How Chennai city went from tiffin carriers to food apps
As Chennai turns 387, a look at how its food culture has evolved—from home-cooked meals and old Madras favourites to street food, global cuisines, cafés and app-based meal subscriptions
Chennai, once a city where stainless-steel tiffin carriers were a common sight, is now witnessing a dramatic transformation in its culinary landscape. The familiar image of a carrier loaded with home-cooked meals is gradually fading away, making way for a vibrant array of neighbourhood eateries, restaurants, cafés, food-delivery apps and subscription kitchens.
For those who remember Chennai in the 1960s and 1970s, like writer Sivasankari, the city's desserts and ice creams hold a special place in their hearts. She fondly recalls the renowned Gaylord and Jaffers, both located on Anna Salai, for their exceptional ice creams that met international standards. The peach melba at Jaffers was her all-time favorite.
This shift in Chennai's food culture is multifaceted. While the charm of home-cooked meals continues to be valued, the convenience and variety offered by food-delivery apps have attracted a new wave of diners. Subscription kitchens have also emerged, catering to those who prefer having meals prepared in advance. The once predominant tiffin carriers are slowly receding, leaving behind a cityscape transformed by the rise of food apps and modern dining establishments.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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