Pongal, the quintessential Tamil harvest festival, is a heartfelt offering of gratitude to nature and the Gods, marking the end of the harvest season and the arrival of the Tamil month of Thai. Deeply rooted in history and ritual, the festival is as much a culinary celebration as it is a cultural one. Honouring this rich legacy, the iconic Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, Chennai presents a thoughtfully curated Pongal Virundhu, a festive feast that narrates the story of Pongal through timeless flavours.
Recognized among India’s top 50 restaurants by Condenast Traveller India, Southern Spice is a celebrated South Indian specialty restaurant that delights guests with delicacies from across the four Southern States of India. The dining experience is elevated with the restaurant’s artistic decor that draws inspiration from the temple architecture of the Chola, Pallava and Pandya dynasties, featuring striking columns, artefacts and murals.
Crafted by the chefs of Southern Spice led by Executive Chef Vikas Milhoutra, the Pongal Virundhu brings the authentic flavours of the harvest festival to the table. The menu showcases traditional favourites such as Kalkandu Pongal, a comforting sweet rice and lentil preparation, alongside festive classics like Athirasam, made with jaggery, rice flour and ghee, and the ever-popular Kai Murukku, a savoury of rice flour and urad dal. Adding a distinctive regional touch is the Vadu Mangai Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram, where rice and lentil dumplings are filled with tender mango pickle, offering delightful bursts of flavour.
The menu also features Nattu Kai Sambar, prepared with lentils with country vegetables and Madras onion spices; Padaipu Kozhambu, a rustic lentil curry with country vegetables; and Beans and Carrot Paruppu Usili, where steamed lentils are tossed with French beans and carrot for a hearty dish. Complementing the spread are refreshing traditional beverages including a tender coconut mocktail, Nannari Sherbet, and spiced buttermilk.
Join us at Southern Spice and experience this unique culinary journey as the aromas of festive delicacies fill the air, making this Pongal truly special!