CHENNAI: Want to taste signature dishes from around Tamil Nadu, including Ambur and Dindigul biryani, Virudhunagar porotta, Cuddalore fish puttu, etc.? Head to the Besant Nagar beach, where women self-help groups (SHGs) from various parts of the State have set up stalls as part of a food festival.
The event, organised by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin at Besant Nagar on Sunday. The event aims to showcase the culinary skills, quality products and entrepreneurial capabilities of women SHG members, while also creating greater public awareness about their food enterprises.
After opening the food festival, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin urged the public to visit and support the event, saying such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening women's economic self-reliance.
Speaking to reporters, Udhayanidhi said similar events have received an overwhelming response across the State. "In Madurai alone, sales touched Rs 62 lakh. All food items sold here are tested and cleared by the Food Safety department. During the half-yearly school holidays, this festival offers families a safe and enjoyable space to dine together," he said.
The food festival, which began on Sunday, will continue till December 24. Foods prepared by SHGs are being sold after following strict hygiene protocols and structured training, ensuring taste and quality on par with leading restaurants.
A total of over 235 traditional food varieties from all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu are on offer through 50 dedicated food stalls. Signature items include Ambur and Dindigul biryani, Kongu mutton biryani, Virudhunagar parotta, Cuddalore fish puttu, Ariyalur dosa, Sivaganga ghee rice, Tenkasi ulundhankali, Salem thattu vadai, Kancheepuram temple idli, Nilgiris ragi kali, and regional delicacies from Thoothukudi.
In addition, 12 special stalls feature no-fire foods, palm-based products, Chettinad snacks and nostalgic traditional delicacies from the 1990s.
The festival will be open from 12 noon to 9 pm till December 24. Cultural programmes have also been arranged in the evenings to attract visitors.
Taste of Tamil Nadu
Ambur biryani
Dindigul biryani
Kongu mutton biryani
Virudhunagar parotta
Cuddalore fish puttu
Ariyalur dosa
Sivaganga ghee rice
Tenkasi ulundhankali
Salem thattu vadai
Kancheepuram temple idli
Nilgiris ragi kali