A Day in Chennai for Foodies (May 2023)

  1. 9:00AM: Murugan Idli Shop
    10 minutes (2.5km) from Chennai Central Railway Station

    Start your day with world-famous South Indian breakfast, steaming hot idlis served with sambhar and chutney at Murugan Idli Shop which opens at 7 AM. They offer a wide variety of chutneys to choose from and is the perfect start to your day.

  2. 11:00AM: Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum
    30 minutes (17km) from Murugan Idli Shop

    Explore traditional South Indian art and culture at Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum. Exhibits include traditional homes, art, and crafts from the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The museum opens at 10 AM and offers guided tours as well.

  3. 1:00 PM: Annalakshmi Restaurant
    20 minutes (13km) from Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum

    Annalakshmi is a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional South Indian food. Try their seven-course, unlimited meal that is delicious and a steal for the price. The restaurant also has a great view of the beach and is ideal for a lunchtime with friends and family.

  4. 3:00 PM: Besant Nagar Beach
    10 minutes (3km) from Annalakshmi Restaurant

    Take a break from your food trail and visit the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. The beach bustles with locals and evening shoppers, and you can also find street hawkers selling everything from souvenirs to mouth-watering food. Experience the stunning sunset which paints the sea red and the sky yellow which is a spectacle to watch.

  5. 6:00 PM: Saravana Bhavan
    20 minutes (7 km) from Besant Nagar Beach

    Saravana Bhavan is known for its crispy and fluffy dosas along with other signature South Indian dishes. The menu has various types of dosas to choose from, including ghee roast and masala dosa which are a must-try. This is an ideal place to have your dinner for the day.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Murugan Idli Shop (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum (2 hours, INR 300)
  • Annalakshmi Restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 500)
  • Besant Nagar Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Saravana Bhavan (1.5 hours, INR 300)

  • Total estimated cost: INR 1300

Useful Tips

If you have more time, include a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world, or Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a famous temple that dates back to the 7th century. Beer lovers can check out The Brew Room or Chennai’s first microbrewery, called The Moon and Sixpence. However, if you have lesser time, Besant Nagar Beach and Saravana Bhavan can always be an option to cut down travel time.

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