CHENNAI: What happens when two best friends, brought together by their love for good food, decide to start something of their own? You get Madras Paya House — a cozy spot that serves up soulful, home-style non-veg breakfasts. It all started in Mandaveli, where founders Thanigai Arasu and Shantha noticed one simple thing: there weren’t many places offering non-veg breakfast. So they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. What began with just idiyappam and paya soon turned into something much bigger. The two friends didn’t just want to serve food — they wanted to tell a story through flavors, especially from the rich Chettinadu cuisine. “People think Chettinadu food is just all spice,” Shantha says, “but really, it’s about balance — bold flavors, not just heat.” Even though they’re new to the restaurant scene, they’ve built something unique — not by copying trends, but by focusing on what really matters: taste and quality. Shantha, who takes ingredient selection seriously, still goes to the market herself to handpick what they use. “There’s a big difference between what’s sold for homes and what’s sold for restaurants,” she explains. “We always choose the better stuff. Our customers trust us — we can’t let them down.” And that’s the heart of Madras Paya House — food that feels like it came from home. Everything is freshly made, without unnecessary oil, colors, or preservatives. The kitchen is mostly run by women, which adds to the warmth and care in every dish. Their latest outlet in Anna Nagar is tucked away in a peaceful residential lane, set inside a renovated home. It’s got that laid-back, welcoming vibe — like going to eat at a friend’s place. And oh, the food! From the soft parottas paired with peppery aatukkal paya to the flavor-packed mutton chukka and the intriguing Chicken 96 (named after Thanigai’s college batch), everything hits the spot. Their non-veg thali is a feast in itself — unlimited rice with a parade of delicious sides like mutton liver, kozhi milagu varuval, mutton kola urundai, and more. The prawn pepper masala is another winner — juicy, spicy, and full of punch. If you’re more of a biryani fan, they’ve got you covered with their seeraga samba biryani, and ghee rice with Chettinadu gravies is comfort on a plate. They’re even serving naatu kozhi rasam now, perfect for a light, spicy finish. And don’t skip the nannari sarbath — refreshing and nostalgic. Even vegetarians have plenty to smile about. A simple plate of white rice with paruppu podi, ghee, and sambar feels like a warm hug from home. But beyond the food, what really stands out is how the founders chat with guests, laugh with them, and make sure everyone feels welcome. It’s more than a restaurant — it’s a place where good food and good people come together. Madras Paya House in Anna Nagar is more than just a meal — it's a reminder that great food doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. Sometimes, all it takes is passion, tradition, and two friends with a dream.