Rayar Mess – A family enterprise

After a great jog on Marina beach, you might want to stop by Arundale street, off Kutchery road in Mylapore. What we really like about this place is that it runs on the honor system. Nobody keeps count of what you eat and the friendly folks at Rayar’s continuously keep bringing you food. The menu is South Indian and contains limited choice – Idli, Vadai, Rava Dosa, Bonda, Potato Bonda and the good old plain dosa. The service is extremely good and the food is served fresh out of the oven. The café has been run for generations and we found it to be a leveler – you find folks from all walks of life.

We chatted with the owners, and Mr. Arunachalam mentioned that they have no intention to expand. They like to serve customers with their own hand and love is a key ingredient. He knows the regulars by their first name and exactly know what they would prefer to eat. When we went to pay the bill and started counting the number of idlies we consumed, Mr. Arunachalam sighed and mentioned ‘just pay whatever you feel like. Money is not my primary concern. Please come back’. Yes ofcourse, we are coming back sir !!

Do not forget to wash your breakfast down with a good strong filter coffee.
The place is open in the mornings from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m and evenings from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

Pros: The best south Indian food you would ever eat, ultra cheap and friendly smiles all around

Cons: Limited seating and hard to find a seat during the weekends

Price: Even if you eat loads, less than Rs. 80 per head

Balaji Sandwich Store – Mint based Sandwiches

A great street place in Chennai are the sandwich shops near Alsa Mall in the Egmore area. These sandwich joints are basically a cluster of "shops-on-wheels". Of course, there is no seating arrangement. But you can sit on the steps at the entrance to Alsa mall without worrying about being chased away! You have to place your order and collect the sandwich from the counter yourself. The `sandwich makers` are quick if the crowd is sparse and remember your preference if you are a regular.

Of particular mention, is the Balaji sandwich stall. We have eaten Sandwiches in almost all the shops around there but Balaji distinguishes itself with his spicy mint sauce that he applies on the sandwiches. My favorites are the chilly cheese toast and the cucumber chutney sandwich. When you go there, introduce yourself to Thangraj who has a very humble beginning. He apparently used to run a tea shop before the sandwich store and started his venture from the profits of the tea shop. The stall is popular among the corporates and he even has a small shop in the premises of Scope
International which is a Standard Chartered venture.

Pros: Very cheap, extremely yummy, great service

Cons: No sitting spots, beggars on the street can be troublesome

Price: Less than Rs.50 for two