While the rest of India, and perhaps the world, knows Chennai for dosa, idli, sambar, etc., the city also has an umpteenth number of non-vegetarian eateries. A very popular option for regular meals here is the 'mess' - you'll find them bustling with regular customers every single day. You may have to wait in queues on weekends and public holidays to get a place. Their popularity goes to show the quality of the food. My personal favorite is New Pattukottai Kamatchi Mess in T. Nagar, Chennai. You must try their mutton meals and mutton biriyani, as add-ons, you can get mutton kola urundai, mutton brain, prawn sukka, and crab gravy. You can wash it all down with a refreshing bottle of Goli soda and then take a nice nap.

Raj's Spanish Cafe on Sudder Street, near New Market and close to this RestoBar, is an unassuming place hidden inside an alleyway. It's perfect for appeasing your hunger pangs after a satisfying shopping session in the iconic New Market. The relaxed atmosphere of the cafe, along with handwritten messages left on the walls by previous guests, make for a great casual hangout session. And the food will perfectly accompany your conversations, or may even become the topic of the conversation. Their wood-fired pizzas are the best. Apart from that, you can also try the 'pollo asado con pure de patata' (barbecued chicken with mashed potato). Another absolute crowd favorite is the piping hot chocolate souffle with vanilla ice cream on the side - perfect death in every mouthful! 🫠

Barely a 10-minute walk from my house lies Thiruvanmiyur Beach, my go-to place for counting waves, catching up with friends, morning walks, evening strolls, and whatnot. This beach may not be very popular with tourists, but it's certainly a favorite among the locals. One of the adjacent streets is also home to throngs of food stalls - from fish fries and roasted squid to popcorn and lime soda - it's a foodie's paradise :) On this day though, I was at the beach at 4.30am, for a dance shoot, waiting for the sun to come up. I managed to take a few pictures before there was enough light for us to start.

Don't miss out on the sensory extravaganza, i.e. New Market, sitting just behind this hotel. Garments, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, bags, electronics - this market has it all. Asian Arts Jewellery is my favorite stop to pick up silver nose pins and earrings at an economic rate. In an adjacent lane, you will find Nahoum and Sons - one of the oldest bakeries in the city. Don't forget to taste their lemon tarts and Madeira cakes. If you are visiting in December, do stand in the queue for their famous plum cake. 

Every time I am in New Market, I make it a point to grab a mutton role at Nizam's Restaurant as well. A less popular but equally mouthwatering option is UP & Bihar Restaurant, which serves succulent beef rolls at 40 INR and delicious beef biryani just at 90 INR!

Gariahat is full of eateries serving a wide range of cuisines. If you are craving street food, you only need to stop at any one of the many 'Phuchka' (Panipuri) stalls in the neighborhood. In case you have a sweet tooth like me, make sure to visit the Kookie Jar branch in Gariahat. For a hearty meal, I vouch for the taste and portions served by Kimli - a Chinese restaurant. The Chimney Soup here, featuring shrimp, crabmeat, lamb, chicken, bok choy, and Mei Fun noodles in a flavorful broth, is a total comfort food.