There used to be a time when dining-out options for vegetarians in the city yielded the staid idli-dosa platter or at best a greasy paneer dish. Not anymore. So here is your time to go green and dig into all the scrumptious nosh that Chennai has to offer.

If you prefer continental overtones to your dinner tonight, head to Eden (Besant Nagar or Valuvarkottam Road). Gun for a plate of creamy lasagna, lip-smacking risottos, Chef’s special baked bowl or the minimalist, yet delicious, corn on toast. This is a small but cozy place that fills up almost with the blink of an eye, so go early if you want to find a place.

Flower Drum in Egmore, does well if you are in a mood to experiment. Elegant ambience and ample seating space get you instantly hooked. Add to it an exotic Chinese-Thai-Tibetan menu and you’ll find yourself significantly converted. Not to be missed are delicate momos, flavourful Thai curries and the crunchy vegetable satay.

For those who want to savour desi delights, Saravana Bhavan’s Rangoli hidden in the basement, near Maya Plaza, is just the ticket. A décor with rich overtones of Gujarati and Rajasthani rural kitsch matches well with the finger-licking delights that the eatery dishes up. If the ghee-laden spicy meal leaves you asking for more, there is the creamy shrikand to tuck into.

Finally, if you have the great Indian family trailing along, who are unable to zero in on a single cuisine, dash for the newly-opened Cream Centre (RA Puram, Near Park Sheraton). Its array of Asian, Indian, Lebanese and Mexican delights will keep all mouths sealed for a while. Tactfully nudge your team to a plate of steaming hot chana bhatura and or a matka of the special finger-licking kulfi. Book your place in advance, lest you end up waiting the entire evening.

Stop gaping … go dig in.