The best way to discover a culture is by trying its food. Tasting the food of different cultures gives you an indication of the country’s history because, for countries that were colonized, this can be
The best way to discover a culture is by trying its food. Tasting the food of different cultures gives you an indication of the country’s history because, for countries that were colonized, this can be seen in their culture, laws, and food. So, the best thing you can do when you leave the airport is to stop at a local fast food stall and try the food of that specific culture. Chennai has a variety of food and has something for everyone, and this will be heaven if you adore spices and aren’t afraid of trying and discovering new food and taste.
Idly
Okay, as a little Indian kid who grew up in New York, my mom would always make idly for me, and it was a way for us to connect to our culture, for my mom by remembering her homeland and for me to remember the last I would visit every 2 years. Idly are a staple food in Chennai and is readily available at every street corner, and it is something that every Thamizhth mother would make at home. Idly is a steamed dish that is made of grounded rice and is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar. It is like a sponge, and it absorbs the flavor of the sambar and coconut chutney. However, the accompaniment changes from food stall to stall and differs from location to location. Although it is very easy to make, not everyone can get them fluffy and light as air; nothing can compare to my mom’s homemade idly. The places we recommend you to eat idly in Chennai are either Idly Express or Murugan Idly Shop.
Dosa
This is one of the South Indian food that most of us Americans know of, and it is because it is exceptionally delicious. If you ever find yourself in New York, then you ought to try Ny Dosa; if you are in Washington Square Park, you can have a taste of south India in the comfort of my home. This allows me to connect to my ancestral home in my current home, and it is one of the best dosas you can taste in New York. If you are in New York, you can also try a variety of dosas in the Basement of the Ganesha Temple in Queens. I love the food there, and it is super close to my mom’s home, so it’s a win-win situation for me. It is a staple South Indian food that is also readily available at any street corner in Chennai. It is made up of ground rice and is a light and crispy snack that you can eat on the go if you want. If you are in Chennai, then you ought to try traditional dosa at either Remix Dosa, Dysart, or Krishna’s Dosa Kadai.
Filtered coffee
If you are a coffee snob or coffee diva like me, then you ought to try filtered coffee when you get to Chennai because it is the best coffee you will taste in the world. Even though I run primarily on ice coffee because I live in New York and drink ice coffee no matter the season is in my gene, filtered coffee is the one type of hot coffee I’ll have even on the hottest summer day. You can have your own taste of filtered coffee by going to Mami Mess or Karpagamabal Mess. Filtered coffee is a fresh cup of brewed coffee that is brewed together with high-fat milk, and this is done in a tumbler that overflows with forth. This fresh and creamy bream will coat your lips and will leave you asking for more, and I can guarantee you this.
Kulfi
If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you will definitely love this ice treat. Kulfi is a denser and creamier version of ice cream. It can be found throughout the country and will really hit the spot during those hot summers day. Summer in Chennai is like the 7th circle of hell, and I can attest to this because I’ve been there at least 20 times in my life, and I can tell you, eating a kulfi is how most of us cool down and is a fun and sweet way to do this. Like with any ice cream flavor, there are a plethora of kulfi flavors out there, but you ought to taste the classic before you try the alternatives. Taste the traditional kulfi malai before tasting my favorite coffee-flavored kulfi. The best places to try kulfi in Chennai are Bombay Kulfi, King’s Kulfi, and Natural Ice cream.
Sound off in the comments section below and tell us which of the food on this list you want to taste. If you ever visit Chennai, then have fun, you’ll see that the people there are very hospitable and friendly and you will love it there if you love food.