My List of 10 Pocket Friendly Restaurants at Chennai

The never-ending love for food thrives me to all possible eateries at Chennai. But there always comes a time when my wallet needs more attention than my tummy. What am I supposed to do at that time? Take a break from eating outside or learn the tricks of eating smart (i.e. spending less). By default, I choose the latter. Among the metro cities of India, Chennai (for me) is definitely fairer when it comes to treating human feelings. As Chennai preferably has a bigger list of eateries that serves best food at reasonable price. So here's my three important tips along with my list of 10 budget/pocket friendly eateries to help you eat in Chennai with less damage to your wallet.

Tips: (1) Fix your budget before looking out for places to eat, (2) Decide the cuisine or type of food you want to eat and (3) Keep your location options open & be ready to travel to get the best food.

Here goes the list:

Nair Mess

Located at a place where "Agraharam" meets "Allah-Uh-Akbar", Triplicane. I call the place a "South Indians Paradise". Best place for meals and non-veg gravies. I drool over their Fish Curry.

Picture Courtesy - Google.com

Address: Mohammed Abdullah 2nd Street, Opposite Chepauk Stadium, Chepauk, Triplicane.

Opening Hours: 11 AM - 3 PM and 7 PM - 11 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 300 INR (approx.)

Kailash Kitchen

I call them "Pocket Sized Heaven". Though on the main roads of Choolaimedu, it's tricky to spot them. Known for their Tibetan food at cheap price. The hot-steamed momos & thukpas are a must try. Best to get parcels as they are always crowded.



Address: Perinbavilas Complex, Opposite Chitra Apartments, Choolaimedu.

Opening Hours: 12.30 PM - 7.30 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 250 INR (approx.)

Rasoee

Located on the Mint Street they serve some delicious North Indian food and chat items. Rasoee is “My Chennai Dhaba”, perfect lunch place where less damage is incurred to my wallet. Their lunch service is busy and crowded; be prepared to wait. Must try is Aloo Paratha, Phulka & Gravies.

Picture Courtesy - Google.com

Address: Mint Street, Sowcarpet.

Opening Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 250 INR (approx.)

Sree Balaji Sandwich Stall

The shop I address “Best Sandwich Shop of Chennai” is located just outside Alsa Mall, Egmore; where there is crowd there is the sandwich stall. My school days wouldn't have been easier without them. The Bread Omelette, Masala Cheese Toast & Vegetable Sandwich are definite winners.

Picture Courtesy - Zomato.com & Google.com

Address: Montieth Road, Egmore.

Opening Hours: 10.30 AM - 10 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 150 INR (approx.)

Fusilli Reasons

Italian food makes more damage to my wallet so this place is my all-time saviour and I call them "Ristorante Economico". A home-style Italian food at cheapest price. Don't miss to try their Garlic Breads (beetroot mayo is best), Pasta with Mix of White & Red sauce and Ice-tea.

Address: Dr. Vasudevan Street, Ormes Road, Kilpauk.

Opening Hours: 12.30 PM - 10.45 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 300 INR (approx.)

Mylai Karpagambal Mess

The food tastes as divine as their name. For a hearty breakfast after long-walk at Marina or after the spiritual-time at Mylai Temple go here for Legendary South-Indian Tiffin items. I must admit the quality isn't deteriorating hope they notice that. I call them "My Mylai Mami". Don’t forget to order their Dosas, Adai and Badam Halwa.

Address: East Mada Street, Mylapore.

Opening Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 250 INR (approx.)

The Kati Roll Shop

The small kiosk that produce humongous rolls equal to an unlimited meals. This shop is “My Chota Bheem” and one of the best tasting rolls in town. If single roll couldn’t fill you up then go for doubles ;-) (I meant the rolls). Their non-veg rolls are the best. My favourite is Anda Chicken Roll.

Address: TNHB Complex, 4th Main Road, Besant Nagar (Other Outlets: Gopalapuram, Thuraipakkam & Chetpet).

Opening Hours: 12.30 PM - 11.30 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 250 INR (approx.)

Prems Graama Bhojanam

“My Granny’s Kitchen” is how I address them. They use different millets to prepare authentic South-Indian delicacies for lunch and dinner. As well enlighten us with the food that we have forgotten or didn’t knew of! Must try is their Millets Dosa and Thattu Idli.

Picture Courtesy - TheHindu.com

Address: Sardar Patel Road, Next to GRT, Adyar.

Opening Hours: 12.30 PM - 3 PM and 7 PM - 10 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 300 INR (approx.)

Atho Shop

A small kiosk at Parrys Corner, opposite to Beach Railway Station, which serves Burmese food. Their Atho (with plantain soup) is unbeatable when it comes to taste. This is the “Chennai’s Atho Kadai”.



Picture Courtesy - http://mukasash.com

Address: George Town, Parrys Corner, Near to Beach Railway Station.

Opening Hours: 6 PM - 11 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 150 INR (approx.)

Swensens

When you’re broke the perfect therapy is desserts. And here’s my “Perfect Therapist”. Impeccable combination of sundaes that are priced reasonable. They as well have separate ice-cream scoops with single scoop priced at Rs. 49 INR. Must try is their ‘Sticky-Chewy’ ice-cream & Nutty Crispy Tower.

Address: 4th Main Road, Besant Nagar (another outlet at Ampa Skywalk, Aminjikarai).

Opening Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM

Budget for 2: Rs. 250 INR (approx.)

Those were my hand-picked ones which serves some delicious food at economical price. Now you know you could avail food-therapy even when you are broke! Happy Eating!!

Also, there are many such hidden gems which I haven't explored, if you know any such places in Chennai, please share them through your comments. Working on an other post with places I am yet to try so would be happy to receive you views!

P.S. The food joints I have listed are my personal choices as well have mentioned only the places that I have tried eating. Also the budget for two is based on my experience after dining at the places. Remember, no two person's palate or experience can be the same.