Start your foodie journey in Chennai by visiting Kaiyendhi Bhavan for a traditional South Indian breakfast. Try their famous Idli and Pongal. Spend some time walking around the vibrant market areas of Mint Street and Sowcarpet, known for their street food and snacks such as Murukku and Bajji. After a quick lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, visit the Amethyst Cafe for its English menu using Canadian maple syrup in their pancakes. End your day in Chennai with a hearty dinner at the famous Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy and soft idlis served with 6 different dipping and curry options.
Start your day in Mahabalipuram with traditional South Indian breakfast at Mamalla Bhavan. Sample some crispy vadas and dosas and finish it off with a filter coffee. After breakfast, head to the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas, famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take in the picturesque views of the Bay of Bengal while enjoying a lunch of traditional seafood dishes such as fish curry, prawn fry, and crab masala at Mahabs Hotel Landmark. End your day with a delicious freshly brewed beer at The Madras Brewing Company along with some fantastic finger foods that pair impeccably with their beer.
If time permits, you can also explore other tourist attractions in the city like Fort St George, Marina Beach, and Arignar Anna Zoological Park that host some local eateries. If you have limited time, you can choose to skip some places and try out only the must-try food items at each location. Do carry sufficient cash with you as most street vendors do not accept cards. Tuk-tuks are the best mode of transportation for local travel in both cities, so ensure that you negotiate on the prices before hopping in.