Vibrant colours, vintage buildings and bustling crowds are the things that come to one's mind when one thinks of Chennai's "Little North India". Nestled in the heart of North Chennai, the word “Sowcarpet” has become synonymous with shopping and food. Originally known as "Sahukarpet", this place was a trading hub of the British in the past.
Walking through its labyrinthine lanes, one can still find remnants of colonial architecture, including ornate facades, arched doorways, and wrought-iron balconies that speak of a time when Chennai was still known as Madrasapattinam. One such iconic structure is the Armenian Church of Saint Mary. It stands strong even today as a testimony to the Armenian community’s presence in the area.
Welcoming people from various cultures and places in India, Sowcarpet became a melting pot of different cultures. During British rule, there was a huge influx of Gujaratis, Rajasthanis, Biharis, and many other North Indian communities who settled here in hopes of improving their fortunes.
Because of the presence of a huge Marwari community, Sowcarpet is home to many Jain temples which are built in the North Indian style. This is very rare to see in a South Indian state which is famous for its own variety of temples. The presence of the Marwari Jains is also a reason why almost all the eateries in Sowcarpet are purely vegetarian. This place's history and cultural background are deeply intertwined and cannot be separated.
As one strolls through the lively streets of Sowcarpet, the vibrant bazaars and storefronts instantly catch the eyes of the passersby. The streets are lined with shops selling everything from sparkling sarees to exquisite bridal wear, making it a go-to destination for wedding shopping. The district is a paradise for those seeking textiles, jewellery, and traditional Indian clothing.
This place is not just a paradise for shopping, its culinary delights make it a gastronomic paradise. The streets here come alive with the aromas of delicious street food and traditional Indian sweets. We can even say that Sowcarpet's true charm lies in its street food.
Crowded streets of Sowcarpet
Alisha enjoying one of Sowcarpet’s street delicacy
The mouthwatering dishes served here range from vada pav and paan ice cream to papdi chaat and thepla - and they all come with a story to go with. Whether it's the tangy pani puri at 'Gokul Chat Bhandar' or the spicy sev puri at 'Bombay Lassi’, Sowcarpet's chaat delights are unparalleled. The burst of flavours and textures leave your taste buds dancing.
“During my visits to Sowcarpet, I mostly had north Indian street food since the area is famous for those, and rightfully so, I might add. All the chaat varieties are so good. In particular the ‘dahi puri’ from Kakada Ramprasad is a must-try for everyone who visits Sowcarpet,” says Alisha Dhiya Manuel.
What sets Sowcarpet apart is its commitment to preserving traditional recipes. Many family-run eateries have been passing down their culinary secrets for generations. The food here isn’t just sustenance; it's a celebration of different flavours and a testament to the harmonious coexistence of various cultures. Every meal here is a culinary odyssey. So the next time you find yourself in Chennai’s “Little North India”, don’t miss the opportunity to savour the diverse, delectable, and delightful delicacies of Sowcarpet.
