The first time the Thiruvanmiyur beach (more fondly known as the RTO beach) got recognition was when it came to be known as the location to find ‘Mor Thatha’. If you still haven’t heard of him, are you even in Chennai? His creamy and delicious buttermilk has Chennaites coming from all parts of the city even at midnight to this secluded, small, and beautiful beach. Although Marina and Bessy’s beaches have been the popular beach spots in Chennai, RTO has its own fans (like me). Nestled in one of the top residential areas in Chennai, this beach is heavily crowded on weekends but is well-maintained and secure all days.
10 years ago the most this beach had to offer in food was the beach manga and ice cream but today we have an entire street dedicated to delicacies. Having heard rave reviews of the pani puri shawarma (two things we love in one dish) and prawn pani puri we couldn’t resist it for longer.
Enter the food street, we have almost everything from the beach-famous spring potatoes to waffles and pasta, and not to miss the nostalgia-inducing manga and sundal. It has spots dedicated to different kinds of popcorn, cotton candy, and seafood varieties. Our desi taste buds led us straight to the pani puri shops. Our choice was the prawn pani puri and it was delicious. They also had a peri-peri variation, which, combined with spicy filling, was tear-jerking, to say the least.
Although apprehensive of pasta in a beach shack, we still gave the white chicken pasta a go and were pleasantly surprised. Now, it may not be the most authentic but it sure was tasty, especially with crispy fried chicken pieces that were used as a garnish. For dessert, oscillating between ice-creams and waffles, we chose the waffles after seeing that day’s special was a Nutella-based one. Even though the waiting time felt a bit long, given that it was freshly made and deliciously done we didn’t mind it.
Some other amazing finds are tandoori chai, blueberry goli soda, and orange ice gola. Beautifully lit up in the night, the street is its most alive between 6-9 pm. We suggest you go earlier especially on the weekends because it can get crowded and shops sometimes close earlier than assumed. From starters to dessert, this mini food street has it all to quench your taste buds without digging a hole in the pocket making it perfect for a night out with friends!
