🌶️ The REAL Spices That Make Chettinad Cuisine Unique

(Beyond the obvious ones)

Most people think Chettinad food is just about “spice level.”
In reality, it’s about layered aroma, created by a very specific group of spices that few cuisines use together.

Here are the key signature spices that truly define Chettinad cooking:

🌿 1. Kalpasi (Black Stone Flower)

This is the soul of Chettinad cuisine.

  • Earthy, smoky aroma
  • Used in very small quantities
  • Adds depth rather than heat
  • Impossible to replace

👉 Without kalpasi, Chettinad food loses its soul.

🌰 2. Marathi Moggu (Kapok Buds)

A rare spice found mostly in South Indian kitchens.

  • Floral and peppery
  • Used in gravies and masalas
  • Gives that unmistakable “restaurant-style Chettinad” aroma

🌿 3. Star Anise

Adds subtle sweetness and warmth.

  • Balances heat
  • Enhances aroma
  • Used in whole form, never powdered too much

🌶️ 4. Black Pepper (The Original Heat)

Before chillies arrived in India, pepper was king.

  • Provides slow, deep heat
  • Adds warmth without overpowering
  • A defining trait of authentic Chettinad cooking

🌰 5. Fennel Seeds

Often underestimated but crucial.

  • Adds freshness
  • Balances strong spices
  • Helps digestion

🌿 6. Curry Leaves (Used Generously)

Not a garnish — an ingredient.

  • Adds aroma
  • Enhances oil infusion
  • Forms the backbone of South Indian flavour

🌶️ 7. Dried Red Chillies

Used for color and layered heat rather than sharp spice.

🌾 8. Coriander Seeds

The base note that ties everything together.

🧠 Why These Spices Matter

Chettinad food isn’t about heat — it’s about complexity.

Each spice:

  • Plays a role
  • Enters the dish at a specific time
  • Creates depth rather than overpowering spice

At IDlish, these spices are slow-roasted, freshly ground, and used with restraint, just as they were in traditional Chettinad kitchens.

đź“Ť Bringing Chettinad Tradition to Goregaon East

At IDlish, we honour this heritage while adapting it for today’s palate — balanced, comforting, and flavourful.

If you’re searching for authentic Chettinad food in Goregaon East, you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

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A Bistro Cafe chain serving authentic tasting fresh and nutritious Tamil food prepared with our Grandmother’s traditional recipes and improvised with culinary fusion..

 

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For those who cherish the rich, soulful flavors of South India, IDlish is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations. We understand the magic of a perfectly spiced sambar, the comfort of a soft, fluffy idli, and the joy of a crispy dosa. These are more than just dishes,they are memories, traditions, and a way of life.

At IDlish, we stay true to the soul of Paati’s cooking, preserving the authenticity that makes South Indian food so special. But we also add a dash of creativity, reimagining these classics for the modern palate. Every plate is a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, offering the familiar comfort of home-cooked meals with the excitement of something new. Whether it’s a twist on a classic recipe or a bold new flavor combination, we ensure every bite is a celebration of South India’s culinary heritage.

Yet, IDlish is more than just a restaurant,it’s a place of connection. It’s where families gather to share a meal, where friends laugh over steaming cups of filter coffee, and where strangers become friends over a love for good food. It’s where we celebrate our heritage while embracing the future with open hearts. For those who grew up with the aroma of South Indian spices wafting through their homes, IDlish feels like coming back to your roots. And for those discovering these flavors for the first time, it’s an invitation to fall in love with a rich culinary tradition.

Welcome to IDlish, where every bite tells a story of love, tradition, and creativity. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia of your childhood or the thrill of trying something new, we promise you a dining experience that warms your heart and delights your taste buds.