Maya chats — Restaurant in Tamil Nadu

A Food Trail In Chennai's Sowcarpet George Town is a grid of busy streets where each street specializes in a particular commodity or trading line. Sowcarpet is an extension of the crowded George Town area. This area provides for truly a multi-sensory experience and has most delectable street food. Walking on these streets is an art, but these are minor challenges that stand in the way of a unique food trail through Sowcarpet's streets. I recommend you to begin your culinary journey through this area around tea time - ideally around 4:30 - 5 p.m. You will need about two to three hours and about 3km of walking to tick of the key experiences. These are some of the must do culinary stops in the area.

Maya Chats: This eatery is proud of their Jodhpur roots and serves Chennai's tastiest kachoris.There are two varieties that are both immensely popular and I'd recommend you try both. There's a spicy onion kachori and a sweet kachori.  Where: Audiappa Naicken Street

Maharaja Ice-cream: This ice-cream store next door to Maya Chats, serves delicious home-made ice-creams and kulfis. Their seasonal mango and orange ice-creams (served inside the skin of the fruit) are lip -smackers  Where: Audiappa Naicken Street

Ajnabi Mithai Ghar: One of Chennai's oldest chaat brands with multiple outlets across town. Try their khakra sandwich. Cheese is slathered on sandwich-bread style khakras and filled with a coleslaw-style filling (eggless) and an additional layer of grated cheese.  Where: Elephant Gate Street

Kakda Ramprasad: Their kesar badam milk has acquired cult status. They've recently opened a second, swankier outlet in a residential quarter of Chennai – Kilpauk. Apart from their badam milk and piping hotjalebis, it's their version of aloo tikki - crispy, hot tikki submerged in a bowl of creamy dahi and topped with a cube of paneer, that's totally worth the trek.  Where: Mint Street

Anmol Lassiwala: Almost next door to Kakda, Anmol Lassiwala is one of the city's most visited street lassi stalls. Their creamy lassi has a hint of kesar (saffron). Even their small-sized lassi is quite formidable, especially when you're halfway through a food trail in Sowcarpet.  Where: Mint Street

Novelty Tea house: If you're lucky, you might get a table and enjoy air-conditioned comfort after all that walking through Sowcarpet's alleyways.Leave this place for the last.Their rose milk and paan ice-cream can provide succour on a hot Chennai afternoon but it's the butter-laden pav bhaji, which is their signature dish.  Where: Mint Street

Murukku Sandwich at S Chinnappa Saandwich Centre: The classic Bambaiya sandwich has inspired many clones but there are a few that are as innovative. Tiny pieces of cucumber, tomato and onion with mint chutney are crammed into murukkus - a south Indian deep-fried snack made with rice flour and sometimes combined with Bengal gram. There are quite a few outlets in Sowcarpet that serve this delicacy that was probably invented in this area.  Where: NSC Bose Road

Seena Bhai Tiffin Centre: There are multiple shops with the same name. I wasn’ sure which was he original. Their coin-sized idlis and crisp onion uthapams might be a welcome change after a surfeit of chaats.  Where: NSC Bose Road

So head to these places and make the most of the yummy...

Maya Chats is a hidden gem tucked away in the bustling streets of Sowcarpet, George Town, Chennai. This place has gained a reputation for serving some of the most authentic North Indian snacks and street food in the city. For those who crave chaat, golgappas, and other street delights, Maya Chats is the go-to spot.

The ambiance of the place is simple and unpretentious, reflecting the true spirit of street food. It's a small, cozy spot, but the flavors packed in every dish make up for the limited seating space. Despite the crowded lanes around, the service remains prompt, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

Their Pani Puri is a must-try, with the perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors, served with crispy puris that are sure to transport you back to the streets of Delhi. The Bhel Puri and Dahi Puri are other highlights, offering a delightful mix of crunchiness and freshness in every bite.

While the prices might be slightly higher compared to typical street vendors, the hygiene and quality of ingredients make it worth every rupee. Maya Chats is particularly popular during evenings when locals and visitors gather for a quick bite after shopping in the busy Sowcarpet area.

Overall, if you are in Chennai and looking for an authentic chaat experience, Maya Chats should be on your list. It’s a little piece of North Indian street food heaven in the...

I recently visited Maya Chat, a cozy little corner shop tucked away in the north of Chennai, and it turned out to be a hidden gem for anyone who loves authentic North Indian street food.

The menu may be simple, but every item packs a punch. They serve Mirchi Bajji, Dhokla, Kachori, Aloo Kachori, and Moong Dal Kachori—and each one exceeded expectations. The kachoris, in particular, stood out for their perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and generous portion size. They’re not only delicious but also excellent value for money, making them the highlight of the visit.

One thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss is their garlic sauce. It’s fiery, bold, and elevates every bite—though fair warning, it’s not for the faint-hearted when it comes to spice!

Overall, Maya Chat is a small place with a big heart for flavor. If you’re nearby and craving authentic, homely North Indian snacks, this spot is well...