Fashion

V.M. Food Street on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) has emerged as a vibrant night destination for college students, information technology professionals, and food enthusiasts. With an array of shops opening by noon and offering a diverse menu until late at night, this food street is establishing itself as the premier destination for those seeking to…

As Deepavali approaches, the art of gifting takes centre stage. It’s time to spread festive joy with thoughtful gifts that not only celebrate the spirit of the festival but also offer a deeper connection to conscious living, supporting local craftsmanship and natural products. From boxes of artisanal chocolates and brownies to natural cosmetics and handicrafts,…

I have reached an age when everything is too loud. Bars, concerts, and the inevitably rambunctious family sitting beside me at a restaurant. So, I am intrigued when I hear whispers about a speakeasy launching in Chennai. Especially since — for once — it is being curated for a crowd that has outgrown tequila shots,…

In the last couple of years, te.gism, the “fruit with a dot in its name”, has caught the imagination of wine lovers in the Northeast who fancy non-grape elixirs. Also known as the Himalayan cherry (Prunus jenkinsii), this fruit that grows in the jungles of Meghalaya’s Garo Hills remained virtually unknown until botanists documented it less…

Ayira meen kulambu, a quintessentially Madurai dish often served alongside steaming idlis, rice and idiyappams, is a blend of tamarind, spices, and perfected culinary techniques over many generations. But the star of the delicious, tangy curry is the tiny worm-like ayira fish, known for its tender texture and taste, and sourced from the Vaigai Dam. “Ayirai is always bought alive and is a robust fish that doesn’t die fast. As part of…

As the air turns chill and holiday lights twinkle in every corner, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked plum cakes wafts through the city, signalling the arrival of Christmas. The rich, dark cakes, brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of festive spirits, are more than just a dessert. It is rather a cherished…

Pumpkin Tales The team at Pumpkin Tales has curated a wide range of Christmas goodies for the season. They offer assorted cookie boxes (₹550, four pieces) that feature an assortment of Christmas-themed cookies; an assorted cupcake box (₹500) with flavors such as coffee, mixed berry, salted caramel, and vanilla; and a Christmas dessert box (₹1250),…

The biryani market in Tamil Nadu is a culinary powerhouse, with a staggering valuation at ₹10,000 crore. Those tracking the food business in Tamil Nadu explained that the organised market is pegged at ₹2,500 crore while the unorganised market stands at over ₹7,500 crore. Chennai is the largest market for biryani with 50% of business…

When it comes to conservation messaging, two distinct approaches often emerge. The first is a celebration — showcasing the planet’s wonders, like the comforting bird songs at dawn or the life-giving shade of an ancient forest. It gently reminds us of what stands to be lost. The second approach, stark and urgent, holds up a…

Food is an integral part of society, and like the fine arts, it flourishes in regions where basic human needs are met. The food habits — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian — of Nanjil Nadu in Kanniyakumari district are, in a way, a melting pot of cultures. For centuries, it was part of the erstwhile Travancore….