Must-see restaurants in Chennai (Madras)

You take what you're given from the chap in the 'window shop', a fast-and-furious hole-in-the-wall famous for its hot crispy bhajias (vegetable fritters),…

Often crowded and cramped, Ratna is famous for its scrumptious idli accompanied by hearty doses of its signature sambar (soupy lentil dish with cubed…

Tuscana turns out authentic thin-crust pizzas with toppings like prosciutto, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, as well as more creative takes such as…

The Fortel hotel's restaurant has an impressive range of Indian veg and nonveg dishes, including great biryanis and all-day snacks. It's tranquil and…

Big flavours are rustled up in a starkly simple setting at this no-nonsense, forever-busy spot, pocketed away in a lane opposite the Chepauk cricket…

Those in the know generally agree that this particular branch of the small Madurai-born Murugan chain serves some of the best idli, dosa, uttapam and…

An oasis of air-conditioning and tasty, cheap South Indian food in the George Town area, this place manages to be busy and exceptionally clean at the same…

This tiny spot pulls in the crowds with the deep-fried delights of its signature Maharashtrian vada pavs – spiced potato fritters in buns, doused in…

It's all about deliciously griddled, ghee-coated idlis and uttapams at this 37-year-old eatery in the thick of George Town.

Tuck into cheap South Indian classics, veg biryanis or thalis (₹120) in the clean AC hall upstairs, or go for snacks downstairs.

Good supermarket convenient for Egmore and Central train stations.

Big, busy supermarket stocking international products.

Handy supermarket for self-caterers.

Well-stocked, upmarket supermarket.

Well-stocked, central supermarket.