33 Delicious Sowcarpet Street Food That You Must Try
If you are living in Chennai and if you are someone who loves the spicy, tangy flavours of street food, then you would definitely have heard of this place – Sowcarpet. And the speciality of Sowcarpet is obviously its delicious and mouth-watering street food. There are so many varieties of shops and dishes in Sowcarpet that one day would not be enough to try all of them. So to make things easier for you, I have given you a list of the 21 most delicious street foods you can find in Sowcarpet.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you have ever been to Sowcarpet, you would know why it is called a shopper’s paradise. It has several wholesale outlets and shops selling a wide range of products. Sowcarpet has the largest Marwadi community in South India and is considered the North Indian Hub of Chennai. So if you ever have the craving to eat some tasty North Indian chaat or other savouries, Sowcarpet, especially Mint Street and Kasi Chetty Street, is the right place for you.
If you wish to do some nice weekend shopping in Sowcarpet, you can find several wholesale markets in Rattan Bazaar, Narayana Mudali Street, and Govindappa Naicken Street. The neighbourhood is packed with beautiful temples, vintage buildings and narrow roads that are filled with shopping markets that will be a feast for your eyes.
Sowcarpet – A Foodie’s Heaven:
When you hear about Sowcarpet, the first thing that comes to mind will be the delectable and mouth-watering street food available in the locality. Mint Street in George Town has come to be known as a street food hub, with cuisines from several regions in India. There are so many varieties and flavours of dishes that you are sure to be confused over which to try.
Sowcarpet is the best place to go on a food walk if you want to enjoy India’s multi-cuisine street foods at “pocket-friendly” prices. Hotels and stalls like the Kakada Ramprasad, Ajab’s Ajnabi Mithai Ghar, Mehta Brothers, Anmol Lassiwala, Murugan Sandwich, etc., are some of the places you can visit for a tasty snack.
Delicious Street Food to Try in Sowcarpet Chennai
All the food tastes delicious in Sowcarpet, but when you are going on a one-day trip and want to experience the best of Sowcarpet’s street food, it is best to know the most popular and delicious dishes available there. Here I have given you the 21 most delicious street foods you can have in Sowcarpet.
1. Pav Bhaji
One of the most popular North Indian chaat items, pav bhaji, is available in many street food stalls around Sowcarpet. A delicious mix of mashed vegetables made with special pav bhaji masala and soft, butter-toasted pav is the best way to start your tour around Sowcarpet.
| Where to buy | Timings | Price |
| Kakada Ramprasad | 7 am to 10:30 pm | Rs. 150 |
| Novelty Tea House | 12 noon to 10:30 pm | Rs. 100 – 140 (based on variety) |
2. Kesar Lassi
A delicious and refreshing drink that is served in a big enough glass that can’t be finished by one person alone. The stall is right next to Kakada Ramprasad, so it would be a nice drink after having a delicious meal in the hotel.
- Where to buy: Anmol Lassiwala
- Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
- Cost: Rs.70 (450ml), Rs.140 (850ml)
3. Vada pav (Cheese Jain, Mayo, etc)
Indulge yourself in this delicious Indian burger that has a smashed potato patty stuffed between two pavs. It is layered with sweet and spicy chutneys that are extremely tasty and delicious.
- Where to buy: Shree Vada Pav
- Timings: 10 am to 9 pm
- Cost: Rs. 30 or Rs. 60 (based on the type of vada pav)
4. Kachori / Samosa / Mirchi Vada
Kachoris are one of the most popular North Indian chaat items. And there is a store in Sowcarpet that specializes in selling onion kachoris. They are made right in front of you and served with delicious chutneys.
- Where to buy: Maya Chats
- Timings: 8 am to 10 pm
Cost:
- Kachori – Rs. 20
- Samosa – Rs. 20
- Mirchi Vada – Rs. 20
5. Dahi puri
This sweet and spicy chaat item is prepared almost in a similar way to sev puri but has a generous spread of sweet yoghurt and other chutneys in it. And there is a place in Sowcarpet where you can go for a tasty dahi puri.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Rajshree Chats | 9 am to 10:30 pm | Dahi puri – Rs. 55
Dahi papdi – Rs. 60 |
6. Sugarcane juice
Feeling full after having all those chaat items? You have a sugarcane juice shop right outside Chotu Motu. A refreshing and tasty drink to have after walking around Sowcarpet for so long.
- Where to buy: Every Street
- Cost: Rs. 30 per glass
- Timings: 11:30 am to 9 pm
7. Uttapam and mini idli topped with gunpowder (podi)
Uttapam and mini idlis are regular South Indian dishes. But this dosa and idli made with ghee and gunpowder, paired with delicious chutneys, will be an unforgettable experience for you.
- Where to buy: Seena Bhai Tiffin Centre
- Timings: 6 pm to 11:30 pm
- Cost: Rs. 50
8. Jalebi
There is no tastier delicacy than jalebi, which is made fresh and hot right in front of your eyes and soaked in sweet, sugary syrup.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Kakada Ramprasad | 7 am to 10:30 pm | Rs. 70 (100 gms) |
| Ajab’s Ajnabi Mithaai Ghar | 8 am to 10 pm | Rs. 160 (250 gms) |
9. Cheese dosa
Are you a cheese lover? Then you should definitely try this dish. Loaded with a generous amount of cheese, this cheese dosa paired with delicious sambar and chutneys will be an unforgettable delight for you.
- Where to buy: Novelty Tea House
- Timings: 12 pm to 11 pm
- Cost: Rs. 100
10. Dahi puri / Dahi Papdi
Want to have a touch of yoghurt in your street food? Then the dahi puri and dahi papdi at these shops are the best choice for you.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Rajshree Chats | 9 am to 10:30 pm | Dahi puri – Rs. 55
Dahi papdi – Rs. 60 |
11. Bhujiya puff
The sweet and sour taste of bhujia puffs is a hot favourite for all to enjoy. A go-to snack after a long day of walking around Sowcarpet.
- Where to buy: Hemanth Chats
- Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
- Cost: Rs. 25
12. Cheese bread bajji
Bread pakora or bread bajji is a tasty tea-time dish liked by everyone. But in Sowcarpet, you can have cheese bread bajji, which is loaded with a generous amount of cheese.
- Where to buy: Mehta Bros Mithaiwala
- Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
- Cost: Rs. 40 (2 pieces)
13. Bhel puri
A tangy and spicy snack, bhel puri is a famous North Indian snack you can find anywhere. It is a flavor-packed snack with puffed rice mixed with sweet, sour, and spicy chutneys and topped with sev.
- Where to buy: Mansukh’s sweets and snacks
- Timings: 3 pm to 7 pm (Only on Sundays)
14. Cheese murukku sandwich
Cheese murukku sandwich – Sowcarpet Street FoodYou would have tried a bread sandwich. But have you ever tried a murukku sandwich? If you haven’t, you should definitely try this amazing cheese murukku sandwich in Sowcarpet.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Sri Saravana Sandwich Shop | 10 am to 11 pm | Rs. 70 |
| Surbhi Snacks | 11 am to 10 pm | Rs. 60 |
15. Special Samosa
Special Samosa – Sowcarpet Street FoodThis is a snack that everyone would have tried atleast once. If you suddenly have samosa cravings during your tour in Sowcarpet, you can try them in the below-mentioned shop.
Where to buy: Maya Chats
Timings: 8 am to 10 pm
Cost: Rs 10
16. Buttermilk
Buttermilk – Sowcarpet Street FoodTired after a long day in Sowcarpet. Try having a glass of buttermilk to rejuvenate your energy.
- Where to buy: Anmol Lassiwala
- Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
- Cost: Rs 10
17. Fried Rice and Noodles
Fried Rice – Sowcarpet Street FoodFried rice and noodles are the best choices we would consider for a tasty and fulfilling meal. The varieties of Schezwan and paneer fried rice and noodles in Sowcarpet are to die for.
- Where to buy: Rasoee
- Timings: 9 am to 10:30 pm
- Cost: Rs 100-150
18. Corn grill sandwich
Corn grill sandwich – Sowcarpet Street FoodA delectable sandwich made with sweet corn kernels, vegetables, spices, cheese, and a variety of chutneys, this corn grill sandwich is everyone’s favourite.
- Where to buy: Hemnath Chats
- Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
- Cost: Rs. 80
19. Channa chaat
Channa chaat – Sowcarpet Street FoodA popular Indian snack made with cooked chickpeas mixed with vegetables, spicy chutney and aromatic spices and herbs, this channa chaat is protein-packed and absolutely delicious.
- Where to buy: Ajnabi Mithaai Ghar
- Timings: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Cost: Rs. 30
20. Soya Chaap
Made with juicy soy chunks and delicious flavourings, these varieties of chaap are a must-have during your food walk in Sowcarpet.
- Where to buy: Delhi Tandoori Chaap
- Timings: 10 am to 9 pm
21. Dosa/uthappam/podi idli
Uttapam and idlis are regular South Indian dishes. But this dosa and idli made with ghee and gunpowder (podi), paired with delicious chutneys, will be an unforgettable experience for you.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Seena Bhai Tiffin Centre | 6 pm to 11:30 pm | Rs. 50 |
| Krishna Prasad | 6 am to 10 pm | Rs. 30 to Rs. 70 |
22. Jalebi
There is no tastier delicacy than jalebi, which is made fresh and hot right in front of your eyes and soaked in sweet, sugary syrup.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Kakada Ramprasad | 7 am to 10:30 pm | Rs. 70 (100 gms) |
| Ajab’s Ajnabi Mithaai Ghar | 8 am to 10 pm | Rs. 160 (250 gms) |
23. Gulab Jamun, Badam Milk, Chenna Samosa, Bun Butter Jam
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then this shop is the perfect place for you to taste all the sweet delicacies you can wish for.
- Where to buy: Selvam Snacks
- Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
24. Grill Sandwich, Khakra Sandwich
If you are a sandwich lover, this is one of the mush-have dishes for you. One of the most loved dishes in Sowcarpet, this Khakra sandwich is made with two khakras stuffed with vegetables and sandwich masala.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Sri Saravana Sandwich Shop | 11 am to 11 pm | Rs. 90 to Rs. 100 |
| Kichas Corner | 10:30 am to 11 pm | Rs. 90 |
| Chotu Motu | 11:30 am to 9 pm | Rs. 100-140 |
25. Puffs (Bhujiya, Cheese, Paneer, Pizza puff)
The sweet and sour taste of puffs is a hot favourite for all to enjoy. It is a go-to snack after a long day of walking around Sowcarpet.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Kichas Corner | 10:30 am to 11 pm | Rs. 30 to Rs. 50 |
| Sri Saravana Sandwich Shop | 11 am to 11 pm | Rs. 30 to Rs. 60 |
| Murugan | 11 am to 11 pm | Rs. 30 to Rs. 60 |
| Surbhi Snacks | 11 am to 10 pm | Rs. 30 to Rs. 70 |
26. Bread Bajji
Bread pakora or bread bajji is a tasty tea-time dish liked by everyone. For some tasty bread bajji in Sowcarpet, take a walk along Anna Pillai Corner.
- Where to buy: Anna Pillai Corner
- Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
- Cost: Rs. 20 to Rs. 40
27. Bhel puri
A tangy and spicy snack, bhel puri is a famous North Indian snack you can find anywhere. It is a flavour-packed snack with puffed rice mixed with sweet, sour, and spicy chutneys and topped with sev.
- Where to buy: Mansukh’s sweets and snacks
- Timings: 3 pm to 7 pm (Only on Sundays)
28. Cheese murukku sandwich
You would have tried a bread sandwich. But have you ever tried a murukku sandwich? If you haven’t, you should definitely try this amazing cheese murukku sandwich in Sowcarpet.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Sri Saravana Sandwich Shop | 10 am to 11 pm | Rs. 70 |
| Surbhi Snacks | 11 am to 10 pm | Rs. 60 |
29. Bread Cakes
Indulge in the sweet and delicious bread cakes that are a favourite for many people.
| Where to buy | Timings | Cost |
| Chotu Motu | 11:30 am to 9 pm | Rs. 20 |
| Sonu Monu Cake Shop | 11 am to 9 am | Rs. 20 |
30. Bajji (Plantain Bajji, Onion Bajji)
If you ever have the cravings for these classic Indian snacks, there is a shop in Sowcarpet that gives you the best bajjis that are sure to induce nostalgia.
- Where to buy: KV Iyer Sweets and Savouries
- Timings: Weekdays (7 am to 9 pm), Weekends (8 am to 10 pm)
- Cost: Plantain Bajji – Rs. 25, Onion Bajji – Rs. 25
31. Gujarati Snacks
Want to savour some snacks that are special in Gujarat? Then this restaurant is the right one for you. Visit this restaurant to taste the authentic flavours of Gujarat.
- Where to buy: Ajab’s Ajnabi Mithaai Ghar
- Timings: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm
32. Andhra Meals
Andhra Pradesh is known for its spicy and delicious food. If you ever get the craving to eat some Andhra dishes, you can visit this restaurant to satisfy your hunger.
- Where to buy: National Lodge
- Timings: Mon-Sat (11 am to 3:30 pm, 7 pm to 10 pm)
- Sunday (11 am to 4 pm)
33. Rajasthani Meals:
North-Indian dishes are common in Sowcarpet. If you ever want to eat in a restaurant that serves entirely Rajasthani meals, visit this restaurant.
- Where to buy: Sree Agarwal Bhojanaalay
- Timings: 11 am to 3 pm, 7 pm to 9:30 pm
Travel and parking guidelines
- Travel and parking guidelines you are travelling by bus to Sowcarpet, you can get off at the Flower Bazaar Police Station or Broadway/Parrys/High Court and walk from there. Walk on NSC Bose Road and turn left to reach Mint Street.
- If you are traveling by suburban train, get down at Madras Fort station and walk for a kilometre to get to the starting point.
If you travel in your own vehicle, you should consider the parking facilities in Sowcarpet. If you have come by car, you can find side streets along the narrow roads where you can park. If you are riding a 2-wheeler, you can find parking spaces much easier.
Some tips and tricks you can follow
- If you want to go on a food walk in Sowcarpet, consider doing it on a Saturday evening. Weekdays are extremely busy in Sowcarpet. Evening 4:30 pm to 11 pm is the best time to visit Sowcarpet.
- Using public transport is a much easier option than using personal vehicles. If you are coming in your own vehicle, a 2-wheeler is recommended because finding a parking slot for bikes is much easier than for cars.
Plan your walk before arriving since it saves more time. You can use this map, http://bit.ly/MintStreetFoodWalk, for guidance.
Take water bottles with you while travelling in Sowcarpet. Be mindful of the animals (cows, dogs) on the streets.
If it is your first visit, stick to the must-tries of an eatery. Eating too much in one place can hinder you from trying food at other eateries.
Most of the food stalls and restaurants in Sowcarpet serve only vegetarian foods. If you wish to have non-veg foods, you can go to George town or Broadway for some delicious Burmese non-vegetarian foods.
Most of the dishes here are at ‘pocket-friendly’ prices. So make sure to have a lot of change while going on your food walk.
Conclusion
And there it is, your ultimate guide to the street food specialities in Sowcarpet. Use this to experience all the goodies Sowcarpet has to offer, whether you are there for shopping or just taking a stroll.
FAQs- Sowcarpet Street Food That You Must Try
What is special in Sowcarpet Chennai?
Sowcarpet is known for having stores that sell the latest and most fashionable apparel in Chennai at ‘pocket-friendly’ prices. Sowcarpet is a cultural hub with people from various regions of the country, mostly North India. It is known for its variety of delicious street foods like pani puri, lassi, vada pavs, etc.
What are some of the must-try foods in Sowcarpet?
Sowcarpet is known for the variety of street foods you can try when you go on a food walk. Some must-try foods you should try in Sowcarpet are the cheese murukku sandwich, bread bajji, onion kachori and vada pav.
Which is the best place for a food walk in Chennai?
There are many places where you can go for a food walk in and around Chennai. But the one place you should definitely visit for a food walk is Mint Street in Sowcarpet. Packed with shopping stores and delicious street food stalls, this street is one of the best places to go on a food walk.
What are some of the best but less-known Street foods in Sowcarpet?
When you hear about Sowcarpet street foods, the first dishes that come to mind are lassi, cheese murukku sandwich, pani puri and vada pavs. But there are some dishes that taste awesome but are less known among people. The next time you visit Sowcarpet, make sure to try these dishes. Khakra sandwich, Pizza puff, Bread cakes
Which is the best place for non-veg food in Sowcarpet?
In Sowcarpet, the majority of the food stalls provide solely vegetarian dishes. If you want to eat some non-vegetarian foods, you may visit George Town or Broadway for some delectable Burmese non-veg dishes.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.
Hi,
Please try Shri Vada Pav in sowcarpet Ramanan street,