Vellore is known for “Vellore Fort” and “Golden Temple,” but this excites tourists. For foodies like us, Vellore has much more to offer than you can imagine. From cold coffees to spicy non-vegetarian varieties to mouth-watering desserts. Due to the high population of student crowds, food is also mostly pocket-friendly.
1.Chicken Kalaki
Kalaki is a variety of egg dishes made by beating raw eggs and spices, such as black pepper, chili powder, and salt, which are then sauteed for just a fraction of a second and served hot, while it is still in a half-cooked state. In chicken Kalaki, the chef adds pieces of pre-fried chicken 65, along with a beaten egg that adds a crunchy touch to the usual Kalaki. It is a must-try for those who like a little fusion of spice in their eggs.
2.Chicken Semiya
Semiya is a south-Indian version of noodles. They can be made of different flours for different purposes, but rice flour is used in this preparation. In this dish, cooked semiya is finely chopped and added with a variety of toppings, including egg podimas, boneless dry chicken pieces, curry leaves, and seasoning to highlight the spicy touch. Once all these are mixed well under high flame, they are served with freshly sprinkled rock salt, which brings up all the flavor to the top.
3.Chicken Kari Dosa
Dosa has endless fusions, but this unique variety from a truck opposite VIT Gate 3 owes my heart. The pre-made chicken keema gravy is poured on top of a half-thick dosa, which is first cooked with a lid on one side and flipped over to slightly infuse burnt crispy touch to both dosa and keema on top of it. One dosa fills both the stomach and the heart, but no one can stop at one dosa.
4.Kalan
It is an appetizer made of mushroom pakodas, chickpeas, cabbage, shallots, a pinch of ginger garlic, and the usual spice mix: Kashmiri chili, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and turmeric. All the above ingredients are mixed to form a semi-gravy consistency, which is served with cut onions and a handful of cornflakes that provide a crunchy texture. Finally, they are topped with coriander leaves to garnish.
5.Mutton Paya Parotta
Who would say no to a soul-filling meal after an early morning hike? This shop in Vellore only sells this combo during the early morning hours, which is best for those who decide to go for morning hikes in the foothills of the Vellore Mountains. Paya is a soup-gravy combination made of mutton cooked for long hours. As it involves the bone marrow, it is the best source of necessary protein.
6.Maharani Ice-cream
This store has been running in Vellore for ages, and the ambiance is considerably small for the crowds they meet. They serve locally made fresh milk-based cold delights such as cup ice cream, cone ice cream, and milk sarbath. Fig Honey is a must-try here; one may not find this flavor daily, but one should not miss it.
7.Creamy Chicken At Tarama
If you like malai kofta, then you will definitely love this, as it adds a sweet touch to your gravy. Creamy chicken, made of boneless shredded chicken cooked in white sauce-based creamy gravy, is the best seller in this North Indian restaurant. Its flavor is both spicy and sweet. This, along with garlic naan, is found to be the best combination.
8.Ghee Puttu
Also known as Nei Puttu, it is sold in a thallu vandi(Moveable Cart), usually near the Makkan Circle or on Mottur Road to Gandhi Road. It is best for a tiny evening snack that is equally nutritious. It is a ragi-rice cake-type dish, steamed along with jagerry(vellam), and infused with ghee(nei), which simply elevates the overall flavor of the dish. One nei puttu fills three stomachs and multiple hearts.
9.Chicken Wing Mandi At Jaisha Grand
Mandi originates from the Arab culture, where the rice is separately boiled along with saffron turmeric alongside other Arab spices and served with gravy. Similarly, here, wings are served in a semi-gravy style with a honey-chili infusion. Mandi rice, wings gravy, and mayonnaise are served on a huge round plate that fills up to four hungry stomachs. The ambiance is set in an Arab-east style with ground seating in divan, which adds an extra effect to our satisfaction while enjoying this type of cuisine.
10.Jothi Mutton Briyani
If you are in Vellore, this should be on your bucket list to check out! Andrea Jeremiah, when she visited VIT for a cultural event, specifically requested this biriyani not just for herself but for her whole crew! It might sound like too much buildup, but why not try it yourself and see? The biriyani is made of singara samba rice with a unique mixture of spices served in a Valai elai(banana leaf). Locals typically prefer mutton as the choice of meat.
11.Variety Dosa From Royal Cafe 99 Dosa
Deciding which dosa to eat from their menu is a task for the day. To help you out, try the Pizza Dosa and Palak Schezwan cheese Dosa. You are welcome to try the rest as well. Personally, I feel that they are a south-Indian version of a pizza or burrito with loaded toppings and stuffings.
12.Pot Masala Tea From Rhythm Freeze
Endings are beautiful; one such example is Sunset and this tea. The place has outdoor seating with a DryGrass(Vaikol) hut setup in open vayals(green lands). If Vellore’s clouds decide to be by your side, then you can experience a beautiful breeze brushing through your skin during your visit. In such weather, who would not want to have freshly prepared Masala chai in mudka cups alongside some biscuits?
13.Vellore Special Burger With Cheese Inject In Robins Ikigai
Robins Ikigai lives up to its motto “formula for happiness”. You will be surprised and excited to try it; that is, their burger with their top-notch presentation, as cheese served in the injector, creates a fancy bistro vibe. The ambience is well-decorated, especially the rooftop seating with a plant-themed setup and decorative lights that brighten the mood.
14.Bakers Hub Cheesy Sausage
Not many South Indians are aware of zucchini and its unique addition of taste to food. The Bakers Hub serves Cheesy Sausage that is one of the special dishes that definitely kicks each and every taste bud. The chicken sausage is well-cooked yet soft with a symphony of flavors due to the addition of zucchini. The service is very friendly, and the chef himself comes by to take personal reviews from customers. However, we don’t have much to say except for a ton of praises about his cutlery skills.
15.Tandoori Kebab At Taj Tandoori
There’s an undiscovered tiny gem in Vellore, which serves juicy and spicy leg and/or thigh piece chicken alongside steamed semiya and mint chutney. It has a very small seating area, but heart-filling flavors and tastes. They also serve other kebab varieties and breads but are well-known for their tandoori leg.
16.MSP Kadai Fry
The ancient style Hut-themed restaurant is situated around the outskirts of Vellore in an area called Alamelumangapuram. It is the best spot for non-vegetarians, especially seafood lovers. Here, they display marinated meat and seafood that can be chosen and requested to be made according to our wishes, either dry fry or curry. The main course is served along with a side of rice meal or biriyani rice (Kuska).
17.Kanpoor Chats Bhaaji Masala
There is one branch on Ghadhi Road, and another near Vellore Fort, both being busy during peak hours. I suggest checking out the outlet on Gandhi Road due to its yellow-themed beautiful interior and ambiance setup. There are many options for chat, and each dish tastes better than the previous time.
18.Chola Poori At Ariyas Near New Bustand
It is also known as Chole Bhatura. Since it is a hot chat, it is best to have a cup of lassi from a nearby lassi shop in the evening. The channa masala prepared has a Vellore touch of spice that makes it more unique to eat. However, I suggest waiting until it cools down; otherwise, you might hurt your finger bursting the poori.
19.Grill Chicken With Masala At Rusi
Yet another spot in Vellore that serves a juicy chicken dish. As a Gulf return, this dish reminds me of Al fahem, which is famous in Arabian cuisine. Their multiple outlets around Vellore are a constant reminder of their beautiful aroma and stomach-filling taste.
20.Lays Burger
Although there are three Limra Student restaurants, this is an off-menu item that you can get only if you are lucky. This is mine as well as thousands of other food-loving students’ go-to grab, which is highly pocket-friendly, yummy, and filling. As it is an occasional and rare item, it is made only with a pressured request. It is a unique burger combination of a toasted bun with stir-fried lays chips and mayo stuffing.
