Welcome Puthandu with a Special Tamil New Year Feast at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai
Marking the beginning of the Tamil calendar, Puthandu is one of the most cherished festivals for Tamil-speaking communities across the world. Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, the festival symbolises prosperity and hope for the year ahead. Homes are adorned with fresh mango leaves, colourful kolams decorate entrances, and families gather to share festive meals that represent the six traditional tastes of Tamil cuisine - sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent - reflecting the many flavours of life itself.
In the spirit of this joyous celebration, Southern Spice, the iconic South Indian specialty restaurant at Taj Coromandel, invites guests to a grand celebration with a specially curated meal experience, offering an exquisite selection of authentic flavours. The quintessential South Indian experience at Southern Spice begins with traditional welcome drinks such as refreshing Nannari Sherbet and the festive favourite, Panagam. The menu features classics such as the crisp and airy Ulundu Vadai, a timeless South Indian favourite; Mani Kozhukattai, delicate steamed rice pearls, lightly tempered with coconut and spices; and the wholesome Murungai Keerai Adai, made of moong Dal, drumstick leaves, spices & herbs. A highlight of the New Year table is the traditional Mangai Pachadi, a signature dish of Tamil New Year balancing sweet jaggery, tangy raw mango and aromatic neem.
The menu continues with an array of flavourful preparations inspired by different regions of Tamil Nadu. From the comforting Tirunelveli Kalyana Veetu Aviyal, where seasonal vegetables are simmered with coconut and curd, to the tangy Kathirikkai Mochai Puli Curry, the dishes celebrate the depth of Tamil home-style cooking. Meat and seafood lovers can savour regional specialties such as Kola Urundai, a Madurai speciality, made with gently spiced lamb; the bold and aromatic Kozhi Uppu Kari from Chettinad cuisine; Meen Manga Curry where fish is cooked in a tangy mango gravy, and the soulful Attukal Paya, a slow-braised lamb trotter stew. Traditional accompaniments like Mappillai Samba Rice, Idiyappam, and flaky Nool Parotta, paired with Arachuvitta Sambar and Kuthiraivali Curd Rice, complete the wholesome festive spread. The dining experience concludes on a sweet note with indulgent traditional desserts like Akkaravadisal, a rich blend of rice, moong lentils, jaggery, milk and ghee; Nungu Payasam, prepared with tender ice apple pearls simmered in milk and jiggery; and the classic Mukkani Thattu, a platter of the delightful trio of mango, banana and jackfruit. Adding a unique touch is the traditional Pachai Payaru & Panangarkandu Ice Cream, a traditional Tamil pairing of roasted green gram and natural palm sugar homemade ice cream.
For a truly memorable celebration this Tamil New Year, savour the culinary artistry at Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, featured among India’s Top 50 Restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller India, and awarded 4 Stars by Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings.
Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai | April 14, 2026 | Thalis for Lunch & Dinner: 12:3030 PM - 3:00 PM & 07:00 PM - 11:00 PM | INR 3750 plus taxes (Vegetarian) & INR 4000 plus taxes (Non-Vegetarian) | To place your order/for more details, please call 044 6600 2827 / 78248 62311
