18 Things No One Tells You About Living In Chennai That You Need To Know
Chennai- a city of beaches, traffic, humidity and a whole lot of history- is situated in the coastal state of Tamil Nadu in India. Some facts about the city like its humid weather are well known, but there are things that no one tells you about living in the city. Here are 18 things no one tells you about living in Chennai.
Mornings begin with coffee
Not just any coffee, but the coffee the city is well known for; filter coffee. What’s the difference between the two you ask? Everything. Once you try it, you may not want to go back to instant coffee powder. Coffee and a copy of the day’s newspaper make for an amazing morning in Chennai.
2. The beaches are amazing
The beaches- from Marina Beach to Besant Nagar’s Elliot Beach to Pebble Beach- are a big deal in Chennai. Whether it a be a date or a way to lift up a low mood, Chennai beaches are an amazing place to be.
Local history is well documented
The city- originally known as Madras- developed from a small fishing village to a lively metropolis, but the history of the city still remains. A walk through one of the city’s neighbourhoods George Town- from where Chennai’s development began in the 1640s- reveals a lot of old settlements.
You get a lot more than dosa and idli in Chennai
Dosa – a pancake made from fermented batter- and idli- a rice cake- are both popular dishes in the South Indian city. But contrary to popular belief, there’s a lot more food, especially street food, available in the city.
Cafes are more popular than bars
Chennai may not be home to the best bars and pubs, but it more than makes up for it with its amazing selection of cafes. From the Flower Power Tea Room- a UK inspired café to the French café Amethyst, you will be spoiled for choice.
Tamil is a hard language to learn
The official language in the city has a rich history, but man is it hard to learn. There are eight different ways to say the letter ‘L’ and five to say the letter ‘N’, but they’ll all sound the same to you!
But you don’t need Tamil to survive in the city
If you are moving into the city for the first time, you might fear a language barrier. But contrary to the stereotype, you don’t actually need the regional language to survive in the city.
The stand-up comedy scene is quite big in Chennai
With theatre groups providing a strong foundation for stand-up, there won’t be any opportunity missed in the city to tickle your funny bone.
(Image Credit: Vettri Theatres)The cinemas are a popular haunt for the locals
With affordable ticket prices, the movies are a perfect place to spend your time in Chennai. With a law that keep the prices low, you get enjoy films at quality cinema complexes.
The food is better at roadside joints
Street food living in Chennai is a culinary treasure. With places like OMR food street and beaches offering a variety of cuisines, you’ll never go hungry when you step out in the city.
The tasty dish Chicken 65 originated in Chennai
A tasty treat beloved by many (including me) was introduced at the famous Buhari Hotel in Chennai by its founder A.M Buhari.
Music is heavily celebrated within the city
Chennai is the hub for Carnatic music in South India. Music is loved and celebrated in the city, every year without fail. From the Carnatic six-week bonanza, the Marghazhi season to a variety of other music/dance festival, music is always a part of the city.
The Adyar Eco Park is underrated
An ecological park set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu is an amazing place that’s underrated, yet totally worth the visit.
Every street has a name
However narrow or small or inconsequential a street/lane may be living in Chennai, it still has a name.
The neighbourhood names are unique
A lot of the neighbourhoods in Chennai are named after trees, lakes or rivers, as an ode to the city’s abundant natural diversity.
(Image Credit: ArunSarv)You become a true Chennaite once you shop in the city’s busy shopping streets
Whether it be the bustling T Nagar or the busiest shopping street Pondy Bazaar or bargaining at Cotton Street, you truly become a local once you’ve shopped at one of these amazing, busy streets.
The people are friendly and considerate
The locals are helpful and friendly so if you’re new to the city, don’t worry, you can approach people and they definitely won’t bite your head off!
18. You fall in love with the vibrancy and culture of this amazing city.
Yes, the humid city leaves you in a puddle of sweat and the traffic is incredibly annoying. There are things that you don’t love about the city, and yet you just can’t help but fall in love with the colourful culture, the traditions and the lovely people living in Chennai.
