Where to get Iftar special in entire Chennai

What makes Chennai’s Iftar snack culture unique is its inclusivity. Residents of various backgrounds often stand in line with the fasting people, eager to sample the seasonal specialties. Historically, iftar offerings were simple and local, sold in modest establishments near mosques – bajji, masala vada, chicken 65, sherbet and nombu kanji were prepared in small batches. However, in the last decade, the culture has transformed into a full-fledged culinary display. Restaurants now prepare elaborate Ramadan menus, launch rotating iftar programs, and even call in expert chefs from across the country to recreate regional dishes.

Abid’s

Abids, the snack counter on Spartan Road turns into a seasonal institution every Ramzan, which its loyal patrons eagerly wait for. Proprietor Abid Zaheer prepares an exclusive range of North Malabar dishes, including Chicken Chatti Pathiri, Chemeen Undaputtu (shrimp balls), Kaipola (steamed banana cakes) and the traditional dessert Unnakai. For seafood lovers, the spread extends to calamari dumplings, fish and chips, and fried prawns.

New launches this year include bun kebabs, shawarma and Turkish Adana rolls, adding a West Asian touch to the menu. Abid continues to attract people for its staple food – fried chicken, samosas, cutlets, rolls and kebabs – as well as mutton haleem and nombu kanji.

To order iftar snacks call 9841284703.

Shiraz Art Cafe

At Shiraz Art Café, Ramadan takes on a Persian flavor with a specially curated Iftar box featuring home-style creations from head chef Nasrin Karimi. Priced at ₹599, the takeaway box includes Gulab Sharbat, Mutton Kobideh Kebab, Mutton Gila Biryani, Pudina Dip, Chicken Chello Kebab, Brinjal Chutney, Onion Raita and a fruit truffle for dessert.

Orders must be pre-booked by 9am, with pick-up scheduled at 4.30pm from Nungambakkam. For booking, call 9840572126.

Zara Catering

Renowned wedding caterer Syed Suhail of Zara Catering, who successfully organized the Iftar Mela last year, is expanding the concept this Ramzan with Dawat-e-Ramzan – a grand showcase of the regional flavors of Hyderabad and Bengaluru. “We have 15 chefs from Hyderabad coming to Chennai to prepare an elaborate iftar, including a wide range of iftar snacks, seekh kebabs, biryani, haleem and rich gravies,” says Syed. “We are also focusing on a variety of mutton dishes, and authentic Hyderabadi sweets will be freshly prepared and served on site.”

The event promises to bring the essence of Hyderabad’s Ramzan food culture to the festive table of Chennai.

Dawat-e-Ramazan is from 4 pm to 11 pm in front of Express Avenue, Royapettah. With limited seating space, carryout is recommended.

Samco

Launched in Alwarpet in 1962, Hotel Samco has long been known for its pocket-friendly Iftar offering. This year, the restaurant has expanded its Ramadan specials by introducing Iftar buffet along with its popular takeaway box. Sadiq Abubakar says the box serves two people. It includes Fruits, Sherbet, Dates, Shawarma, Mandi, Nombu Kanji, Parotta, Chicken Curry, Mutton Samosa, Mutton Haleem, BBQ Chicken and Gulab Jamun.

The takeaway iftar box is priced at ₹649, and will be available across all six outlets from 4pm to 7pm. The Iftar buffet is priced at ₹849 and will be open from 6pm to 8pm. To pre-book call 9745528080.

Kitchen by Chef Deepa

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa offers a curated vegetarian Iftar menu this season. The limited edition menu showcases delicious dishes inspired by North Indian culinary traditions. Chef Deepa Arora specializes in Amritsari vegetarian cuisine, and highlights of her menu include Dry Fruit Panjiri, Lawrence Road Wali Aloo Tikki, Amritsari Samosa Chaat and Wraps.

The menu is available from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 11 pm. For pre-booking call 9363544123.

sirs

Famous for its signature Biryani, Sahibs has introduced specially crafted Iftar Boxes this Ramzan, available in two sizes – serving three and serving five. The rotating menu includes a range of popular chicken starters including chicken cutlets, breaded chicken balls, nuggets, samosas and rolls. Under the Artisan Baked selection, they offer Korean Cream Buns, Chicken Sliders, Creamy Chicken Sandwiches and Chicken Stuffed Buns. Each Iftar Box includes fresh dates, Nannari Sharbat, a chicken starter, a baked chicken dish, chicken murtabak, grilled chicken, nombu kanji and nacho chips with salsa.

A box with two servings is priced at ₹1,300, while a box with five servings is priced at ₹2,500. For pre-booking call 8270266662.

olive

Zaitoon Restaurant offers an Iftar Box (₹690) with non-vegetarian snack, Mutton Biryani, Chicken Kizi Parotta, Mutton Haleem, Dates, Juice and Nonbu Kanji at all its outlets in the city. This year their Iftar buffet, Ramadan Nights, has a street food theme, and they will be offering snacks from around the world. Live counters for snacks and desserts will be the main attraction. Mankeesh lamb, chicken shashlik with za’atar bread, unnakai, kaipol and laban desserts will be the highlights of their buffet.

The buffet runs from 4 pm to midnight only at their Nungambakkam and Injambakkam outlets. For pre-booking call 7092311113.

Sharif Bhai

Sharif Bhai, known for its authentic Dakhini flavours, introduces its Ramzan Iftar Special. For families who want to break their fast together, the restaurant offers a range of Iftar boxes. The Chicken Iftar Box (₹1,499, for three) includes Chicken Dum Biryani, Chicken Haleem, Chicken 65, Chicken Kheema Samosa, Onion Samosa, Gulab Sharbat and Gulab Jamun. Mutton Iftar Box (₹1,999, serves three) includes Mutton Dum Biryani, Mutton Haleem, Chicken 65, Mutton Kheema Samosa, Onion Samosa, Gulab Sharbat, Gulab Jamun and Dates.

A Mini Iftar Box (one serving) is also available, priced at ₹199 for chicken and ₹299 for mutton, which includes egg kheema roti, 100g haleem, onion samosa, dates and a water bottle. The specials are available at all Sharif Bhai outlets.