Chettiar women ran large households and entertained guests and visitors with a great sense of hospitality. Food played an important role both for the family and as part of this renowned Chettiar hospitality. Over time, a distinct and flavourful regional cuisine which incorporates unique preparations of a variety of dishes was developed by the Chettiar women and their cooks. Saratha Vilas Chettinad Palace – Hotel offers its guests the opportunity to taste famous Chettinad dishes as well as enjoy a selection of menu options from the Mediterranean.
Discover (or rediscover) the abundance of delicious vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, and seafood available in Tamil Nadu. Meals at Saratha Vilas showcase the spices, textures, and colours of the unique cuisine of the region. Dishes are mild with chilli available upon request.
South India breakfast — tea/coffee, kuzhi paneeyaram, dosai (South Indian crepe), idly (steamed rice dumpling), 2 varieties of chutney, sambar, vadai, pongal (a sweet Chettinad speciality), and canned mango juice.
A traditional Chettinad vegetarian or non-vegetarian thali served on banana leaf includes a combination of dishes including sambar, rasam, Kuzhambu, Poriyal, Kootu, Masala, Pachadi, curd, pickles, papadam and rice. Non-vegetarian options include a choice of Chettinad pepper chicken or Kuzhambo fish.
Each evening, a different traditional Chettinad set meal includes a combination of three Chettinad vegetarian specialities, one non-vegetarian dish (fish or chicken), rice, and chapati, followed by the sweet of the day.
Continental breakfast is comprised of tea/coffee, wheat bread, homemade jams and wild honey, fresh yogurt, and locally sourced fruits. Eggs are cooked to order. In addition, sample a Chettinad speciality such as kuzhi paneeyaram (traditional south Indian fried dumplings) served with chutney.
Our continental dishes are served a la carte, or with a menu of the day. Enjoy delicious salads from the Mediterranean of the world-famous chef, Yotam Otolenghi, a fresh sea food platter, pizzas and pastas, and our chef’s special honey saffron roast chicken.
Each evening, a different Western set menu includes the soup of the day, a main course with chicken or fish, and the sweet of the day.
Please note: as per Tamil Nadu rules, the hotels under 21 rooms are not allowed to serve alcohol
½ day Program starting at 11.30 am – Initiation to South Indian cuisine:
Lunch/degustation of traditional meal served on banana leaf (lunch served by 1.30 pm)
Chettinad is famous for its cuisine full of flavors. The fact Chettiar use many types of spices in different ways makes this cuisine outstanding. Chettinad Pepper Chicken is one of the most famous dishes that Saratha Vilas proposes to teach.
Non-Vegetarian Chettinad Cuisine Cooking Class and Lunch – ½ day Program starting at 11.30 am
Initiation to South Indian cuisine:
Lunch/degustation of traditional meal served on banana leaf (lunch served by 01.30 pm)