Salem, located in Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food scene. The city offers a variety of traditional South Indian dishes, spicy Chettinad food, and local specialties that are sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 foods to try in Salem, so you don’t miss out on the best flavors this city has to offer.
1. Salem Mutton Biryani
Overview:
Salem is famous for its mutton biryani, which has a distinct flavor due to the use of local spices and tender mutton. This biryani is often served with raita and salad.
What Makes it Special:
- The rice is perfectly cooked, with mutton that is tender and juicy.
- Chettinad spices bring a unique aroma and taste.
- A great combination of spices and meat, perfect for those who love flavorful dishes.
Where to Try:
- Hotel Junior Kuppanna and Aasai Restaurant.
Cost per Person:
- ₹200 – ₹400.
2. Chettinad Chicken Curry
Overview:
A staple of Chettinad cuisine, Chettinad Chicken Curry is known for its rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors. The curry is made with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
What Makes it Special:
- The spices are roasted and ground to bring out a deeper, more robust flavor.
- The chicken is cooked until it is tender, absorbing all the spices.
- Served with rice or parotta, making it a complete meal.
Where to Try:
- The Sizzle Club and Hotel Kuppanna.
Cost per Person:
- ₹150 – ₹250.
3. Dosa with Sambar and Coconut Chutney
Overview:
Dosa is one of the most popular South Indian breakfasts, and in Salem, it’s served with the famous sambar and coconut chutney. The dosa is thin, crisp, and delicious.
What Makes it Special:
- Crisp dosas with soft fillings like mashed potatoes or spicy chutneys.
- The sambar is a spicy, tangy lentil-based soup that complements the dosa.
- Coconut chutney adds a cool, refreshing balance to the dish.
Where to Try:
- Sree Annapoorna and Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Cost per Person:
- ₹50 – ₹150.
4. Vada Pav
Overview:
Vada Pav, often called an Indian burger, is a popular street food that consists of a spicy potato patty served in a bun, with chutneys and fried green chilies.
What Makes it Special:
- The spicy potato patty is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Served with tangy chutneys and fried green chilies.
- A perfect snack for anyone craving quick bites on the go.
Where to Try:
- Salem Market and Railway Station Area.
Cost per Person:
- ₹30 – ₹50.
5. Kothu Parotta
Overview:
A Chettinad specialty, Kothu Parotta is made by shredding parotta (a flaky flatbread) and cooking it with meat (usually chicken or mutton), vegetables, and spices.
What Makes it Special:
- The shredded parotta is stir-fried with meat and spices to create a savory, spicy dish.
- Often served with raita or salad for balance.
- A popular street food for late-night snackers.
Where to Try:
- Hotel Kuppanna and The Urban Café & Bar.
Cost per Person:
- ₹100 – ₹250.
6. Mysore Pak
Overview:
A sweet dish originating from Mysore, Mysore Pak is a rich dessert made with gram flour, ghee, and sugar. It is popular throughout Tamil Nadu and a must-try in Salem.
What Makes it Special:
- Made with pure ghee, giving it a rich and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sweet and aromatic, with a distinct flavor from gram flour.
- A traditional dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Where to Try:
- The Grand Sweets and Snacks and Salem Market.
Cost per Person:
- ₹100 – ₹250.
7. Kiliyur Falls with Fried Corn
Overview:
If you’re visiting Kiliyur Falls, a perfect snack to enjoy while you take in the views is fried corn. The corn is often served hot, spiced with salt and chili powder, and is a popular street snack in Salem.
What Makes it Special:
- Hot, crispy corn seasoned with chili powder and salt.
- The perfect treat while enjoying the natural beauty of Kiliyur Falls.
- Light, fresh, and flavorful.
Where to Try:
- Kiliyur Falls (while visiting the waterfall).
Cost per Person:
- ₹30 – ₹50.
8. Fried Fish (Chettinad Style)
Overview:
Salem is close to coastal regions, and fried fish is a local favorite. Chettinad-style fried fish is known for its rich spices and crispy texture.
What Makes it Special:
- The fish is marinated with Chettinad spices, including turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
- The fish is then fried to a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat tender inside.
- A popular dish served with rice or roti.
Where to Try:
- Aasai Restaurant and The Sizzle Club.
Cost per Person:
- ₹150 – ₹300.
9. Rava Kesari
Overview:
Rava Kesari is a sweet dessert made from semolina, ghee, and sugar, and it’s commonly served in South Indian restaurants. It’s a must-try dessert in Salem.
What Makes it Special:
- Semolina cooked with ghee and sugar, giving it a rich texture and flavor.
- Cardamom and cashews add an aromatic fragrance and texture.
- A comforting, sweet treat often served at the end of a meal.
Where to Try:
- Sree Annapoorna and Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Cost per Person:
- ₹50 – ₹100.
10. Pesarattu
Overview:
Pesarattu is a savory pancake made from green gram (moong dal), and it’s a popular breakfast item in Salem. It’s often served with ginger chutney or sambar.
What Makes it Special:
- Made with moong dal, making it nutritious and packed with protein.
- Served with spicy chutneys and sambar for a complete meal.
- A perfect, healthy breakfast option or light meal.
Where to Try:
- Sree Annapoorna and Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Cost per Person:
- ₹50 – ₹150.
Conclusion
Salem offers a delightful variety of traditional South Indian dishes, Chettinad specialties, and street food that you should not miss during your visit. From the spicy Salem Mutton Biryani and Chettinad Chicken Curry to the sweet Mysore Pak and Rava Kesari, the city provides an unforgettable culinary experience. Be sure to visit the local restaurants and street food stalls for these tasty treats that will leave you craving for more!