess
Traditional vegetarian mes in the alley of the Mailapor Temple. Finishing off the local vibe with banana leaf adirasam (traditional fried snack) and filter coffee.
