The Taj Coromandel's South Indian restaurant, serving regional dishes and thalis in a formal setting.
Southern Spice is the South Indian restaurant of the Taj Coromandel, at 37 Mahatma Gandhi Road in Nungambakkam, Central Chennai. It is dedicated to the cuisines of southern India with an emphasis on Chettinad cooking, the peppery, aromatic food of the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, and also covers Tamil and Kerala dishes. As a hotel restaurant of a long-established luxury brand, it gives visitors a formal setting in which to try dishes that are otherwise found in small tiffin shops and family messes.
The menu includes Chettinad chicken, kari dosa, meen moilee, a mildly spiced Kerala fish curry cooked in coconut milk, and Kerala-style stew, served with appam and other breads. Thalis are available for visitors who want to sample many regional preparations in a single meal. The cooking is built on freshly ground spice mixes, curry leaf, coconut and tamarind, and dishes can generally be adjusted for heat on request.
The dining room is formal and quiet, with attentive service and a dress expectation of smart casual. Atmosphere is suited to business lunches, family celebrations and visitors who prefer comfort and polish. Service runs approximately 12:30PM-2:45PM for lunch and 7:30PM-11:30PM for dinner. Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Taj Coromandel restaurant reservations line or the Taj hotels website; booking a few days ahead is sensible, and earlier for weekends and holiday periods.
Prices are about ₹3,000-6,000 per person (roughly $31-63 USD). Beverages follow the hotel's bar programme, including Indian and international drinks, and specifics should be checked with the restaurant. The Nungambakkam location is central and close to the city's shopping and business districts.
| Price | ₹3,000-6,000 per person (approx $31-63 USD) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 12:30PM-2:45PM and 7:30PM-11:30PM |
| Reservations | Recommended; book through the Taj Coromandel restaurant reservations line or the Taj hotels website |
| Address | Taj Coromandel, 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034, India |
Signature dishes
- Chettinad chicken
- Kari dosa
- Meen moilee
- Kerala-style stew
Good to know
- Known for
- A hotel restaurant dedicated to the cuisines of South India with a Chettinad emphasis
Location
Taj Coromandel, 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034, India
13.0604, 80.2487 View on map
Highlights
- Chettinad-focused South Indian menu in a luxury hotel
- Meen moilee and Kerala-style stew with appam
- Kari dosa and Chettinad chicken
- Thali option to sample several regional dishes
- Central Nungambakkam location at Taj Coromandel
Tips for visiting
- Reserve through the Taj Coromandel or the Taj hotels website for dinner.
- Lunch usually offers a quieter room than dinner.
- Ask for heat levels to be adjusted if unfamiliar with Chettinad spice.
- Choose a thali for a broad introduction, or à la carte for specific regional dishes.
- Budget about ₹3,000-6,000 per person before beverages.
Accessibility
Located inside a major hotel, so step-free access is likely, but this has not been confirmed. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm arrangements with the hotel when reserving.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Southern Spice serve?
It serves South Indian cuisine from Tamil Nadu, Chettinad and Kerala, including thalis and regional curries.
Where is it?
It is at the Taj Coromandel, 37 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Is a reservation needed?
Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Taj Coromandel reservations line or the Taj hotels website.
How much does a meal cost?
A meal costs about ₹3,000-6,000 per person (roughly $31-63 USD).