Chennai’s Non-Vegetarian Cuisine: Biryani & So Much More

Chennai is a gorgeous city, which is rich both in terms of culture and diversity. It is full of food lovers and restaurants serving delicious cuisine. The food scene in the city is heavily influenced by the culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. One dish that is served everywhere in the south, including Chennai, is biryani. The people of Chennai are also very fond of biryani and are always looking for restaurants that serve the best biryani near me in Chennai. So we are here with our discussion on non-vegetarian food in Chennai, especially the favourite dish of the people of this city: biryani.

Non-Vegetarian Food of Chennai

Chennai has a vibrant and diverse non-vegetarian food scene that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu and the influence of various communities. Non-vegetarian dishes are widely enjoyed, and the city offers a lot of options for those who appreciate meat-based cuisine. Some popular non-vegetarian dishes and specialities in Chennai include:

Chettinad Cuisine:

Known for its bold and flavorful dishes, Chettinad cuisine offers a variety of non-vegetarian delights. Chettinad chicken curry, pepper chicken, and Chettinad biryani are some of the highlights.

Seafood:

Given its coastal location, Chennai is famous for its fresh seafood. Fish curry, prawn masala, and crab curry are commonly enjoyed dishes. Marina Beach is particularly popular for its seafood stalls.

Biryani:

Biryani, both chicken and mutton, is a beloved non-vegetarian dish in Chennai. The city boasts diverse biryani styles, including the local Chennai biryani and influences from other regions like Ambur and Hyderabadi biryani.

Madurai-style dishes:

Madurai, another city in Tamil Nadu, has its own set of flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Madurai chicken curry and Madurai biryani are among the favourites.

Parotta and Kothu Parotta:

Chennai is known for its street food, and non-vegetarian street food options like chicken kothu parotta (shredded flatbread with chicken) are popular late-night snacks.

Nandu (Crab) Rasam:

Crab rasam is a unique and delicious dish that showcases the local culinary creativity.

Overall, Chennai’s non-vegetarian food scene is diverse and offers a wide range of flavours and preparations, catering to the preferences of locals and visitors alike. From traditional South Indian dishes to street food and global influences, Chennai has something to offer for every non-vegetarian food enthusiast. 

How much do the people of Chennai love Biryani?

Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is known for its love for biryani. Biryani is a popular and widely enjoyed dish in Chennai, reflecting the diverse culinary culture of the region. The city has a rich history and a mix of various communities, each contributing to its vibrant food scene. 

Biryani in Chennai it is a common choice for celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions. It is available in different variations, including the famous Hyderabadi, Ambur, and Chettinad styles, among others. Whether it’s at restaurants, street food stalls, or home-cooked meals, biryani has become an integral part of Chennai’s culinary landscape, and its popularity continues to grow.

Where to Find the Best Biryani in Chennai?

Ente Keralam

Chennai’s love for non-vegetarian delights finds a unique expression at Ente Keralam. Cooking with coconut oil, their menu is highlighted by the distinct Thalassery biryani. This special biryani stands out for its use of small-grain khaima rice, with the rice and meat cooked separately before being combined dum-style. Beyond biryani, their fish fries and beef curry are also cherished offerings.

Nammaa Kitchen

Situated in Taramani, Nammaa Kitchen is a haven for biryani enthusiasts. Specializing in Hyderabadi-style biryani, their menu extends to unique creations like Special Chicken 65 biryani and Royal biryani, showcasing a variety of meats such as Mughlai Mutton, Tandoori Chicken, and Prawn Biryani.

Samco

Samco caters to ardent non-vegetarian enthusiasts with its delightful Chicken 65 Biryani. Mastering the balance of spices, flavour, and succulent Chicken 65 pieces, this creation is a crowd-pleaser. For those seeking variety, the Chicken Semiya Biryani offers an equally appetizing alternative.

Buhari

An iconic establishment in Chennai, Buhari remains a pioneer, credited with introducing Chicken 65. Their biryani, especially the juicy chicken biryani paired with Chicken 65, stands among the best in the city. The spicy and thick concoction is sure to satisfy biryani aficionados.

Dindigul Thalapakatti

Bringing the famed Dindigul biryani to Chennai, Dindigul Thalapakatti offers boneless mutton biryani, chicken versions, and even biryani in a bucket for larger gatherings. With branches across the city, it ensures that the steaming hot Dindigul biryani is accessible to all.

Copper Chimney

Specializing in Mughlai and North Indian flavours, Copper Chimney elevates the biryani experience with its Dum Gosht Biryani. Sprinkled with saffron and featuring chunks of beautifully cooked lamb, it caters to those seeking a finer dining version of the classic dish. 

Charminar

A busy and budget-friendly biryani joint in Chennai, Charminar stands out for its home-style mutton and chicken biryani. Prepared in large, blackened cauldrons, their biryani is complemented by a few tandoori dishes, creating a satisfying and pocket-friendly dining experience.

Hotel Paramount

One of the famous mutton biryani in Chennai, Hotel Paramount offers a diverse range of biryanis, including fish, egg, chicken, and prawn variations. As a delivery-only kitchen in Kilpauk, it ensures that biryani enthusiasts can indulge in a wholesome serving of their favourite dish.

Conclusion

The non-vegetarian cuisine of Chennai is not only diverse but also delicious. This is not what we are saying, but this is what the people of Chennai believe in. The best biryani in Chennai can be found in multiple places; it is about your taste and where you like it the best. We have put together this list to help you find your new favourite biryani in town. If you are in Chennai and are craving biryani you can always order it online from Swiggy. It will be delivered to your doorstep in no time.