Must-try South Indian classics
Murugan Idli Shop (Pondy Bazaar branch) — soft idlis with podi and ghee. Hot Chips for filter coffee and banana chips. Saravana Bhavan for full thali meals. Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) for sweets and tiffin.
Cafés and modern spots
Writer's Café on Khader Nawaz Khan Road (15 min walk) for European-style brunch and pastries. Higginbothams Café for bookshop vibes. Café Coffee Day and Starbucks branches inside Spencer Plaza.
Late-night eats
T Nagar is officially a 'shopping district' — most restaurants close by 10:30 PM. For late-night biryani and parottas, head 5 minutes to Anjappar in Nungambakkam (open till midnight).