In my early days in Chennai, I was amused by people saying - Shall we go for chat? -pronouncing it as 'chat' !! Now the word is not as mispronounced and there are many eateries which offer you good chaat.
But true authentic bhel lovers will find the murmura ( puffed rice ) here too thick- it is more the jaalmurri kind.
Here are some of the outlets that we like:
Madras Bhel puri- in T nagar- a small little stall in the lane beside Naidu Hall and Raymonds- the guy makes a delightful bhel salad
Kailash Parbat- the most recent one to open in Chennai - helps relive my Bombay days- they even made me sukhi bhel or at least attempted to!
Ajnabee- In Egmore, with lots of Gujju farsaan as well
Shree Mithai- Best at Chetpet but available at other branches
Mansukhs- in T nagar and Alwarpet, more known for their Rajasthani thali
Street shop- Nungambakkam- Outside Karishma boutique
Makkhan chor- a taste of Mathura- Cenotaph road
Gangotree- multiple branches, we like the T nagar one a lot
Cream Centre- St Marys road and Nungambakkam- Fantastic stuff- you can even opt for a chat platter
Just revisited the OTBT series I had done long ago and my old write up on Chennai street food for Metro Mela (the pics that have been updated seem irrelevant though) .
As for juice, go here :
Gream's road Fruit shop
Haji Ali Juice Centre off Greams Road
Aavin stalls offer yummy buttermilk called "more"
The juice shops at Kovai Pazhamadir- all branches
Also try out these local juice shops:
- The juice shop opp Kirtilals in Alwarpet
- The juice counter at the Petrol bunk next to Pizza Hut Nungambakkam
- The roadside coconut water guy
- and the Neera that you get occasionally
Keep the creative juices flowing! It is so energising !
