2-Day Foodie Itinerary in Chennai for August 2023

1. Day 1: Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop
   15 minutes (3.2 km) from your hotel

   For breakfast, head to Murugan Idli Shop, a famous South Indian restaurant known for its soft and fluffy idlis and a variety of chutneys and sambar. Be ready to get in line as the restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant opens at 7:00 AM, and it's recommended to reach early to avoid the rush.

   Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant
   20 minutes (5.1 km) from Murugan Idli Shop

   For lunch, visit Annalakshmi Restaurant, a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves a delicious buffet spread of South Indian and North Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its serene ambiance, and the food is prepared using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. You can have a satisfying meal here and enjoy the beautiful view of the Bay of Bengal.

   Dinner at Kappa Chakka Kandhari
   25 minutes (7.8 km) from Annalakshmi Restaurant

   For dinner, head to Kappa Chakka Kandhari, a restaurant that specializes in authentic Kerala cuisine. The restaurant's decor is inspired by the traditional Kerala house, and the food is prepared using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Try their appams, puttu, and Kerala-style biryani, which are highly recommended by locals and tourists alike.

2. Day 2: Breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant
   10 minutes (2.1 km) from your hotel

   Start your day with breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant, which serves a wide range of South Indian and North Indian breakfast dishes. The restaurant is known for its filter coffee, crispy dosas, and fluffy idlis. They also serve continental breakfast options for those who prefer a non-Indian breakfast.

   Lunch at Mappillai Restaurant
   30 minutes (8.9 km) from Sangeetha Restaurant

   For lunch, visit Mappillai Restaurant, a famous Chettinad restaurant that serves authentic Chettinad cuisine. The restaurant's decor is inspired by the traditional Chettiar house, and the food is prepared using traditional Chettinad spices and techniques. Try their signature dish, the Chettinad Chicken, which is a must-try when in Chennai.

   Dinner at Absolute Barbeque
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Mappillai Restaurant

   End your foodie journey with dinner at Absolute Barbeque, a restaurant that serves a wide range of grilled and barbequed dishes. The restaurant has a live grill on each table, and you can grill your food to your liking. They have a great selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and their dessert section is a must-try.

Recommendations

If you have some time left, consider taking a day trip to Mahabalipuram, which is about an hour's drive from Chennai. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its ancient temples and stone carvings. You can also visit Marina Beach, which is the longest natural urban beach in the country. To maximize your fun, try to explore the city on foot or take a local bus to get a feel of the local culture and people.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Murugan Idli Shop (1 hour, INR 200)
• Annalakshmi Restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 500)
• Kappa Chakka Kandhari (2 hours, INR 800)
• Sangeetha Restaurant (1 hour, INR 250)
• Mappillai Restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 600)
• Absolute Barbeque (2 hours, INR 900)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,250

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