Must-Try Street Food Outlets in Chennai

Date Aug 19, 2025

Votes 0
votes

Voters 0
voters

Views 126
views

Items 10
items

Chennai’s culinary scene is impossible to overlook, especially when it comes to street food that bursts with flavor and cultural vibrancy.

From spicy sundal along Marina Beach to piping hot idlis in bustling market lanes, street food outlets in Chennai offer a rich tapestry of taste, aroma, and local tradition that reflects the city’s character.

As editors of MyOnely, we present this listicle uncovering the must-try street food outlets that every food lover in Chennai should experience at least once.

#1 - Marina Beach Sundal & Bhajji Stalls

Chennai’s iconic Marina Beach is famous for its sundal and crispy bhajji sold across numerous stalls. Operating since the 1970s, these outlets offer simple but flavorful street snacks, loved for their affordable pricing and unmistakable local vibe.

0

#2 - Mint Street Food Market

Established decades ago in Sowcarpet, Mint Street is a bustling paradise for North-Indian chaats, jalebi, and kachori. It’s legendary for authentic taste and variety—many local vendors here are family-run and operate with time-tested recipes.

0

#3 - Links Café – Eliot’s Beach

Located by Besant Nagar’s Eliot’s Beach, Links Café is a hot spot for street-style sandwiches, burgers, and tea. Founded over 20 years back, it’s popular among college crowds and beachgoers for its speedy service and lively atmosphere.

0

#4 - Murugan Idli Shop (T Nagar)

Started in 1993 by Mr. Ravi, Murugan Idli Shop in T Nagar delivers soft idlis, crispy vadas and flavorful chutneys at pocket-friendly prices. It’s received several local food awards and is renowned for maintaining authentic Tamil breakfast traditions.

0

#5 - Ratna Café (Triplicane)

Established in 1948, Ratna Café is a heritage eatery in Triplicane, famous for its ‘sambar idli’. Winner of multiple awards, it blends South Indian flavors with a street-food ambiance, drawing visitors for consistent taste and nostalgic Chennai charm.

0

#6 - Ayappan’s Tea Stall (Mylapore)

Ayappan’s Tea Stall in Mylapore is a beloved pitstop for strong filter coffee, hot tea, and crispy samosas. Operating since the 1980s, it attracts office-goers and students with consistently fresh brews and classic Tamil snacks.

0

#7 - Annalakshmi Bhavan Bajji Stall

Located near Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Annalakshmi Bhavan Bajji Stall is famed for piping-hot bajjis and vadas. Founded over 15 years ago, the stall’s loyal following raves about its crisp snacks and homemade chutneys, embodying true Chennai street flavors.

0

#8 - Royal Sandwich (Nungambakkam)

Royal Sandwich, starting as a humble roadside cart in Nungambakkam, now serves an array of quirky sandwiches and burgers. Since 1999, the outlet has won hearts with its fusion fillings—like spicy potato—and quick, friendly service.

0

#9 - Kaalan Kadais (various locations)

‘Kaalan Kadais’ are mushroom stalls found across TNagar and Vadapalani, famed for spicy mushroom fry with crunchy toppings. Many outlets are family-run, delivering affordable, finger-licking street food, especially loved by local students since the 2000s.

0

#10 - Seena Bhai 1977 Dosa (Parrys)

Operating since 1977 in Parrys, Seena Bhai’s dosa outlet is a haven for crispy dosas and chutneys. Awarded by food bloggers for maintaining authentic taste, its affordable prices and generous portions make it a true Chennai must-try.

0