If you’re heading to Vellore and wondering what food to try—you’re in for a treat. This charming city in Tamil Nadu is more than just home to historical landmarks and medical institutions like CMC Vellore. It’s a haven for foodies who love rich South Indian flavors and a dash of culinary adventure.
Whether you’re a local, a student, or a traveler, this food guide brings you Vellore’s top 10 must-try dishes—along with tips on where to find them. Let’s dig in!
Here The Taste of Top Foods in Vellore
- Biryani
- Vellore-Style Parotta with Salna
- Nethili Fry (Anchovy Fry)
- Filter Coffee – The South Indian Elixir
- Sweet Treats – Dessert Heaven in Vellore
- Kothu Parotta Sound of Food
- Vellore Paya, Rich Lamb Trotters Soup
- Rose Milk
- Vellore Style Chicken 65 (The Vellore Style)
- Poli – The Festive Sweet
1.Biryani – The Pride of Vellore
Let’s kick it off with a classic biryani. This dish is iconic and originates from the adjacent town of Vellore. It’s made with seeraga samba rice, spiced meat (usually chicken or mutton), and a subtle mix of masalas that don’t overpower the senses.
Where to taste:
- SK 7 Star Biryani
- Amma Biryani Restaurant
- Bandhi Biryani
Trust us, this is not just food, it’s a local emotion!
2.Vellore-Style Parotta with Salna
There’s something about layered, flaky parottas served with a spicy, soupy salna (gravy) that feels like a warm hug. This dish is a favorite among college students and late-night foodies.
Did You Know? Vellore parottas are slightly crispier than the ones you’d find in Madurai.
Where to taste:
- Sri Vellore Mess,
- Sangeetha Mess
- Khanna Fiesta
3. Nethili Gravy (Anchovy Gravy)
A Tamil Nadu delicacy, this tangy and spicy fish stew is slow-cooked in clay pots with tamarind, drumsticks, and raw mango for added flavor.Craving ocean flavors in an interior location. Vellore surprises you with its delicious nethili Gravy—crispy anchovies marinated with chili, turmeric, and fried to perfection.
🧑🍳 Pro Tip: Pair it with rice and rasam for a complete South Indian experience.
Where to taste:
- The Vellore Kitchen
- Amirtha Home Food
4. Filter Coffee – The South Indian Elixir
No visit to Vellore is complete without sipping on strong, frothy filter coffee, served in a traditional “dabara” (steel tumbler and saucer). The slow-brewed decoction mixed with hot milk is pure bliss.
Where to taste:
- Nellai Karupatti Coffee
- Mysore Coffee
- Divine Cafe
5. Sweet Treats – Dessert Heaven in Vellore
Vellore’s sweets are terribly underrated—but trust us, it’s worth a look. From traditional temple-style sweets to rich festival favorites, the city has a tempting selection of delights to please any sweet taste. Whether you’re looking for something syrupy, flaky, or deep-fried, these are some Vellore sweets that residents love and visitors shouldn’t miss
- Makkan Beda (large sized Gulab Jamun filled with Dry Fruits and Nuts)
- Badusha (flaky sugar-coated pastry)
- Kalkandu Sadam (sugar crystal rice)
- Adhirasam (deep-fried jaggery-rice sweet)
Where to taste:
- The Arcot Sweet Stall
- Bombay Anantha Bhavan
6. Kothu Parotta Sound of Food
If you hear the rhythmic clang of metal spatulas in the night, that’s the sound of kothu parotta being made on a hot tawa. This shredded parotta mixed with egg, meat, and gravy is street food heaven.
Fun Fact: It’s as fun to watch as it is to eat!
Where to try
- Harish Food Zone
- The Vellore Kitchen
- Khanna Fiesta
7.Vellore Paya, Rich Lamb Trotters Soup
Vellore Paya is known for its thick, spicy, and intensely delicious broth, which exemplifies the region’s culinary traditions and spice mastery. It is a meal cooked from goat and lamb trotters that is typically served with Idiyappam, Appam, Kal Dosa, and rice.
Where to try:
- Darling Namma Veedu
- Zaitoon Restaurant
- The Vellore Kitchen and more Roadside shops
8.Rose Milk
Nothing beats the sweltering Vellore heat like a tall, cool glass of rose milk—and Lakshmi Vilas is a legend when it comes to this delightful beverage. Nestled in the center of the city, this legendary restaurant has been soothing thirsts and winning hearts for decades with its simple yet enticing twist on this classic beverage.
Reader Favorite: “Every visit to Vellore feels incomplete without rose milk
Where to try:
- Lakshmi Vilas (Opposite to Bus Stand)
- Rose Milk Raja
9.Vellore Style Chicken 65 (The Vellore Style)
Yes, Chicken 65 is a popular dish all over India, but Vellore’s version has its own distinct personality—and it is not for the faint of heart. While the core concept stays unchanged—crispy fried chicken portions marinated in a spicy blend—the local variation is hotter, crunchier, and more fragrant.
Warning: It’s spicy—but oh so addictive.
Where to try:
- Hotel Darling Residency
- Harish Food Zone
- Khanna Fiesta
10. Poli – The Festive Sweet
One of the most beloved traditional sweets you’ll find in Vellore—and across Tamil Nadu is Poli, also known as Obbattu or Puran Poli in other parts of South India. This sweet flatbread is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of celebration, often served during festivals, temple rituals, and weddings.
Where to taste
- Alankar’s Virundhu
- Sai Suprabhaatham
- Farmer Tea Leaf
Final Thoughts: Why Vellore Food Deserves Your Attention
Vellore isn’t just about temples or colleges—it’s a city brimming with authentic food experiences. From street side vendors to heritage restaurants, the diversity of flavors will surprise even seasoned food travelers.
So next time you’re in town, don’t just pass through. Stay a while. Eat your way through these top 10 foods in Vellore, and you’ll leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.
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