Private Tour
Private Food Trail in Sowcarpet Market
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the streets of Sowcarpet, one of the oldest markets in Chennai
Sample the best local street food from some of the oldest names in this business
Listen to stories of local life and customs
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to explore the streets of Sowcarpet, one of the oldest markets in the city for a scrumptious private food tour. Walk along your local guide through the market, sampling the best local street food and listening to fascinating stories. And great food that will catch your attention on a trail that’s best experienced on an empty stomach! In this 3-hour tour, you will see how a morsel of food can hide stories of ways of life and learn about people and their passion for food, local food fetishes, and of jealously guarded secret recipes.
Sample Menu
main
Pav Bhaji
Soft and delicious Pav served with piping hot Bhaji (stew) garnished with a dollop of butter.
What‘s Included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Bottled water
Snacks
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Private Food Trail in Sowcarpet Market
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
INCREDIBLE FOOD TOUR
549emanuelled,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lakshmi is an absolute fabulous tour guide, we thoroughly enjoyed it! It was absolutely delicious and a MUST do whilst in Chennai!
Wonderful walk
89valdemart,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing experience during this walk. If you are visiting Chennai, I can warmly recommend it. Georgetown is very chaotic and if visiting without a guide, finding the best spots and hidden gems would be very difficult. But with our amazing guide Lakshmi we got taken to some great local places and got to try both foods, snacks and sweets(all of which tasted incredible) and also got to hear a lot about the history, lifestyle and culture of the area. A great way to really get to know Chennai better!
Super Fun Informative Food Tour - the BEST!
374LizAnne,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Could this have been the best private tour experience we’ve had? For 3.5 hours we laughed, ate, walked and took Tuk-Turks! through the busy crowded streets of Sowcarpet in Chennai, learning all the time about Indian life and food. We left the tour feeling exhilarated, and as if we had spent a fun 3.5 hours with a sister. It was a privilege to have Lakshmi as our guide - she is a delight! charming, kind, and an intellectual powerhouse. This was such a wonderful tour to do as an introduction to Chennai and South India. Thank you Story Trails!
A wonderful tour
Thegallerybj,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a perfect way to end our stay in Chennai. Lakshmi was knowledgeable and entertaining and the food was delicious. The same could not be said about the weather however so we visited some indoor places. The range of dishes and stories behind them was a delight. We would recommend this tour to everyone - don’t worry about the weather Storytrails have sorted it all out brilliantly.
Authentic Indian experience
117marien,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my second food trail with Lakshmi and as always it was a pleasure listening to stories and consuming delicious food.
Awesome!
Marie L,Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lakshmi is the nicest, most knowledgeable and kind guide in Chennai. Her stories are told with a smile and with a great sense of humor. We had 2 small children with us and she accommodated us all very well. I would recommend this trip for anyone who likes a good story and tasty food.
A Must-Do Food Tour in Chennai – Amazing Experience!
amberlW2543BN,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely fantastic time on this food market tour in Chennai! Our host was incredible - so knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating stories that brought the local culture and cuisine to life. The food we tried was simply amazing, from flavorful street snacks to rich, aromatic dishes that truly showcased the best of Chennai’s culinary scene. The experience was well-paced, immersive, and expertly guided, making it both fun and insightful. If you love food and want to explore the city through its vibrant flavors, this tour is a must! Highly recommended - don’t miss it!
Food tour with engaging historical background
F2745ZBkimc,Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely engaging history and culture tour told through local food. We ate at several small restaurants and sampled many many delicious items which Lakshmi cleverly linked together through stories about Chennai and India’s history. Absolutely recommend for anyone.
A fantastic experience - with Lakshmi you will be able to go to the end of the world ......with or without food
perbU3002MX,Jan 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The absolute best recommendations of George Town Foodtrip. Thank you for a very very nice trip through the little mysterious streets together with Laksmir. What a sensible bombardment. The eye was busy collecting impressions, the mouth cheered over sweet, sour and salty, and the ear was delighted by a lovely narrator and, not least, Laksmirs beautiful laughable voice. We went home very full and happy. Thank you. Just thank you for an experience that made an impression and made an impression. With Lakshmi you will be able to go to the end of the world ......with or without food
An excellent tour for lovers of food
annbO1590RQ,Oct 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spend a splendid time in 3 different restaurants sampling the local food and drink. Rain prevented the normal tour from taking place, but Lakshmi arranged this really nice alternative. The stories she told about the food and its origins were very interesting and entertaining. We recommend this tour to all food lovers. Make sure you're hungry before you go!
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Operated by Storytrails India