Eating out is a recent fad and the city has restaurants to pander to every palate and wallet. For the staple vada, idli, dosa as well as wholesome lunch thalis, check out the Saravana Bhavan, Sangeetha and Vasantha Bhavan chain of hotels. Saravana's T.Nagar main branch has outlets that specialize in Gujarati, Rajasthani and Punjabi cuisine and is worth a shot! Murugan Idli Kadai (G.N. Chetty Rd, T.Nagar) is a small and neat, South Indian vegetarian eatery, which is fast picking up in popularity.

Chennai is also home for the fiery Chettinad fare. Ponnuswamy (in Nungambakam High Road), Arasappar (in Nandanam) and Karaikudi (near Elliot's Beach) serve the most authentic fare. Come here only if you are a pure non-vegetarian!

For Italian, Thai and Mexican food, do check out Little Italy (Nungambakkam High Road; Ph.52601234), Zara's on Cathedral Rd, Benjarong on TTK Rd, Alwarpet, Don Pepe (Cathedral Road, Ph.28221461) and Gallopin Gooseberry's (Greams Rd.). For authentic Chinese cuisine, head to Mainland China (Quality Inn Aruna, Sterling Rd., Nungambakkam). For pucca Punjabi food head to Dhaba Express (Cenotaph Rd.) or Babal Ka Dhaba (G.N. Chetty Rd., T.Nagar)

The city is dotted with ice-cream parlours and bakeries of which worthy of special mention are Hot Breads (in Thiruvanmiyur), Adyar Bakery, Cake Walk (Besant Nagar) and Shakes & Creams (Gandhinagar, Adyar). If you are in Spencer's (Mount Road) head to the Food Court in the 3rd floor for a wide range of food-items, from Pizzas to dosas. For a quick bite drive into the Subway outlet in Spencer's or G.N. Chetty Road, T Nagar.