Sunrise on one of Chennai’s many beaches followed by hot idlis and filter coffee may seem like a clichéd Chennai experience, but it’s a ritual that many locals never tire of. Some things Chennai takes for granted: a beautiful sunrise (almost all year round) and plenty of options for breakfast. There is perhaps no city in India that wakes up earlier than Chennai and offers such a wide range of local breakfast options right after sunrise. There’s more to the mix than idlis and filter coffee. From crunchy dosa to chicken curry to vada curry, there is more than one type of local Chennai breakfast.
Also read: 15 Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Chennai Where You Can Eat More and Spend Less
Here are 10 Chennai breakfast classics that will satisfy your hunger and soul:
1. Filter Coffee
“Coffee is like religion, not open to interpretation.” Arvind Swami’s famous line in the trending Netflix show IC814 (where he plays DRS, a diplomat with roots in South India) sums up the special place of filter coffee in Chennai. It’s not easy to please the city’s die-hard coffee lovers; Still, some places almost manage it. This is a city that smells of filter coffee as soon as you wake up in the morning, and there’s no better time than breakfast to try the city’s most popular drink.
- Where: Sangeeta, RA Puram / Mathasya, Egmore / Mami Mess, Mylapore
Photo Credit: iStock
2. Idli
There is more than one version of idli available for breakfast in Chennai. You can choose between the grainy-textured Udupi-style idli or the softer, stickier version associated with Madurai and southern Tamil Nadu. There are also a few places where you can pair your idli with Meen Kuzhambu (fish gravy), which is a Sunday special in many households in Chennai. Many restaurants draw regulars for their signature sambar, which is the perfect accompaniment.
- Where: Welcome Hotel, Purasawalkam / Ratna Cafe, Triplicane / Madras Pavilion, ITC Grand Chola / Murugan Idli Shop, T Nagar
Photo Credit: iStock
3. Dosai
Another South Indian breakfast that you can find all over the city. From soft dosa to crispy ghee roasted dosa to masala dosa with potato stuffing, Chennai offers a plethora of options. Dosa can be an anytime breakfast, but there is nothing more satisfying than a Sunday breakfast consisting of ghee dosa and filter coffee.
- Where: Eating Circles, Alwarpet / Saravana Bhawan, RK Salai / Maris Hotel, New Woodlands Hotel, RK Salai
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Ponga
One of the most iconic dishes of Tamil Nadu is also the name of the state’s annual harvest festival week which usually falls in mid-January every year. Restaurant versions of Pongal include copious amounts of ghee – exactly what you need to unwind after a heavy Sunday breakfast. You can also try healthy millet versions of this breakfast staple or sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal) across the city.
- Where: Ashoka Hotel, Egmore/Millett Magic, Alwarpet/A2B, Perambur
5. Vadai
Medu Vadai (Medu is the Tamil word for soft) or Vada is a popular add-on to a plate of idli or hot Pongal. These crunchy treats taste best at breakfast when they are either dipped in sambar (Sambar Vadai) or served with sambar and chutney.
- Where: Sangeetha, Adyar / Palmgrove Hotel, Kodambakkam / A2B, Adyar
Photo Credit: iStock
6. Idiyappam and Paya
Not all breakfast options in Chennai are vegetarian. Some of the city’s breakfast options, like idiyappam (string hoppers or rice noodles) served with attukal paya (or trotters), debunk this myth. It is a common weekend breakfast in many households and is also available in many restaurants.
- Where: Safari Hotel, Royapettah
7. Uthappam
Like dosa, this thickened version of dosa has become a popular street food and breakfast item in many metros across India. Uttam utthappam is prepared with slightly sour dosa batter and served with toppings like onion or tomato or mixed vegetable utthappam.
- Where: Murugan Idli Shop, Besant Nagar / New Woodlands Hotel, RK Salai
Photo Credit: iStock
8. Vada Curry
The Saidapet neighborhood in Chennai has long been associated with a cuisine that the city can lay claim to. Vada curry is a mixture of thick lentils in a delicious gravy and is usually served with soft, thick kala (stone) dosa.
- Where: Mari Hotel, Saidapet / Mamalla Motel, ECR
9. Parotta and curry
Are you looking for great breakfast options on a Saturday morning or a cheat day in the middle of the week? Flaky parotta with chicken curry or gravy is a popular local breakfast option for meat lovers. Soak the chicken gravy in the paratha and watch the magic happen.
- Where: Hotel Topsy, Adyar
Also read: 6 new cafes and restaurants to check out in Chennai this weekend
Photo Credit: iStock
10. Rava Kesari
Do you need a solution for your sweet tooth? There is no better option than hot rava kesari (similar to sheera in most parts of India). Semolina is cooked with water or milk along with copious amounts of ghee and sugar. What do you dislike?
- Where: Hotel Ashok, Egmore/Eating Circles, Alwarpet
