I have lived in India, particularly Chennai all my life before moving to Stockholm. As I thought of writing about Chennai, I wasn’t sure where to start or which elements to include because my love for the city is vast, and it’s hard to compress it all into a single piece of writing. The below content isn’t all, I will surely continue writing on the same topic in future, but for now—these are my favorite ramblings about Chennai.

The People: 

Chennaiites have a charm of their own. Polite yet straightforward, we’re a breed that can strike up a conversation about anything—from Rajinikanth’s latest movie to the best route to avoid traffic on OMR. And our love for our language? Pure poetry. Tamil isn’t just a language; it’s the heartbeat of the city. Whether we know the people or not, we are always ready to help in times of need or emergencies. That’s what I miss the most about them here.

The Beaches: 

What’s life without a stroll along the beaches? Be it Marina or Elliots or the side beaches along ECR. The salty breeze, the endless stretch of sand, the craving for bajji and sundal—it’s therapeutic in a way only Chennaiites will understand. Believe it or not, Chennai’s beaches are alive almost around the clock. From the early risers soaking in the sunrise to late-night strollers enjoying the cool breeze, the shores are a bustling hub of life, energy, and timeless charm.

Hence, Beaches are the city’s unofficial chill zone.

The Temples: 

I am a big fan of temples, whether in or outside Chennai. Among all the things I seek during my travels in Chennai, temples always hold the most prominent position. They bring me a sense of peace and calmness that is unmatched. In Chennai, you’ll find a temple on almost every street, each with its unique charm and history.

The best seasons to experience their true essence are Margazhi and Aadi. During Margazhi, the temples come alive with devotional music, vibrant kolams, and the aroma of fresh flowers, creating an atmosphere that feels truly divine. Similarly, Aadi is a season of vibrant festivities, with special pujas, processions, and the sound of temple bells adding to the spiritual fervor.

For me, visiting temples isn’t just about worship; it’s about connecting with tradition, soaking in the serene ambiance, and finding a little corner of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

The Food: 

Oh, the food! It deserves a chapter of its own. The one thing I miss the most after moving here is the food. Name a dish, and you can have it delivered right to your doorstep (No, we don’t always eat out, but we certainly know how to indulge our cravings).

Whether it’s a steaming plate of idli and vada drenched in sambhar, a spicy serving of kothu parotta, or the irresistible street food like bajji on a rainy evening, Chennai knows how to feed your soul. And let’s not forget the crowd favorite—biryani—or the humble tea shops that are nothing like the fancy coffee shops we see now. These are the places that can brighten up any day with a warm cup of chai and a side of nostalgia.

Filter Coffee: 

My love for coffee began here, in Chennai. Not the fancy café brews, but the humble filter coffee served in a stainless steel tumbler, topped with a perfect layer of frothy foam. The aroma alone speaks volumes.

Chennai’s filter coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. The ritual begins with freshly ground coffee powder placed in a traditional filter, hot water gently poured over it, and then left undisturbed to extract the rich decoction. This strong, aromatic brew is then mixed with boiling milk and sugar, skillfully transferred back and forth between two containers to create the signature froth, and finally served steaming hot.

It’s nothing short of heaven. Those undisturbed five minutes with my cup of coffee? Pure bliss. The scent of freshly brewed filter coffee feels like the city’s unofficial anthem, and every sip is a warm hug for your soul.

Why Chennai Feels Like Home

For me, Chennai is home because it’s authentic and unapologetically itself. It’s in the little things—spending time with parents, shopping in the bustling streets of T. Nagar, experiencing the Chennai rains (Yes they definitely feel different from the rains here), hearing Tamil all around you the moment you land at the airport, and enjoying the palagarams (the delightful sweets and savories we exchange during festivals).

It’s a place where seasonal fashion isn’t a concern—you can wear the same type of clothes all year round. It’s in the grand weddings, especially for the food served on banana leaves, the neighborhood aunties who insist you eat just one more dosa, and the charm of old bookstores tucked away in quiet corners, waiting to be discovered.

Chennai is like that best friend who’s always there, quietly rooting for you in the background. It’s not perfect, but then again, perfection is overrated. It’s warm, welcoming, and a little bit messy—just the way I like it.

So, why do I like Chennai? Because it’s more than a city; it’s a feeling, a memory, and for me, it’s always home.

Now, with all this, I’ve started to miss Chennai and can’t wait for the day I get to go back again 😦