Exploring Best Traditional Restaurants in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is a state steeped in rich cultural heritage. From ancient temples to blissful hill stations, Tamil Nadu has plenty to offer visitors. However, one aspect that makes Tamil Nadu truly unique is its mouthwatering cuisine.
What is Tamil Nadu Famous For?
Tamil Nadu is renowned for its elaborate temples, talented craftsmen, silk sarees, classical arts and dances, and most importantly – lip-smacking food. Be it dosas, idlis, vada, or biryani, the aromatic and flavorful food of Tamil Nadu is world-famous. The state’s cuisine makes excellent use of local ingredients like rice, lentils, spices, coconut, and seafood to create dishes that are healthy and bursting with flavors.
Best Traditional Restaurants in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu boasts numerous restaurants and eateries that allow you to sample authentic local delicacies. Here are some of the best traditional restaurants in Tamil Nadu that should not be missed on your next visit.
Murugan Idli Shop
No list of the best restaurants in Tamil Nadu is complete without the iconic Murugan Idli Shop. Started in the 1950s, this vegetarian eatery chain has over 30 outlets across the state. Their fluffy, soft idlis dunked in sambar and served with coconut chutney are simply to die for! This place also whips up tasty dosas, vadas, and uthappams, which are very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Annapoorna Mithai
Annapoorna Mithai in Madurai tantalizes your taste buds with an array of traditional North Indian sweets. Fresh hot jalebis, creamy ras malai, delicious panipuri – this place has it all! The warm, cozy interiors and friendly staff enhance your dining experience here. The restaurant also offers North Indian thalis and a bakery section with different kinds of bread.
Amman Family Restaurant
Located near the Madurai airport, Amman Family Restaurant opened its doors in 2018. This place wows diners with innovative twists on classic Tamilian preparations. Their spicy chicken 65, flavourful biryani, and perfectly cooked seafood are highly recommended. You can also grab a quick bite at their takeaway section.
Chetty Nadu Mess
Chetty Nadu Mess has earned the distinction of being Madurai’s smallest yet most popular eatery. Local delicacies like fish fry, dosas, paneer dishes, and Chettinad chicken are prepared here in traditional copper vessels. Be sure to try their popular mutton chukka and Mysore pak sweet before leaving.
Banyan Restaurant
Tucked away inside the Heritage Madurai Hotel, the Banyan Restaurant lets you feast on delectable local and global fare amidst lush greenery. The gracious banyan tree under which tables are laid out makes for an unforgettable fine dining experience. Some highlights of their menu include meen varuval (fish fry), Indian thali, and pastas in exciting combinations.
These age-old traditional restaurants use secret family recipes and time-tested cooking methods to provide an authentic taste of Tamil Nadu. Exploring the local eateries and trying the delicious cuisine is indeed one of the best ways to get a peek into Tamil culture when you visit this beautiful state.
Tantalizing Tiffins and Snacks
No meal in Tamil Nadu is complete without an array of steaming hot tiffins and snacks. Some iconic places for delicious local tiffins in the state include S.P.S. Tiffins & Fruit Shop, Bhagwati Mohan’s Restaurant, and Angaara in Ooty. Crispy vada, flaky parottas, tempting pakoras – the list is endless! Street food stalls also whip up sumptuous local snacks like bonda, bajji, and rava dosa, which are flavorsome, hygienic, and light on the pocket, too.
Delectable Biryani Paradise
Be it Ambur, Thalappakatti, or Dindigul – each region of Tamil Nadu has its own style of making aromatic biryani. Traditional eateries like Thalappakatti Restaurant follow age-old techniques of slow-cooking meat and rice over woodfire to produce the perfect fluffy biryani. Some must-try biryanis in Tamil Nadu include the spicy Chettinad biryani and the tangy Ambur biryani.
Seafood by the Beach
With a long coastline, Tamil Nadu offers the freshest and tastiest seafood straight off the waters. Small beach shacks in places like Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry serve stellar local preparations like fried fish, prawn curry, crab masala, and more. Traditional fishing village restaurants take great pride in cooking seafood delicacies that retain their indigenous flavors.
Sweet Shops Galore
No one can resist the temptation of the golden jalebis, creamy kulfi, and colorful halwa sold at the mithai shops dotting Tamil Nadu’s cities. Establishments like Gowri Sweet Stall and Lakshmi Vilas boast dedicated sweet counters overflowing with jars of laddoos, pedas, burfis, and more. The smells of ghee, sugar, and milk wafting through old Madurai alleys will surely lure you into the sweet shops.
Royal Chettinad Cuisine
Chettinad cuisine is considered the crown jewel of Tamil Nadu owing to its intricate preparation techniques and rich, aromatic dishes. Originating in the Chettinad region, this style involves extensive use of spices grown in house gardens to add complex flavors. Some signature Chettinad preparations include Chettinad Pepper Chicken, Kozhambu curry, and fluffy Idiyappams served with spicy stew.
How Packers and Movers Can Help With Relocation
Planning a move to or from Tamil Nadu? Employing professional packers and movers can greatly simplify your relocation process. Many reputed packers and movers companies are operating in major Indian cities and towns.
Benefits of Hiring Packers and Movers
- Safe packing of household goods and vehicles
- Careful loading, transport, and unloading
- Insurance coverage for goods
- Cost saving compared to self-move
- Peace of mind during relocation
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Company
- Experience and market reputation
- Services offered – packing, loading, insurance, etc
- Rates and pricing transparency
- Resources – staff, packaging material, vehicles etc
While there are many good packers and movers companies to pick from, Rightstar stands out for their 30+ years of experience in handling all kinds of relocations across India and internationally. Their professionally trained staff, excellent infrastructure, and adoption of the latest technologies have helped Rightstar become the most trusted name in the relocation industry worldwide.
So, for a hassle-free and stress-free move anywhere in India or abroad, put your faith in Rightstar Packers and Movers.