Tuck Into A Full South Indian Breakfast For Less Than INR 100 At This Old Madras Gem

Rayar Mess is an iconic restaurant in one of Chennai’s oldest areas — Mylapore. And they are legendary for their cheap and delicious breakfasts. Stuff your face with fluffy idlis and hearty pongal at this old eatery for a very nominal price.

Rayar Mess has been around since the pre-independence era and gained popularity from the 1950s. Located in Arundale Street in Mylapore, this eatery has seen a lot of famous footfalls over the years, including current Tamil actors such as  Suriya and Simbu, who are regulars. Rayar Mess serves only a limited vegetarian menu, and aren’t open all throughout the day. But hey, they serve one of the best South Indian breakfasts in the city! A plate of idli or dosa would cost you hardly INR 40, and we swear by their delicious pongal, which comes at a mere INR 50. Wash it all down with a tumbler of filter coffee for just INR 30! 

Although it has retained its old world charm with its simple ambience, the food served here is also consistent in terms of taste and quality over the years. The service is quick, and the waiters are friendly. Rayar Mess gives stiff competition to the likes of Mami’s Mess and Karpagambal Mess in Mylapore, which also offer a similar menu at nominal prices. The mess is also super popular with students as well as office goers for quick, easy breakfast scenes. The mess opens at 7.30 in the morning and shuts by 10.30, so make sure you get in time for breakfast. Evening timings are from 3-6pm.