Chennai, the vibrant capital city of Tamil Nadu in South India, boasts a rich culinary heritage that has both vegetarian and non-veg restaurants to cater to all groups of people. The city’s food scene is a delightful fusion of traditional South Indian flavors, regional specialties, and influences from various culinary traditions.
Food in Chennai
For vegetarians, Chennai offers a plethora of mouthwatering options. Idli, a steamed rice and lentil cake, and dosa, a thin rice and lentil crepe, are popular breakfast staples. These dishes are often served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew. Pongal, a comforting dish made with rice, lentils, and ghee, is another vegetarian favorite.
Chennai is also known for its delicious vegetarian thali meals, which feature an assortment of dishes like rice, sambar, rasam, curries, and yoghurt-based accompaniments.
The variety of meat-based cuisines available in Chennai’s non veg restaurants would delight non-vegetarians. The hot and savoury non-vegetarian fare of Chettinad cuisine, which originates from the Chettinad district of Tamil Nadu, is well-known. Famous meals that highlight the use of flavorful spices like star anise, black pepper, and cinnamon include chicken Chettinad and Chettinad fish curry. The famed Chennai-style biryani, a fragrant rice dish prepared with meat (such as chicken or mutton), spices, and herbs, is another well-liked non-vegetarian food.
Chennai is a culinary haven for those who love seafood as well. Fresh fish is consistently available in the city’s non-veg restaurants, thanks to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Chennai provides a variety of seafood specialties that are brimming with coastal flavours, from mouthwatering fish fry to tart prawn curry.
Types of non-veg food one can eat in Chennai
The bustling metropolis of Tamil Nadu in South India, Chennai, is known for its thriving food scene, which features a wide selection of mouth-watering non-vegetarian cuisine. Chennai has something for any meat lover’s appetite, from regional specialties to cuisines from around the world. Following are some examples of the non-vegetarian culinary options available in Chennai’s non-veg restaurants:
Chettinad cuisine:
It is renowned for its spicy and savoury non-vegetarian dishes. It is a cuisine that comes from the Tamil Nadu region of Chettinad. Famous dishes like chicken Chettinad and Chettinad fish curry highlight the use of flavorful ingredients like star anise, black pepper, and cinnamon. Frequently, these meals are served with rice or regional breads like parotta or appam.
Biryani:
The people of Chennai have a particular place in their hearts for the popular rice dish known as “biryani.” Long-grain rice cooked with fragrant spices, herbs, and soft bits of meat (such chicken, mutton, or fish) is the main component of biryani made in the Chennai style. A tasty and fragrant one-pot supper is produced by marinating the meat in yoghurt and spices, layering it with rice that hasn’t quite finished cooking, and then slowly cooking it until it’s tender and flawless. Biryani is a dish that is available in the majority of non-veg restaurants in Chennai.
Tandoori Delights:
North Indian cuisine also had an impact on Chennai’s non-vegetarian culinary scene, with tandoori meals being a significant feature. Tandoori chicken is prepared in a traditional clay oven (tandoor) using a marinade of yoghurt and spices to give it a smoky, charred flavour. For lovers of meat, tandoori kebabs like malai tikka (creamy grilled chicken) and seekh kebab (minced meat skewers) are also popular options.
Dishes from China and Europe:
Due to Chennai’s multicultural makeup, there are many non-vegetarian restaurants serving non-vegetarian dishes from China and Europe. In these restaurants, stir-fries, noodles, and sauces made with Chinese ingredients are combined with Indian spices to create a fusion of flavours. For those wanting a unique dining experience, menu items including manchurian, chilli chicken, and sweet and sour fish are available in the non-veg restaurants of Chennai.
Barbecue and grills:
There are several restaurants in Chennai that specialise in smokey and grilled delicacies, and Chennai has a vibrant barbecue and grill culture. These restaurants provide a variety of meats, including chicken, mutton, and shellfish, that have been marinated in delicious spices and cooked over open flames. Highlights of these eateries include grilled kebabs, tikkas, and luscious meat platters, which are served with a selection of dips, sauces, and sides.
Street food:
Street food carts and tiny cafes selling a variety of non-vegetarian street cuisine line the streets of Chennai. The city’s street food scene offers a riot of flavours and fragrances, from the famous chicken 65 to kothu parotta (shredded parotta with meat and spices). These quick and affordable non-vegetarian bites are perfect for those looking to experience the local culinary culture.
Some of the best non-veg restaurants in Chennai
Kebakistaan:
It is one of the most well-known non-veg restaurants in Chennai, primarily known for its kebabs. There are numerous non-vegetarian options available, such as grilled meats, mouthwatering kebabs, and delicious platters. The elegant setting and first-rate service of the restaurant enhance the overall eating experience. You can also choose to order food online.
Copper Chimney:
With numerous locations throughout the city, Copper Chimney has become a well-known restaurant serving Mughlai and North Indian food. This restaurant serves a large variety of non-vegetarian specialties, including butter chicken, seekh kebabs, and mutton rogan josh. It is known for its savoury tandoori dishes and aromatic biryanis.
Hilton Chennai:
It is a fine-dining establishment that specialises in Chinese and North Indian food. The restaurant’s opulent cuisine offers a selection of non-vegetarian delicacies like delicious kebabs, hearty curries, and decadent biryanis. Elegant eating atmosphere is created by the lavish decor and dedicated service. Or alternatively, you may place an online order for food.
The Residency:
Located at The Residency Towers, The Residency is one of the most reputed non-veg restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including South Indian, North Indian, and Continental. The restaurant’s non-vegetarian menu offers several dishes that highlight the tastes of Tamil Nadu, including Chettinad chicken, fish curry, and prawn masala.
Conclusion
These are only a few of Chennai’s numerous excellent non-veg restaurants that offer top-notch eating experiences. No matter what kind of food you’re craving—traditional South Indian fare, North Indian flavours, or cosmopolitan fare – these restaurants are sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting more.
Read more: Top 9 Must-Order North Indian Food to Relish Authentic Taste
