Traditional fare has in the face of stiff competition, retained pride of place, in the hearts and stomachs of its citizens. A typical breakfast of steaming idlis or vadais with chutney and sambar, followed by pongal and a crisp dosai, all served on banana leaves and washed down with Chennai's fabled piping hot filter coffee. A good place for this fare would be Saravana Bhavan.

Come lunchtime, and its meals, once again on banana leaves comprising rice served with an array of spicy vegetable dishes, sambar, Chutneys, rasam, curd and a crunchy appalam. The non veg edition would include a mutton, chicken or fish dish. And finally, a sweet or banana and some 'vettalai-paaku'(betel leaf). If this is your cup of tea, head straight for Pandya Nadu on TTK Road.

Chennai's street food vendors' menu is dominated by South Indian fare, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Although starting out only in the evenings, all stay open till midnight. These eateries can be found on almost every street corner but having a snack from the colourful food carts at Marina Beach in the night with the sound of the waves lashing onto the shore and a cool breeze soothing your skin can be a most pleasant experience.

The roadside stall near Brilliant's in T.Nagar, which sees even one stars and families coming here to have a hearty fill, is highly recommended.

'Sundal', a popular, anytime snack-peas sautéed in rich gravy and served with Masala Vadai and diced onions- is available all across Chennai in mobile carts.

Another option would be the many dhabas in and around the city. Sample the succulent kebabs, sheikh rolls or more sumptuous fare at any of these places.