Chennai, April 10: Marking the beginning of the Tamil calendar, Puthandu—the Tamil New Year—is one of the most cherished festivals for Tamil-speaking communities worldwide. Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, the festival symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and hope. Homes are adorned with mango leaves, vibrant kolams decorate entrances, and families come together to enjoy festive meals representing the six traditional tastes of Tamil cuisine—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent—reflecting the many flavours of life.
In the spirit of this joyous occasion, Southern Spice, the iconic South Indian specialty restaurant at Taj Coromandel, invites guests to indulge in a specially curated Tamil New Year feast that celebrates authentic regional flavours and culinary traditions.
The experience begins with traditional welcome beverages such as refreshing Nannari Sherbet and the festive favourite Panagam. Guests can savour a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring South Indian classics like Ulundu Vadai, Mani Kozhukattai, and Murungai Keerai Adai, each offering a unique taste of heritage recipes.
A highlight of the festive spread is the traditional Mangai Pachadi, a symbolic dish of Tamil New Year that beautifully balances jaggery sweetness, raw mango tanginess, and the subtle bitterness of neem.
The menu further showcases a rich array of regional specialties from across Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli Kalyana Veetu Aviyal and Kathirikkai Mochai Puli Curry, reflecting the depth of home-style cooking traditions. Non-vegetarian delicacies such as Kola Urundai, Kozhi Uppu Kari, Meen Manga Curry, and Attukal Paya bring bold and authentic flavours to the table.
Complementing the feast are traditional accompaniments like Mappillai Samba Rice, Idiyappam, and Nool Parotta, paired with Arachuvitta Sambar and Kuthiraivali Curd Rice for a wholesome dining experience.
The celebration concludes with indulgent desserts, including Akkaravadisal, Nungu Payasam, and the classic Mukkani Thattu featuring mango, banana, and jackfruit. A unique highlight is the Pachai Payaru & Panangarkandu Ice Cream, blending roasted green gram with natural palm sugar for a distinctive finish.
Recognised among India’s Top 50 Restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller India and awarded 4 Stars by Culinary Culture, Southern Spice promises a memorable culinary journey rooted in tradition and excellence.
Celebrate the spirit of Puthandu with an unforgettable dining experience that honours the rich heritage and vibrant flavours of Tamil cuisine.
