Periamet, one of Chennai’s oldest neighbourhoods, has long welcomed travellers, traders and businessmen. Its streets around Poonamallee High Road and Raja Muthiah Road still combine century-old lodges, hotels, tea stalls and restaurants with the busy landmarks of central Chennai.
At National Durbar Restaurant, founded in 1955, a breakfast of two parottas and chicken curry costs ₹192 with tea. The area’s food is shaped by workers, students and travellers, and many restaurants continue serving from lunch into the night.
Hotel Khaja specialises in Vaniyambadi biryani and stuffed parotta, while Selvi Mess is known for seeraga samba mutton biryani. Other popular stops include Buhari Hotel, where bun, butter and jam with tea remains a signature snack, and eateries serving Muradabadi chicken biryani.
Periamet has changed since the pandemic: many leather businesses have closed and more rented rooms now house bachelors. Yet the neighbourhood’s mixture of food, old architecture and commerce continues to reflect Chennai’s multicultural character.