Chennai's culinary landscape is a brilliant tapestry of deeply traditional South Indian cooking, diverse street foods, and a booming international dining scene.
**Local Cuisine & Signature Dishes:** - **Breakfast Staples:** Fluffy *idli*, crisp *dosa*, *vada*, and *pongal*, typically served with sambar and an array of coconut and tomato chutneys. - **Filter Coffee:** The city runs on traditional South Indian filter coffee (kaapi), brewed strong with chicory and served frothy in a steel tumbler and dabarah. - **Chettinad Cuisine:** Known for its fiery, freshly ground spices and robust meat dishes (like Chettinad Chicken). - **Chicken 65:** The famously spicy, deep-fried chicken dish was invented in 1965 at Chennai's historic Buhari Hotel.
**Dining & Markets:** - **Iconic Eateries:** Saravana Bhavan, Murugan Idli Shop, and Sangeetha (for vegetarian fare); Anjappar and Ponnusamy (for Chettinad). - **Amma Canteens:** A pioneering government initiative providing highly subsidized, hygienic, and nutritious food to the public. - **Street Food:** Marina Beach and Elliot's Beach are prime spots for *sundal* (spiced lentils), *bajji* (fritters), and fresh seafood.