Delicious Food Trail: Explore Sowcarpet Market's Culinary Delight

Chennai , India

Delicious Food Trail: Explore Sowcarpet Market's Culinary Delight

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(17 reviews)

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About this experience

This is a food walk in the Sowcarpet, to introduce you to the traditional cuisine of south India.Chennai’s tourist menus won’t give you a true perspective on the everyday foods enjoyed by locals. Step forward this small-group walking tour of the Sowcarpet Market: where a multitude of stalls serve the staples that keep Chennaites sustained. Let a guide navigate the market so you don’t get lost, taste popular foods at tried-and-trusted stands, and get the full lowdown on local delicacies that you wouldn’t hear on your own.

Discover Chennai’s street foods on a Sowcarpet Market food walking tour

Find and hear about dishes with a guide for insight, tips, and navigation

Taste snacks such as savory chaats, and hear food trivia you’d miss alone

All-you-can-eat street food tour, limited to 10 for personalized feel

Available options

Group walk without pickup

Private Food Trail in Sowcarpet Market

private tour without pickup

private tour with pick & drop

sedan

What's included

Food tasting

Snacks Beverages

Local guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide outside of Joonus Sait and Sons at 4pm and start this 2.5-hour walking tour. The streets of Sowcarpet teem with shops selling food - from the exotic to the everyday. Walk through the market sampling some of the best local street food on offer - savory 'chaats', sweets and refreshing cold beverages. 'Murukku' sandwich, 'Thattu Idli' and 'Pal Kova' are some of the foods you might encounter on the trail. Learn about local food habits, customs, and superstitions, and take back home some fascinating trivia related to the origins and varieties of popular local foods. The food trail through the busy streets of Sowcarpet is guaranteed to be an assault on your senses. So come, if you are a complete foodie, obsessively adventurous and very, very hungry. The tour price includes all the street food you can eat on this trail. The tour ends at the same place where it started.

Sowcarpet is a neighborhood in the northern part of Chennai, India. Sowcarpet is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city with narrow streets and vintage buildings. It is a bustling commercial area of the city, and a range of wholesale markets are

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

13 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Joonus Sait & Sons

About Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling streets. It's a melting pot of tradition and modernity, offering everything from ancient temples to modern IT hubs.

Top Attractions

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Fort St. George

This historic fort was the first English fortress in India and is now a museum showcasing the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 50

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Government Museum

One of the oldest museums in India, it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 25

Breezy Beach

A quieter alternative to Marina Beach, Breezy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dosa

A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian

Idli

Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented batter, typically served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong, aromatic coffee made using a traditional filter, often served with milk and sugar.

Drink Non-vegetarian

Chettinad Chicken

A spicy, flavorful chicken dish from the Chettinad region, known for its unique blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Surfing Beach visits Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Chennai as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Chennai is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Chennai International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore

By bus

Koyambedu, CMBT

Getting around

Public transport

The Chennai Metro is a modern, efficient, and air-conditioned system that covers major parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mylapore T. Nagar Besant Nagar

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

60 km from Chennai • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.

Kanchipuram

75 km from Chennai • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and religious significance.

Pondicherry

160 km from Chennai • Overnight

A former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers.

Festivals

Pongal • January Chennai Music Season • December-January Chennai Film Festival • December

Pro tips

Visit the city's temples and historical sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Use app-based services like Ola and Uber for convenient and reliable transportation.
Explore the city's vibrant street art and mural scene, with numerous murals and art installations throughout the city.
Visit the city's beaches, such as Marina Beach and Breezy Beach, for a relaxing break from the bustling city life.