Top 10 Foods to Try in Vellore

Vellore
Posted on | by Anuj

Absolutely! Here’s your complete and authentic guide to the Top 10 Foods You Must Try in Vellore, perfect for tourists and first-time city visitors. Each dish comes with details on what it is, where to try it, cost, when to eat it, and insider tips — so you can enjoy Vellore’s culinary delights without needing any extra research!

1. Kothu Parotta (முட்டை கொத்து பரோட்டா)

  • What It Is: Shredded parotta tossed on a hot tawa with egg/chicken, onions, spices & curry
  • Where to Try:
    • Chennai Hotel (Long Bazaar)
    • Hotel Aryaas (Katpadi)
  • Best Time to Eat: Dinner (after 7:00 PM)
  • Cost: ₹80–₹120
  • Why You Must Try It: It’s fiery, flavorful, and a true Tamil street food favorite
  • Pro Tip: Ask for “less spicy” if you’re not used to strong masala

2. Vellore Biryani

  • What It Is: A mildly spiced South Indian biryani with tender chicken/mutton and seeraga samba rice
  • Where to Try:
    • Hotel Darling Residency
    • Star Biryani (Katpadi)
  • Best Time to Eat: Lunch
  • Cost: ₹150–₹250
  • Why You Must Try It: Local biryani here is less greasy, but packed with flavor
  • Pro Tip: Try with onion raita and brinjal curry (a local combo)

3. South Indian Filter Coffee

  • What It Is: Brewed coffee mixed with milk and served in a steel tumbler & davara
  • Where to Try:
    • Saravana Bhavan, Krishna Bhavan, or Leo Coffee (Anna Salai)
  • Best Time to Eat: Morning or post-dinner
  • Cost: ₹25–₹50
  • Why You Must Try It: Bold taste, aroma, and a cultural ritual
  • Pro Tip: Always ask for it “strong” for the best experience

4. Dosa with Coconut Chutney & Sambar

  • What It Is: Crispy fermented rice-lentil crepe served with side dips
  • Where to Try:
    • Hotel Aryaas
    • Saravana Bhavan (Old Bus Stand)
  • Best Time to Eat: Breakfast or dinner
  • Cost: ₹60–₹100
  • Why You Must Try It: The soft inside and crispy outer texture is unbeatable
  • Pro Tip: Ask for “ghee roast” for extra flavor

5. Murukku & Banana Chips (Snacks)

  • What It Is: Crunchy deep-fried spirals made from rice flour & crisp banana chips
  • Where to Try:
    • A2B Sweets, Grand Sweets, or street vendors in Anna Salai
  • Best Time to Eat: Tea time
  • Cost: ₹50–₹150 per packet
  • Why You Must Try It: Perfect for gifting and snacking
  • Pro Tip: Choose the coconut oil-fried banana chips for authentic taste

6. Vegetarian Meals (Banana Leaf Thali)

  • What It Is: A traditional platter with rice, sambhar, rasam, poriyal, curd & appalam
  • Where to Try:
    • Hotel Krishna Bhavan
    • Sree Saravana Bhavan
  • Best Time to Eat: Lunch (12 PM – 3 PM)
  • Cost: ₹100–₹160
  • Why You Must Try It: Pure South Indian vegetarian meal culture at its best
  • Pro Tip: Eat with your hand for the true experience

7. Paniyaram (Sweet & Savory Dumplings)

  • What It Is: Small ball-shaped dumplings made from dosa batter; served sweet or spicy
  • Where to Try:
    • Evening street stalls at Thottapalayam or VIT Gate
  • Best Time to Eat: Tea time
  • Cost: ₹30–₹50 per plate
  • Why You Must Try It: Light and fluffy with a crisp edge – a hidden gem
  • Pro Tip: Try both sweet jaggery and spicy versions together

8. Parotta with Salna (Spicy Curry)

  • What It Is: Layered flaky bread with peppery chicken or veg gravy (salna)
  • Where to Try:
    • Sathuvachari & CMC roadside stalls
    • Chennai Hotel
  • Best Time to Eat: Night (8 PM onwards)
  • Cost: ₹60–₹120
  • Why You Must Try It: One of Tamil Nadu’s staple dishes, especially in Vellore
  • Pro Tip: Ask for a second helping of salna — it’s usually free!

9. Kalkandu Pongal (Sweet Rice with Rock Sugar)

  • What It Is: Sweet dish made with rice, ghee, cashews & crystallized sugar
  • Where to Try:
    • Hotel Aryaas or Vellore Krishna Sweets
  • Best Time to Eat: Breakfast or temple prasad
  • Cost: ₹40–₹80
  • Why You Must Try It: Divine taste — often served during festivals
  • Pro Tip: Take home a small pack as a dessert souvenir

10. Sundal & Lemon Soda (Street Snacks Combo)

  • What It Is: Spiced chickpeas + freshly squeezed fizzy lemon soda
  • Where to Try:
    • Street stalls in Fort Area, Green Circle, and Sripuram Market
  • Best Time to Eat: Evening walk-time
  • Cost: ₹20–₹50
  • Why You Must Try It: Simple yet addictive combo, especially in hot weather
  • Pro Tip: Try “masala soda” (with black salt) for an extra zing

Bonus Travel Tips for Foodies:

  • Drink Bottled Water when eating street food
  • Use Your Right Hand for eating in traditional places (a cultural norm)
  • Avoid Peak Hours (1–2 PM & 8–9 PM) unless you want to wait in queues
  • Try a Full-Day Food Trail: Start with Filter Coffee & Idli → Veg Meals → Snacks → Kothu Parotta → Dessert → Lemon Soda