What to Eat in Vellore Today?

Famous Food to Eat in Vellore

Vellore's food is a mix of the Arcot Nawabs' biryani tradition and everyday Tamil cooking. Try these during your visit.

Ambur Biryani

Made with short-grain seeraga samba rice and mutton or chicken, Ambur biryani is lighter on oil than many biryanis. It is usually served with brinjal dalcha and raita. It is the one dish most people come to the Vellore area for.

Chettinad Chicken

Chicken cooked in a hot, dark masala of roasted spices, curry leaves and black pepper. It is one of Tamil Nadu's boldest curries and goes well with rice or parotta.

Dosa

A thin, crisp crepe of fermented rice and lentil batter, served with sambar and chutneys. It is a breakfast and evening tiffin favourite.

Idli and Sambar

Soft steamed rice-and-lentil cakes with sambar and coconut chutney. It is the lightest and most common Tamil breakfast.

Coffee and Tiffin in Vellore

Vegetarian tiffin rooms serve idli, dosa and filter coffee from early morning, and they are the easiest places for a quick, cheap meal between sights. Filter coffee, poured frothy between a steel tumbler and davara, is the drink to order at any time of day.

Food Tips for Travellers in Vellore

• Try Ambur biryani at lunch, when it is freshest.
• Go early for breakfast, as idli and dosa are busiest before mid-morning.
• Ask for less spice if you are not used to Chettinad cooking.
• Drink bottled or filtered water, especially in the hot months.
• Vegetarians will find plenty of pure-veg restaurants across the city.