Start off your food adventure in Chennai with a visit to the famous Murugan Idli Shop. Enjoy their specialty, fluffy and soft idlis served with an array of chutneys and sambar. Don't miss their crispy, crunchy medu vada and filter coffee. After breakfast, head to Kapaleeswarar Temple, a 20-minute drive away, to explore the ancient Dravidian style architecture and learn about Hindu mythology.
Indulge in a delicious plate of biriyani at Dindigul Thalappakatti Biriyani, a popular chain known for its aromatic, flavourful biriyanis cooked in traditional Seeraga Samba rice and served with a spicy onion raita. Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Marina Beach, which is just a 10-minute drive away. Admire the mesmerising sunset views and savour some street food like crispy sundal and masala corn.
End your day with a satisfying meal at Buhari, a legendary restaurant chain in Chennai that has been serving lip-smacking dishes for over 60 years. Try their signature Chicken 65, a spicy and crispy deep-fried chicken dish, and their fluffy, buttery parotta. Wash it down with a refreshing lime soda. After dinner, head back to your hotel and rest up for another exciting day in Chennai.
Start your day with a relaxing brunch at Amethyst Café, a charming café located in a heritage building surrounded by lush greenery. Try their fluffy pancakes served with maple syrup and fresh fruits, or their hearty breakfast platter that includes eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes and toast. After brunch, spend some time shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts at nearby boutiques like Brass Tacks and Chamiers.
After a busy morning, take a break and enjoy some tea and snacks at Writer's Café, a cosy café that offers a wide range of teas and snacks. Try their masala chai and samosas, or their cinnamon tea and chocolate brownies. Take some time to read a book or catch up on work in their peaceful environment. After tea-time, head to Fort St. George, a 30-minute drive away, to explore the historic British fortress and museum.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Ente Keralam, a restaurant that serves authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their appam and stew, a fluffy rice pancake served with a flavourful vegetable or chicken stew, or their seafood platter that includes prawns, fish and squid cooked in traditional Kerala style. Wash it down with a glass of refreshing buttermilk. After dinner, head back to your hotel and rest up for your final day in Chennai.
Start your day with a sweet treat at Adyar Ananda Bhavan, a popular chain that serves a variety of mouth-watering sweets and savouries. Try their crispy, golden-brown jalebis and their soft, melt-in-your-mouth mysore pak. After breakfast, head to Mahabalipuram, a 1-hour drive away, to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts of stunning rock-cut temples and sculptures.
Indulge in some seafood delicacies at Moonrakers, a beachside restaurant that offers a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal. Try their mouth-watering prawn ghee roast and their tangy fish curry served with steaming hot rice. After lunch, take a dip in the ocean or relax on the beach and enjoy the serene surroundings.
End your foodie adventure in Chennai with a lavish dinner buffet at Madras Pavilion, a restaurant that serves a variety of Indian and international cuisines. Try their biriyanis, tandoori chicken, pizzas and pastas, and their delectable desserts like the iconic gulab jamun and kulfi. Wash it down with a glass of refreshing fruit juice. After dinner, head back to your hotel and rest up for your journey back home.
If you love street food, head to Sowcarpet, a vibrant neighbourhood in Chennai that offers a wide range of street food like chaat, dosa, bajji and more. You can also take a day trip to Kanchipuram, a city located 1.5 hours away from Chennai, known for its silk sarees and ancient temples. To maximise your fun, try attending a classical dance or music performance at venues like Kalakshetra or Music Academy, where you can witness the rich cultural heritage of Chennai.