Chennai palates have changed! So, let’s see what the food pundits are dishing out for 2009.

Conventional Chennai has shed its image and is stepping out to bolder food avenues. The average Chennai-ite has come a long way from "eating out" translating as South Indian thali, Chettinad cuisine or Chinese! Our food pundits spell out what lies in store for 2009 on the food front in Chennai…

Mediterranean flavours are hot!
The spicy, flavoured cuisine goes down well with the average Chennai-ite. The stress is on fresh vegetables and distinct flavours. Its going to be more of Tapas bars and Mediterranean cuisine. Check out Zara’s for some refreshing Tapas and Margaritas. Some great Mediterranean cuisine on offer in star coffee shops and Azulia!

Feel good food!
This is going to be the panacea to everyday problems! Yes, with the economic meltdown, more and more people are turning to food for comfort. Cheesy pizza, crisp chicken from KFC, and meaty burgers from Mc Donald’s are going to be hot favourites! As also pastas with dripping sauces: the best available at Prego, 601- The Park, Cornucopia and Bella Ciao, High on carbs and comfort, these foods are convenient and high on the priority list.

Calling all dessert freaks!
Chocolate is popular, as always. Sinful, exciting desserts overtake the humble rasmalai and kulfi! The tastes for desserts have changed to the more exotic: soft, airy mousse, wild berry sauces, crème brulee, tarts dusted with curry powder etc. Try the sinful desserts at Sin, Maison de gourmet, 601-The Park, Anise, Cornucopia and the star coffee shops.
 
Minimalistic Cuisine
2009 is definitely the year when less is more…in more ways than one! The portions will get smaller, the presentation will get better and fusion cuisine will be the order of the day. Watch out for fish tikka wrapped in seaweed, kulfi drizzled with chocolate shavings, green chilly and melon ball starters, garlic prawns poached in pomegranate syrup and spare ribs drenched in a saffron sauce…for the unusual, try Absolute, Anise and Aqua.

The Orient Express
No longer does “orient” translate as Chinese! This year jump onto the bandwagon:  sushi and sashimi bars, Thai cuisine, Laksa from Singapore, wholesome Vietnamese soups, Burmese Cowzweh and authentic Malaysian Nasi Goreng. Yes, the stress is on authentic!

Food tastes change, just like fashion! So, what do you plan to chew on?