Ring in Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai
Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar and is a time for new beginnings and joyous celebrations. Rooted in tradition, the festival is observed with special prayers, vibrant decorations and an elaborate feast that reflects the essence of Tamil heritage. Southern Spice, the iconic South Indian specialty restaurant at Taj Coromandel, invites guests to a grand celebration with a specially curated meal experience, offering an exquisite selection of authentic flavours. Guests can indulge in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings, each crafted with time-honoured recipes that bring out the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu.
The quintessential South Indian experience at Southern Spice begins with Manga Pachadi, a signature dish of Tamil New Year that beautifully balances sweet, sour and spicy flavours, made with raw mango, jaggery, red chilies, asafoetida, mustard seeds and ghee. The vegetarian offering is a feast of authentic flavours, featuring Tulasi Rasam, a flavourful broth of tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and spices; Murungai Keerai Adai, made with moong dal, drumstick leaves, spices and herbs; Mochai Vendakkai Mandi, a tangy butter bean and okra curry cooked in tamarind sauce; Kutti Urulai Vathakkal, potatoes tempered with aromatic spices; and Kaikari Vellai Kurma, a rich coconut and cashew based vegetable curry. The offerings also include Arai Keerai Kadayal, a blend of amaranth leaves, moong dal, mustard and curry leaves; the hearty Kathirikai Kara Kuzhambu, a brinjal and tamarind-based curry; and Beans Paruppu Usili, a delicious combination of beans and steamed lentils. Guests can also indulge in Kaikari Brinji, a fragrant spiced vegetable pilaf; Nool Parotta, a flaky South Indian bread; and the special Arachuvitta Sambar, a lentil preparation made with freshly ground spices.
For those who prefer non-vegetarian specialities, savour delights like Nattu Kozhi Milagu Chaaru, a hearty country chicken soup infused with black pepper; Eral Porichathu, crispy fried bay prawn tail; Kozhi Uppu Kari, slow-roasted chicken in a medley of spices; and Vaigai Kari Sukka, a Madurai-style dish of succulent lamb shoulder, cooked gently with spices. Guests can also indulge in Meen Manga Kozhambu, a rich and tangy kingfish curry infused with green mango and coconut; Karaikudi Chicken Curry, a preparation of chicken morsels tossed with shallots, spices and black pepper; and the comforting Attukal Paya, lamb trotters cooked gently with spices. No Tamil New Year celebration is complete without biryani, and the Kongunadu Kozhi Biryani, a flavourful chicken pilaf from the Kongu region, adds the perfect finishing touch.
A grand festive meal deserves a sweet finale like the Javvarisi Semiya Payasam, a sago and vermicelli delicacy; Kavuni Rice Halwa, a rich and indulgent black rice and jaggery confection; and the signature Seethapazham Ice Cream, a creamy custard apple-flavoured homemade ice cream.
For a truly memorable celebration this Tamil New Year, savour the culinary artistry at Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, featured among India`s Top 50 Restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller India, and awarded 4 Stars by Culinary Culture`s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings.
Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai | April 14, 2025 | Lunch & Dinner | To place your order/for more details, please call 044 6600 2827 / 78248 62311
