If you think you've figured out the food scene in Chennai, hold your thoughts. Chennai's food scene is dynamic, and forever evolving. Look beyond the ubiquitous idli, vada, dosai, chutney, and you will find new food that must be tried. Here are some exciting new options.
Abyssinian
This is the only Ethiopian restaurant in Chennai, and thankfully it has amazing reviews and ratings. If you're completely new to African cuisine, you might turn into a happy convert once you try their food. The staff is well informed and are happy to help you order the best from the menu.
Where: Alwarpet
When: Noon to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Average cost for two: ₹1800
Must try: Injera, honey wine
Winter Place
For a completely different food experience, head to Winter Place, a Russian speciality restaurant. Their food is refreshingly delicious, low on spice, and high on flavour. You will surely get your money's worth with the variety of dishes available here.
Where: Alwarpet
When: 11 AM to 11 PM
Average cost for two: ₹1100
Must try: Chicken a la Kiev, banana strudel
Fuji Japanese Restaurant
Put down that cheap sushi, and head to Fuji for some good Japanese favourites. The freshest fish is converted into artistic sashimi, maki, nigiri and more. There is so much to explore here that you are likely to come back for more.
Where: Nandanam
When: 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Average cost for two: ₹1850
Must Try: Salmon sashimi, oshinko maki
Shiraz Art Cafe
For an Iranian/ Persian style feast take your friends and family to Shiraz. Their food will be relatively familiar to our palates and yet exotic. The menu is extensive with a number of dishes and beverages to choose from.
Where: Neelangarai
When: Noon to 3 PM, 6 PM to 11 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Average cost for two: ₹1100
Must try: Chicken gheimeh, gharch and shivid polo
Y Cook
Every tried red idiyappam with Sri Lankan style seafood curries? Order in from Y Cook and check it out for yourself. Tasty, hearty and pocket-friendly, Y Cook also serves north Indian food.
Where: Besant Nagar
When: Noon to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM
Average cost for two: ₹300
Must try: Idiyappam, prawn sodhi
Ottoman's Royally Served
Another great spot to try something new is Ottoman's. They serve Turkish food at very reasonable prices. Doner kebab, shawarma, iskander kebab, baklava, kunafa and a lot more.
Where: Navallur
When: 11 am to 11 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Average cost for two: ₹400
Must try: Doner kebab, baklava
Sudaka
Sudaka's menu covers food from almost all of South American countries such Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Venezuela. You must explore each with a signature dish such as breaded humita, tamale, empanadas, ceviche and a lot more.
Where: T Nagar
When: Noon to 3 PM, 6 PM to Midnight
Average cost for two: ₹2000
Must try: Empanada, tamale
Nasi And Mee
Bored of the same kind of 'Chinese' food? You should give other Asian cuisines a shot, like Malaysian, at Nasi And Mee. Delicate dumplings, the flavour punch of nasi goreng, and enjoy the simplicity of ingredients in the stir fry spinach with garlic and sesame.
Where: Nungambakkam
When: 12 noon to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM
Average cost for two: ₹2000
Must try: Nasi goreng, ice kachang
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