Chennai is so much absorbed in its own culture and practice, the cuisine has much more a reason to the unhindered by the invasion of the west, hence there is very little cross culture on the banana leaf -the natural platter that takes away toxins in the the food.

'Coffee Day' or not, Chennai wakes up to filter coffee. The aroma of gound coffee seeds seeping through the filter and into the tumbler is a divinity by itself. Although chennaiites visit Coffee day for a Capuccino, it is Cothas or Narasus cofee that makes them say "Bhesh, Bhesh, Romba Nalla irukku".
Very few nuclear families dine out in Chennai. For most it is a light tiffin at home comprising rotis or chapattis. But if they dine out, it will definitely be to experiment their taste buds.

Thats great about them. Its idli for breakfast and Pizzas for dinner. New places like 'Just around the corner', 'Tulsi', 'Chettinad' or the jazzy 'Kafe 2000'.

Curd rice. Tamilians are very fond of milk and milk products. And curd rice plays an important role in their meal. This is due to the cooling nature of curds and the manner in which it helps soothe the stomach of the masalas and spices. So next time you visit a South Indian Restaurant in Chennai, and ask for a south Indian meal, you will be amazed by the quantity and the varitey. The best place for South Indian meals in Chennai is Saravana Bhavan. Thought they offer a vast choice of tother cuisine int heir menu, South indian tiffin and meals are faves. Other places you can check out are 'Annalakshmi', 'Apoorva' chain of restaurants. Appalams, Vadams, Vathals, Podis, Spices, poriyals, masiyals, sambhar, rice, rasam, curds and buttermilk come in the South Indian meals. Payasams are the favourite. The pickles are usually hot and spicy, so better watch out!