Kanchipuram is one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest temple towns — a place rich not only in culture but also in authentic South Indian flavors. From traditional idlis and dosas to spicy pakoras and refreshing sweets, the streets of Kanchipuram are full of delicious food experiences.
Here’s the definitive list of the 10 best street food destinations — complete with local specialties, timings, costs, and visitor tips — so you won’t need to look anywhere else.
1. Cassata and Ice Cream Cart
Location: Near Kamakshi Temple Road, Kanchipuram Bazaar area
Type: Ice cream and cold dessert stall
Approximate Cost: ₹30 – ₹60 per serving
Highlights:
- Serves local cassata slices, ice creams, and chilled milkshakes.
- Perfect for cooling down during hot afternoons.
- Simple, clean setup, loved by families and children.
Tourist Tips:
- Visit between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Ideal stop after temple or market visits.
- Check freshness and hygiene before ordering.
2. Kanchi Pakoda Point
Location: Near Gandhi Road, central Kanchipuram
Type: Evening snack stall
Approximate Cost: ₹20 – ₹50 per serving
Highlights:
- Known for crisp pakoras, vadas, and masala tea.
- Serves fresh deep-fried snacks made in small batches.
- Attracts both locals and visitors during evening hours.
Tourist Tips:
- Best time to visit: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Try onion pakora and masala vada with tea.
- Avoid late-night visits since most stalls close early.
3. Chaat & Meet – Evening Chaat Corner
Location: Near Gandhi Road, close to the market area
Type: North Indian-style street chaat
Approximate Cost: ₹20 – ₹40 per plate
Highlights:
- Serves pani puri, bhel puri, sev puri, and dahi papdi.
- Offers quick, spicy, and tangy street snacks.
- Popular among students and tourists in the evenings.
Tourist Tips:
- Visit after 5:00 PM for freshly prepared chaats.
- Ask for less spice if you’re not used to Indian street flavors.
- Carry bottled water.
4. Medhu Pakoda & Pattani Sundal Stall
Location: Near Ekambareswarar Temple entrance
Type: Traditional South Indian snack stall
Approximate Cost: ₹10 – ₹20 per portion
Highlights:
- Offers medhu pakoda (soft fried lentil fritters) and pattani sundal (chickpea salad).
- Simple, filling, and flavorful evening snacks.
- Usually served with chutney or a dash of lemon.
Tourist Tips:
- Ideal for evening snack breaks during temple tours.
- Ask for freshly fried items for best taste.
- Avoid during heavy rain due to open-air setup.
5. Kovil Idli Stall (Near Kamakshi Amman Temple)
Location: Nellukara Street, adjacent to Kamakshi Amman Temple
Type: Traditional South Indian breakfast stall
Approximate Cost: ₹20 – ₹30 per idli
Highlights:
- Serves the famous “Kanchipuram Idli,” a spiced rice cake steamed in banana leaves.
- Made with pepper, cumin, and ginger for a unique temple-town flavor.
- Hot, fresh, and soft idlis served with chutney or sambar.
Tourist Tips:
- Visit between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM for fresh idlis.
- Ideal breakfast before temple visits.
- Carry small currency for quick payment.
6. Kambu Dosa Stall
Location: 71 Nellukara Street, near temple route
Type: Millet dosa stall (healthy South Indian food)
Approximate Cost: ₹60 – ₹80 per plate
Highlights:
- Specializes in dosas made from kambu (pearl millet) batter.
- A healthier, traditional alternative to rice dosas.
- Served with spicy chutneys and sambar.
Tourist Tips:
- Great option for breakfast or light dinner.
- Ask for ghee dosa if you prefer richer flavor.
- Usually open from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
7. Mr. Sandwich & Juice World
Location: Gandhi Road, near shopping center
Type: Fast food and juice stall
Approximate Cost: ₹100 – ₹200 per person
Highlights:
- Offers sandwiches, burgers, fruit juices, and milkshakes.
- Popular among college students and younger travelers.
- Provides modern street-food options in a clean environment.
Tourist Tips:
- Try fresh juices like pineapple or watermelon during summer.
- Avoid peak shopping hours (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM) for faster service.
- Good for light snacks between temple visits.
8. Biryani and Non-Veg Food Stalls (Near Bus Stand)
Location: Opposite Kanchipuram Bus Stand, main road
Type: Street-side biryani and gravy stalls
Approximate Cost: ₹80 – ₹150 per plate
Highlights:
- Serves chicken and mutton biryani with spicy gravies.
- Authentic South Indian non-vegetarian flavors.
- Simple open-air stalls, perfect for quick meals.
Tourist Tips:
- Visit for lunch around 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM for freshly cooked biryani.
- Ensure food is served hot and hygienically.
- Carry tissues and water, as seating is minimal.
9. Evening Tea and Snack Stalls (Gandhi Road Market Area)
Location: Near main market and temple road junctions
Type: Tea and snack vendors
Approximate Cost: ₹10 – ₹30 per item
Highlights:
- Offers strong South Indian tea, coffee, and simple snacks like vadai, bajji, and biscuits.
- Popular among locals during evening rush hours.
- Relaxed and friendly atmosphere to enjoy casual bites.
Tourist Tips:
- Visit around 5:00 PM for a fresh batch of snacks.
- Great spot to mingle with locals.
- Carry cash and enjoy authentic street flavors.
10. Purple Bakery and Sweets
Location: Near Kanchipuram Market Road
Type: Bakery and sweet shop
Approximate Cost: ₹100 – ₹200 per person
Highlights:
- Offers cakes, pastries, samosas, and traditional South Indian sweets.
- A great place to pick up local treats like Mysore Pak or Kaju Katli.
- Popular with both locals and tourists for takeaways.
Tourist Tips:
- Visit before 8:00 PM, as bakeries close early.
- Ask for fresh sweets if you’re packing for travel.
- Ideal for gifting or carrying snacks on your journey.
General Street Food Tips for Tourists
- Best Time to Explore:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM (Idli, dosa stalls)
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM (snack and tea stalls)
- Hygiene & Safety:
- Choose stalls with busy crowds — it usually means food turnover is high and fresh.
- Avoid pre-cooked or uncovered food items.
- Carry bottled water and wet tissues.
- Payment:
- Most stalls accept cash only; keep small change (₹10, ₹20, ₹50).
- Local Specialties to Try:
- Kanchipuram Idli
- Pattani Sundal
- Kambu Dosa
- South Indian Filter Coffee
- Dindigul-style Biryani
- Cultural Note:
- Kanchipuram is a temple town, so most food stalls near temples serve only vegetarian items.
- Non-vegetarian food is available mainly near the bus stand and highway area.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Most of these stalls are within walking distance from major temples like Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
- Best Season to Visit:
- November to February offers pleasant weather for street food exploration.