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The city of Vellore has an interesting history. It was an important part of the South Indian kingdoms, such as the Pallavas, Cholas, and Pandyas. During the medieval period, Vellore came under the influence of the Vijayanagara Empire, post which it was controlled by the Nawabs and then the Marathas, each leaving its mark on the region's culture and development.
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Today Vellore has a thriving leather industry and multiple educational institutions including popular medical and engineering colleges. The city is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, reflected in its diverse cuisine, which blends Tamil flavours with influences from neighbouring regions, such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Known for its vibrant and spicy dishes, Vellore offers a gastronomic experience that is both authentic and unique.
Staples include rice, lentils, and a variety of traditional Tamil spices such as cumin, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric. The cuisine features a balance of flavours, with an emphasis on spicy, tangy, and savoury notes. One of the most famous culinary exports from the region is Ambur Biryani, a flavourful and aromatic rice dish known for its distinctive use of seeraga samba rice and a rich blend of spices.
Another local favourite is Meen Kuzhambu, a tangy fish curry that showcases the region’s love for seafood. In addition to its savoury dishes, Vellore is known for its variety of snacks and sweets. Here’s Slurrp’s list of dishes you shouldn’t miss when visiting Vellore.
Ambur Biryani
Ambur Biryani is an iconic dish that originated from the town of Ambur near Vellore. Known for its unique taste and aroma, this biryani is made with fragrant seeraga samba rice, succulent pieces of meat (usually chicken or mutton), and a blend of spices that impart a distinct flavour. What sets Ambur Biryani apart is its cooking technique, which involves slow-cooking the rice and meat together, allowing the flavours to blend beautifully. The dish is traditionally served with brinjal curry and onion raita.
Restaurant Recommendations: Zam Zam Biryani, King’s Residency, Bangalore Road.
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹400-600 approx
Paniyaram
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Paniyaram is a popular snack in Vellore, made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal. Cooked in a special mould, these bite-sized dumplings can be sweet or savoury, depending on the ingredients used. Savoury paniyarams include ingredients such as onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. The sweet version typically features jaggery and cardamom, Paniyaram is commonly served as a breakfast item or a snack and is usually accompanied by coconut chutney or spicy tomato chutney.
Restaurant Recommendations: Sri Annapurna Hotel Veg
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx
Kari Dosa
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Kari Dosa is a specialty from the Chettinad region, popular in Vellore and other parts of Tamil Nadu. It is a thick, crispy dosa topped with spicy minced meat (usually mutton or chicken) and an egg. Kari Dosa is a favourite among non-vegetarian food lovers and is typically enjoyed with a side of coconut chutney or sambar.
Restaurant Recommendations: Vellore Kitchen, Gandhi Road
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-300 approx
Chicken Varuval
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Originating from the Chettinad region, which is known for its spicy and aromatic cuisine, Chicken Varuval is a dry-fry preparation that highlights the bold use of spices and traditional cooking techniques. Chicken Varuval is characterised by its robust and spicy flavour profile, achieved through the use of a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, black pepper, and dried red chilies. These spices are often roasted and ground into a coarse powder, which forms the base of the dish. The liberal use of curry leaves adds an aromatic note, while onions, garlic, and ginger provide depth and richness to the flavour.
Restaurant Recommendations: Darling Namma Veedu, Thottapalayam, Vellore
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹800-1000 approx
Meen Kuzhambu
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This is a traditional South Indian fish curry that is especially popular in Tamil Nadu. Known for its tangy and spicy flavours, this dish is a staple in coastal regions where fresh fish is abundant. The term "meen" means fish in Tamil, and "kuzhambu" refers to a gravy or curry. Meen Kuzhambu is cherished for its rich taste and is often a centrepiece in Tamil meals. Meen Kuzhambu has bold and complex flavours. The curry is typically prepared with a tamarind base, which gives it a distinct tanginess that balances the heat from the spices..
Restaurant Recommendations: Chettiyar Kulambu Kadai, Katpadi, Vellore
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-300 approx
Pallipalayam Chicken Fry
Pallipalayam Chicken Fry is a dry chicken dish from the town of Pallipalayam in Tamil Nadu, but is immensely popular in Vellore. This chicken is cooked using very few ingredients such as red chillies, garlic, shallots, and curry leaves. The absence of heavy spices allows one to taste the natural flavours of the chicken. The red chilies impart a mild heat that is balanced by the sweetness of shallots. Pallipalayam Chicken Fry is served as a starter or a side dish and has a rustic taste.
Restaurant Recommendations: Darling Namma Veedu, Thottapalayam, Vellore
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹800-1000 approx
Sweet Poli
Sweet Poli, also known as Obbattu or Holige in other parts of India, is a popular dessert in Vellore. This sweet flatbread is made from a dough of all-purpose flour or wheat flour, stuffed with a filling of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. The dough is rolled out, filled with the sweet mixture, and cooked on a tava. It is also prepared on festivals and special occasions.
Restaurant Recommendations: Sri Annapurna Hotel Veg, Gandhi Nagar
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹800-1000 approx
