This is inevitable, a trend we have seen across India’s largest metros. Most of Chennai’s wallet-friendly options have emerged close to the city’s major colleges or shopping districts. Many of these places started as campus hangouts or first dates on a budget. Whether you’re looking for a burger of chaat or a kathi roll, you’re set. The city has a long list of restaurants that have provided comfort to the large number of residents who have come from other parts of India and now call Chennai their home or simply ‘Namma Chennai’ (Our Chennai). From Andhra food to Bengali food to North East thali, Chennai’s budget-friendly cuisine has something for everyone.
Also read: 15 Favorite Street Foods You Can’t Miss in Chennai
Here are 15 pocket-friendly places to eat in Chennai:
1. Murugan Idli Shop:
This restaurant chain may have its roots in Madurai but it has become one of the most popular restaurant brands in the city. While their soft, sickly idlis served with perfect accompaniments are their signature dish, we would also recommend their Sakkarai (sweet) Pongal and Onion Uthappam.
- Where: Multiple Outlets
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2. Bengali Fun Foods:
Located close to the IT corridor of Chennai, which is home to residents from all over India, it is one of the most popular affordable Bengali eateries. Bengali Fun Foods offers thali and meal options. From kosher mangsho to bhetki fish fingers and fish curry meals, there’s a lot in the mix.
- Where: MGR Pradhan Salai, Kandanchavady
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3. Tic Tac:
One of Chennai’s most famous kathi roll brands formed in the early 1980s and spread across the city’s CBD area. The brand now operates several outlets that serve similar flaky kathi rolls filled with their signature filling making it a great option.
- Where: Multiple Outlets
4. Mylai Karpagambal Mess:
One of the popular traditional restaurants in Mylapore, this local institution is close to the iconic Kapaleeshwar Temple. Most regulars swear by their filter coffee. The restaurant sources, roasts, grinds and brews its own signature filter coffee. We would also recommend trying their ‘evergreen’ Keerai (Spinach) Vadai and Papi Badam Halwa.
- Where: East Mada Street, Mylapore
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5. Shree Gujarati Mandal:
One of the best food deals in the busy Broadway area near the Madras High Court, this simple eatery is not easy to find (Chennai Metro is the easiest way to reach here). This eatery offers one of the most authentic and filling Gujarati thalis in Chennai and the cost of a meal for two is unlikely to exceed Rs 400 even with some add-ons.
- Where: Broadway Road
6. Rotiwala:
This small eatery is a comfort food haven for many Chennai residents visiting from Northern India. It’s common for regulars to stop by while coming back from work and have a roti or stuffed paratha (their aloo paratha is our favourite). The eatery also offers a few seats for quick meals.
- Where: Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur
7. Glen Bakehouse:
One of Chennai’s most popular recent campus hangouts, The Glen follows the same template that has made it a popular choice in Bengaluru. The food menu is simple – burgers, sandwiches and small plates are easy to share. It’s their desserts including their popular red velvet cake that are the big draw.
- Where: 5th Avenue, Anna Nagar
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8. Stranger:
Many Chennaiites consider Ajnaabi to be Chennai’s OG chaat shop. Ajnabi’s famous Samosa, Jalebi and Bhel has been in the same area for over five decades and has been attracting regulars to its location in one of the city’s first shopping ‘complexes’ in the Egmore area.
- Where: Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road
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9. Writer’s Café:
The café is positioned as a literary hub where writers and creative people of the city can connect with each other over coffee and a quick snack. The café also serves as Higginbottom’s bookshop. Their rectangular, thin-crust pizzas and pastries are both popular sharing options. The chain has also taken upon itself the responsibility of giving second chances to burn victims; He has been trained by Swiss bakery chefs.
- Where: Multiple outlets.
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10.Pasta Squares:
One of the best places in the city for pani puri – located behind Gangotri and across the road from Stella Maris College, this pocket-friendly outlet offers everything from nachos to shakes and pizzas. But it’s their comforting pasta that is the popular attraction.
- Where: 6th Street Gopalapuram, Off Cathedral Road
11. Anna Fish Fry:
Chennai’s seafood scene is legendary; It’s not just fine dining restaurants that dominate this competition. Besant Nagar beach area is one of the best places to catch fresh fish of the day. From griddle fried fish to nethilli (anchovy) and prawn fry, there are quite a few options for seafood lovers at this budget-friendly seafood stall.
- Where: Elliot Beach, Besant Nagar
12. Royal Sandwich:
There are plenty of sandwich stalls and outlets in Chennai that provide the perfect antidote to hunger pangs between meals. Royal Sandwiches is one of the most popular sandwich brands in the city and offers dozens of different sandwich options with everything from chicken to Nutella between breads.
- Where: TTK Road
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13. New Andhra Meals Hotel:
In Chennai, especially in the T Nagar area, which is a hub for wedding buyers from across the region, you will never run out of options for Andhra cuisine. This traditional Andhra Meals hotel has been in existence for over six decades and serves spicy food with a long menu.
- Where: Thyagaraya Road, T Nagar
14. Burgerman:
One of Chennai’s most famous, homegrown burger brands started off as a small kiosk on Cathedral Road. It has turned into a chain and continues to serve a wide range of burgers that strike a balance between tasty appeal and pocket-friendly price point.
- Where: Multiple Outlets
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15. North East Kitchen:
Located adjacent to Ethiraj College, this budget restaurant is a popular haunt for city dwellers with roots in the north eastern states of India. It’s a big attraction for momo fans and curious foodies alike. The diverse menu extends beyond the flavors of the North East and also offers Korean signature and Chinese comfort food.
- Where: Wellington Estate, Ethiraj Salai