Chennai has always been home to diverse culinary traditions, yet it is the Madras that really defines the city. Despite the various kinds of cuisines now available in the city, the traditional Madras meal remains a hot favourite. Here are five places where you get authentic Madras.
Rathna Café
For phenomenal idli-sambar and filter kaapi , Rathna Café in Triplicane is the place to go to. Twenty-five years of fame has not changed the way the place looks. Crammed chairs and a crowded hall is Rathna Café's decor. The lunch is scrumptious with large portions. Unfortunately with Rathna Café focusing on franchisees, the Triplicane Rathna Café's Midas touch seems to be going downhill.
Rayar Café
Kutchery Road in Mylapore is choc-a-bloc with restaurants that fill your nostrils with the enthralling aroma of filter kaapi . Rayar café was a hot favorite of film stars in the 1960s. The café has now been shifted to Arundale Street and remains the proud title-holder of the best medhu vadais and ghee rava dosa Enjoy the appetising traditional meals served on plantain leaves.
New Woodlands
Experience the rich taste of Madras meals evolved over centuries and perfected by time at the New Woodlands' South Indian Restaurant on R.K. Salai. It offers a distinct ‘no-nonsense' menu that ticks all the boxes for novelty as the crowded rooms vouch for.
Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is a chain of restaurants serving authentic Madras meals. It bridges the gap of quality vegetarian food in Chennai and now has branches across the world. The food is so delicious that you order for more than you can eat.
Mylai Karpagambal Mess
In the narrow lanes of Mylapore is the modest yet popular Karpagambal Mess which a clientele that outshines that of an elite restaurant. Through word-of-mouth, Karpagambal Mess still remains the place to go to for the best keerai and thavalai vadai . Roll up your sleeves and plunge into the famous Madras rasam.
