Famous for more than food, most notably the incessant traffic, Chennai straddles the Eastern nether regions of India's South. Popularised by saints and British rule, most people outside of the country know it only for it's namesake curry "The Madras", sold by the thousands on drunken nights in East London. No, Chennai isn't a pretty city, by any stretch of the imagination. However, what she lacks in looks, she more than makes up for in flavour.

Spend a few days uncovering her secrets, and your stomach will fall in love. The Mouth sent two of it's most heathen curry experts for a ramshackle journey through sweaty hotels, stupendous car horn battery and the smiles of a southern Indian waiter bringing a plate of steaming rice.

Below are a collection of the truly awe-inspiring feasts from the lowly crowded dosa shacks, to higher priced dining with nagging waiters. Regardless of the din, Chennai is for diners.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

KRISHNA RESTAURANT

Impossibly delicious vegetarian thalis served in a mutiple-roomed giant. Freshly cooked, prepared quickly and delightfully cheap. This is a must-visit on your Chennai itinerary.

AMARAVATHI

Spectacular Andhra food in a restaurant that looks like a cross between Wes Anderson and Edward Hopper. Everything is delicious here, but be sure to get the chicken kottu parota and the spicy Andra chicken curry.

KAPPA CHAKKA KANDHARI

Keralan food served in a slightly more upscale restaurant, with blisteringly good flavours and slightly naggy waiters.

MATHSYA

The best ghee masala dosa in Chennai. No discussion!

ADYAR ANANDA BHAVAN

Another dosa chain that sticks to what they're good at. Always a great option if you spot one whilst out and about.

SANGEETHA

Crowded and loud at all times, but the reason being the food is amazing. Their dosa and thali's are faultless.

WRITERS CAFE

Though the name suggests some peace and quiet, it's India so the music is usually blaringly loud. However, the coffee is great so it makes up for the din.

CHAMIERS CAFE

Walk through the jewelry store, up a flight of stairs and enter a bizarre cross between a British tea room, a grandmothers foyer and Alice In Wonderland. A great place to read a book or sip a lemon soda if the heat is unbearable. They have a backyard area but it's generally frequented by smokers.