It’s that special time of year when Chennai comes together to celebrate Madras! An integral part of the city’s cultural landscape for over five decades, Taj Coromandel, an iconic landmark of Chennai, celebrates the spirit of Madras at its legendary Southern Spice, the hotel’s award-winning South Indian speciality restaurant. This Madras Week, the signature restaurant invites guests to rediscover the city through a special menu inspired by the culinary traditions of the erstwhile Madras Presidency, taking them on a journey through the flavours and memories of iconic neighbourhoods and landmarks including Marina Beach, Mylapore, Royapuram, George Town and Fort St. George.
The journey begins with nostalgic welcome drinks that capture the familiar flavours of the city. Marina Beach Nannari Sharbat, a traditional cooling sarbath with nannari root essence, is joined by the timeless Chennai favourite Mylapore Rose Milk, a chilled rose-infused milk. Broadway Paneer Soda, a classic Madras fizzy soda with aromatic rose flavours, completes the refreshing trio. The soups draw inspiration from some of Chennai’s most distinctive culinary traditions. Kapaleeshwarar Temple Tulsi Rasam, a sacred basil-flavoured pepper rasam inspired by temple kitchens, offers a fragrant take on a South Indian classic, while Royapuram Attukal Soup is a slow-cooked mutton trotters’ broth infused with traditional spices. The starters take guests from Chennai’s beaches to its bustling streets and coastal communities. Marina Beach Molaga Bhaji features crispy battered chilli fritters, while Mint Street Kalan Masala is a spiced mushroom sauté inspired by George Town street food. The menu also features Royapuram Nethili Meen Varuval, crispy anchovy fry marinated in coastal spices, alongside Ripon Building Nandu Cutlet, golden-fried crab cakes.
At the heart of the experience is a selection of Chennai tiffin icons and heritage favourites – Kapaleeshwarar Puliyogare, a temple-style tamarind rice enriched with roasted spices; Kodambakkam Vada Curry with Kal Dosa pairs soft stone-griddle dosa with a Chettinad vada curry; and Madras University Kothu Parotta with Salna celebrates Chennai’s beloved street-style shredded parotta served with curry gravy. Guests can also savour Broadway Mutton Liver & Moolai Melagu Roast featuring pepper-spiced mutton liver and brain roast, while Madras Presidency Mutton Chops draws from colonial-era cooking, with mutton chops prepared with fragrant spices, and Thomas Munro Chicken Meatball Curry brings an Anglo-Indian influence to the menu, with heritage chicken meatballs simmered in a rich curry.
The celebration concludes with desserts that evoke the nostalgia of old Madras. St. George Fort Caramel Custard is a classic caramel pudding inspired by colonial Madras, while Old Madras Coconut Bun recreates a traditional bakery-style sweet coconut bun. Besant Nagar Kuchi Ice Cream, a nostalgic handcrafted ice cream on a stick, rounds off the experience with a fond nod to Chennai’s familiar food memories.
Come to Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, as the celebration pays tribute to the city’s enduring legacy, bringing together its history, heritage and flavours on one table.
Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai | August 20 – 22, 2026 | Thali for Lunch and Dinner