There’s a scene in Kamal Haasan’s 2022 blockbuster that pays homage to one of the city’s most popular street snacks. Most Chennaiites still call it the ‘Alsa Mall’ sandwich, a reference to the place where this simple sandwich first gained wings in the 1990s. More than thirty years later, it still dominates discussion and nostalgia about the sandwich in the city. Like most other Indian metropolises, Chennai’s sandwich scene has also evolved with hipster favorites like avocado on toast and pesto sandwiches in the mix.
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Chennai’s first introduction to high-quality sandwiches probably took place in the colonial-era clubs of then Madras. Clubs like the Madras Club (also known as the Ace of Clubs) and the Madras Gymkhana Club still make extraordinary sandwiches that take you back to the British Raj when cucumber sandwiches were part of the High Tea ritual. Some of these colonial-era sandwiches began to feature in the first wave of ‘fast food’ joints in Chennai in the 1980s and 90s. Most old-timers still have fond memories of Cakes ‘n Bakes’ chicken sandwich – spread on white bread, buttered and filled with chicken. What do you dislike? All-day dining (or coffee shops) in luxury hotels became another ‘go-to’ place with club sandwiches.
Most of these sandwiches have survived, including the alsa mall sandwich and the hotel sandwich, while a growing band of cafés have adapted their sandwiches with additional emphasis on the quality of bread. From sourdough bread to multi-grain sandwiches, sandwich fans in Chennai are spoiled for choice. As they say, a good sandwich is more than the sum of its parts:
Representative image.
Photo Credit: iStock
1. Balaji Sandwich Stall
‘Alsa Mall’ is the epitome of the sandwich that is deeply rooted in the street food culture of Chennai. Their bestseller is a simple bread omelette sandwich with their signature green chutney. Their extensive menu includes over 50 sandwiches, but most regulars still rely on their popular egg or vegetable sandwich with chutney.
Monteith Road, Egmore
2. Mr Sweets
If you’re looking for Chennai’s most popular grilled vegetarian sandwich, there’s a good chance you’ll end up at one of Shree Sweets’ many outlets. Fresh bread is smeared with butter and filled with a variety of fillings, from cheese to jam. But our favorite is the Bombay Sandwich with potatoes and green chutney.
TV Road, Chetpet
3. Anise, Taj Coromandel
As most of the all-day diners in the city’s luxury hotels have stepped up their sandwich game, Ennis is an example of this. Their Tomato, Bocconcini, and Sourdough Bread Sandwich is enhanced by fresh heirloom tomatoes and complemented by rich, creamy bocconcini cheese, filled with shredded stracciatella and cream.
Taj Coromandel, MG Road, Nungambakkam
Photo Credit: Anees, Taj Coromandel
4.Dou
Formerly Soul, Do is billed as an upscale bakehouse and brew room experience. In addition to its large plates, Du also offers a delectable selection of sandwiches and open toasts including a delicious version of avocado toast (no surprises here) and Bombay Talkies which pay homage to the quintessential Bombay-style sandwich. .
Cenotaph Road, 2nd Lane
5. Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory
Decadent is the one word that comes to mind when we think of the Three Cheese Melt Sandwich, a crowd favorite at Sandy’s. If you’re more of a fried chicken fan, their Louisiana-Style Fried Chicken Sandwich is a fail-proof option.
First Main Road, RA Puram
6. Brew Room
A popular spot for coffee, conversation and, of course, sandwiches. Regulars swear by the Brew Room’s barbecue chicken sandwich which has been on the menu almost since its inception and has stood the test of time. This signature sandwich is made with house-made focaccia and their secret barbecue sauce.
RK Salai
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7. Royal Sandwich
There’s nothing regal about the prices at one of Chennai’s most popular homegrown restaurant chains. What started as a small eatery on TTK Road has expanded across the city with a wide menu of sandwiches. With everything from Panini sandwiches to Gobi sandwiches on the menu, there’s something for everyone here.
TTK Road, Alwarpet
8. Pumpkin Stories
Open all day, this standalone restaurant is one of our favorite spots for breakfast. The restaurant offers sandwich options for breakfast (including an avocado and mushroom on buttered sourdough) as well as a good selection of Italian sandwiches for any time of the day. The pepperoni sandwich and their pannuzzo sandwich with pulled pizza dough are both great.
Bheemana Garden Street, Alwarpet
9. Trattoria by Toscano:
Offers a great alternative to delicious Italian sandwiches. Our favorites include the Grilled Veggies and Hummus Sandwich, the Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Capers Sandwich and their popular Pesto Grilled Chicken and Fried Egg Sandwich.
Khadar Nawaz Khan Road
10. Brod Bakery
A popular spot for Chennai foodies, this intimate bakery is famous for its Basque Cheesecake. But it’s the sandwiches that bring most of the regulars back. It’s hard to pick a winner between their Chicken Pesto or their BLT or the Smoked Mozzarella and Arugula.
East Coast Road, Injambakkam
Also read: 9 of the Best Places for Sweet and Savory Ice Cream in Chennai
