11 Food Tour Cities in India Foodies Will Love

9. Chennai — Chettinad kitchens and filter coffee culture

Chennai showcases South Indian tastes from breakfast dosas to the complex spice blends of Chettinad. Food tours often weave through neighborhoods like Mylapore and T. Nagar, stopping at roadside dosa joints, filter coffee houses, and small restaurants serving Chettinad curries known for chilis, black pepper, and fresh ground masalas. A market visit gives insight into coconut use, tamarind, and fresh curry leaves that shape local cooking. Many guided experiences include introductions to breakfast staples and afternoon tea rituals. Practical tips: mornings are ideal for dosa and filter coffee tasting, while spice market tours are best done earlier in the day. For travelers used to Western coffee, the South Indian filter coffee offers a distinct, robust profile worth trying. Verified tour operators can arrange a cooking demo showing how batter fermentation and charring create perfect dosas at home.