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Chennai, or Madras, as it is sometimes called, is the fourth-largest city in India and the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its diverse culture and vibrant street food scene. There are a variety of dishes from all corners of India, from spicy curries to sweet and savory snacks.
If you're looking to explore the city's street food scene, here are some of the best places to try:
1. Elliots Beach: Located in Besant Nagar, Elliots Beach is a popular spot for street food in Chennai. The beach is lined with stalls selling a variety of snacks, including bhel puri, pani puri, and chaats. You can also find stalls selling spicy South Indian dishes such as idli and dosa.
2. Burma Bazaar: Atho, a dish with Burmese origins, has become a staple of Chennai's street food scene. The dish consists of raw vegetables and a raw noodle mixture in an orange color. Visit the Burma Bazaar or Beach Road at Parry's Corner, where dozens of food vendors line the streets with their exotic wares.
3. Koyambedu Market: Located in the western part of the city, Koyambedu Market is a bustling hub of street food stalls and vendors. From chaats and tikkisto kebabs and curries, you'll find a wide variety of street foods to choose from. The market is open late into the night, making it a popular destination for foodies looking to explore Chennai's street food scene.
4. T Nagar: T Nagar is a bustling shopping district in Chennai known for its street food stalls and vendors. KuzhiPaniyaram is a versatile snack that is famous there, and can be enjoyed either savory or sweet. The process for making this dish, which uses black lentils and rice, is very similar to that of making idli. This specialty can be found all over T. Nagar, but specifically on Venkatesan Street.
5. Marina Beach: When it comes to Chennai's street food, Sundal is a firm favorite. Chickpeas, onions, and shredded coconut are combined in this dish. Some of the best of these can be found at Marina Beach, but they can be found all over Chennai.
6. Anna Nagar: Located in the northern part of the city, Anna Nagar is a popular destination for street food in Chennai at night. Kothu Parotta, a flatbread popular in the streets of Chennai, is made with refined flour and is similar to the LachhaParantha that is popular in northern India. Kothu parotta is made by combining shredded parotta with minced meat, beaten eggs, and diced vegetables.
7. Mylapore: Located in the southern part of the city, Mylapore is another popular destination for street food in Chennai. Bhajjis, like pakoras, are a popular snack throughout India. This dish, served with a variety of chutneys, is a favorite among locals in Chennai. Those looking for bhajis with a unique chutney should head to Jannal Kadai, a tiny shop with a window in Mylapore.
8. Sowcarpet is home to some of Chennai's most delicious street food, and no trip to the city would be complete without sampling some of it. If you're in the market for some tasty chaat in Chennai, look no further than Chaat Mint Street. A lot of people in the area really enjoy this North Indian street food. The chaat at Kakada Ramprasad, a popular shop on this street, is excellent. Also try some of their aloo tikki chaat; it's delicious.
Before exploring the best street food in Chennai, it's important to know a few tips about how to stay safe and enjoy the experience:
• Look for vendors who are knowledgeable about the food they are serving and who are using clean utensils and fresh ingredients.
• Make sure to check the vendor's hygiene standards and make sure that they are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their food.
• Try to avoid eating street food that has been sitting out in the sun for too long. The heat can cause the food to spoil quickly and put you at risk of food poisoning.
• When in doubt, stick to foods that are cooked to order. This will ensure that the food is fresh and safe to eat.
• Finally, don't forget to carry your own water bottle! Street food can be very spicy, and having your own water bottle can help not just to cool down your taste buds but also to wash your hands afterwards.
Remember, every single neighborhood and area of Chennai has its own unique street food offerings, so there is always something new and delicious to try. So, grab your appetite and head out to explore the delicious delights that Chennai has to offer!
