Top 10 places for idli-sambar in Chennai

Top 10 places for idli-sambar in Chennai

If you have arrived in Chennai and not tried idli and sambar then you have definitely missed something! Idli is a savoury, steamed rice cake and is a very popular breakfast option in Chennai. It is made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram dal and is traditionally served with sambar and chutney. Since idlis are mild in taste, the sides of sambar and chutney are very crucial to enhance the flavours. There are many variations of the idli according to different regions: Rava idli, Kancheepuram idli, and Thatte idli. In Karnataka, idlis are sometimes steamed in coconut shells or fragrant screwpine leaves (Moode idli) or Jackfruit leaves (Kotte Kadubu idli).

Idli is comfort food for the South Indian and is more than just a breakfast option. It can be a midnight snack, a brunch option, or even a cocktail snack! Apart from variations in the making style, you have coin idlis, Madurai style idlis, or grainy Udipi idlis. Idlis come in varied forms, styles, flavours and textures. It also lends itself to experimentation and fusion so you can have stuffed idlis, karuvepalai idlis (idli coated with a spicy powder of lentil and curry leaves), ghee idlis, schezwan idlis, masala idlis (with a stuffing of potato masala), idli upma, and Podi idli (idli covered with spicy chilli powder and ghee).

No other city offers the variety of idlis that Chennai does. Idli is available freely all over Chennai but there are some hot-spots that you would not want to miss. 

1. Rathna Café

Established in 1948, Rathna café is unmissable in Chennai. They are in Triplicane but also have branches in Mylapore, Adyar and Kilpauk. Their speciality is that they serve the idli and pour sambar over the idli from a saucepan! This unique style of serving is captivating and the taste is very enjoyable!

2. Eating Circles

If you are at Eating Circles in C.P.Ramaswami Road in Alwarpet, do not miss the Thatte idli! Thatte idli is a Karnataka speciality. Eating Circles serves Thatte idli with a dash of ghee and spicy chilly powder sprinkled on the idly. To go with it, you have two types of sambar: the Madras sambar (spicy) or the Karnataka sambar (Sweet). Thatte idlis are generally larger in size (almost the size of a small plate) than regular idlis. The idlis are spongy and melt in the mouth. 

3. ID

ID has outlets all over the city. They started primarily in the Satyam Cinema complex but have outlets in Chetpet, The Chennai airport, Kathipara junction, Vadapalani and Marina Mall. You could treat yourself to their Thatte idli which comes dusted with chilli powder and ghee. Or they have a delectable Karuvepalai idli (these are dusted with a powder made of lentil and curry leaves and coated with yummy ghee). ID is well known for their food and the idlis here are to die for!

4. Sangeetha

 Sangeetha restaurants have outlets all over the city of Chennai. Their idlis and sambar are legendary. And also their chutneys, especially the spicy tomato onion chutney. The service is very quick and the idlis are always piping hot!

5. Saravana Bhavan

Saravana Bhavan is synonymous with Chennai and have made themselves world famous by opening branches all over the world! There are several Saravana Bhavan outlets in Chennai and all of them offer idlis in various forms. If you want to try the mini idlis here, you will get 14 coin-sized or bite-sized idlis dunked in sambar and topped with ghee! It is like having idlis in soup style!

6. Murugan Idli Shop

This is a very popular outlet in Chennai and serves authentic South Indian food. They have outlets across the city and world as well. They serve yummy idlis with sambar and a variety of chutneys including coconut, coriander, tomato, and mint. The idlis are generally served on a banana leaf here. You could also try their podi idli.

7. Kappa Chakka Kandhari

Kappa Chakka Kandhari is a unique, destination restaurant in Haddows road. They serve a unique idli here called the Ramasseri idli. Ramasseri is a tiny village near Palakkad in Kerala. The Ramasseri idlis originated there and are much thinner than conventional idlis. The cooking method is unique with the batter poured into flat clay steamers which are then stacked up and steamed. Kappa Chakka Kandhari is a place that serves very authentic Kerala food and you will find one of the finest versions of the Ramasseri idli here. 

8. Menaka Restaurant in Palmgrove Hotel

Palmgrove was set up in 1973 and has been a popular hotel for several decades in Chennai. The Menaka restaurant there is well known for its food and has a history of having several regulars who swear by the place. It is well known for its food and service. Many famous people are seen here and die-hard fans swear by the idli and sambar here.

9. New Woodlands Hotel

New Woodlands is one of the best options in Chennai for Udipi style food. They have amazing snacks in the evening. Their Rava idli is very famous and is served with potato gravy and chutney. Unlike the regular idli, Rava idli does not require fermentation. It is made with Sooji (Rava) and curd and can be cooked instantly. It tastes very different from the regular idli. If you have gone here for the idlis and breakfast, do not miss the amazing filter coffee after having your breakfast. 

 10. Mathsya

Mathsya has branches in Egmore, Adyar and T.Nagar. Established in 1960, the restaurant is well known for their Udipi style dishes. Apart from the sambar idli, you could try the Kadubu or cylindrical shaped idlis here. It is the same idli batter steamed in a different mould. They also have the Thatte idli which is now widely available in Chennai.

End-note

There are many experiments going on with idlis but the traditional idli and sambar are a staple and never go out of style. Although idli has been in Chennai from the 17th century, food historians say that it travelled here from Indonesia where it was made popularly. Whatever be the case, idli and sambar are a combination that now define the culinary landscape of Chennai and if you have not tried them yet, what are you waiting for?