There is something about street food that sets one salivating. An entirely new world springs to life the moment the petty shops down their shutters. The day has just begun for the vendors and the show must go on. And innovative, new and unusual snacks and dishes lead the way for these sellers!

A different and more interesting form of Chennai cuisine is making its way around the city. Apart from the traditional meals or the 'sappadu' as it's popularly known, Chennaites are embracing a new variety of dishes as well. Something light or a quick bite to eat!

Murukku Sandwich?

All of us would have heard about vegetable sandwich or cheese sandwich or grilled sandwich. But what is Murukku Sandwich? To put it simply, you have these small murukkus which are about 2 centimeters in diameter, nicely lay it out on a paper plate, and in comes the potato, cucumber, onion, tomato and the chutneys. And another Murukku comes on top. It's a mouthwatering dish that will make you crave for more.

There are many small shops in Chennai which prepare this appetizing "Murukku Sandwich". Sri Vaishnav Pan House in Kilpauk is one such shop. "We have been making Murukku Sandwich for the past 5 years. It was thought of by my brother Ram and his friend Saravanan started making this for him. This is the fastest selling snack in our shop," says Kunal Maneck, owner of the shop. Their clients include everybody- the young and the old throng this shop for their favorite snack. Keshav Pan House in Veppery and other such small shops also serve Murukku Sandwiches.

Says Aruna.V.Iyer, a college student, "I love both murukku and sandwiches, and this being a combination of my two favorites, I love eating Murukku Sandwiches. The murukku gives the crunch while the veggies are soft on the tongue. Also, the murukku which is fried in oil provides the slight indulgence while the vegetables are for health and diets."

Masala Pepsi

The best drink to drown down the Murukku Sandwich with is Masala Pepsi. This is nothing but Pepsi customized to taste like Jal-Jeera. Highly refreshing, this is a favorite thirst-quencher for most of the customers.

19 year old Asha says, "Masala Pepsi is one of the best things I've ever had! I'm really picky and choosy when it comes to food, but I really loved Masala Pepsi because, first of all it's got Pepsi and its tangy and zingy and secondly, it's something I would love to have on a summer afternoon!!"

Ever heard about Bhujiya Cheese? Well, if you haven't, this is one snack which is worth trying! Bhujiya and cheese when sandwiched between the breads is indeed a palatable dish.

Idly Burger

All of you would have of course eaten Idlies sometime or the other. But ever tried an Idly Burger? Well, wait no more, for this dish is not only scrumptious but also easy to make. The idly is cut into three. On top of the middle half of the idly a potato mixture is spread. The top part of the idly is placed on it. Then a layer of grated cheese is put on top of it with tomato ketchup and then the idly piece is placed on it, layering it as one does for sandwiches. And to give it a delicious finish, it is served with coconut chutney.

So the next time you take a walk along the Chennai streets, pause for a moment at the small food stalls, glance through the menu and place an order for your mouth-watering snack. You find the best things in the least expected places! And the best inventions are made in dreams, and popcorn was discovered by accident! We'll wait for such accidents to keep happening. Till such time, check out these lip smacking dishes! You won't regret it!

K Rashmi