There are many options in Chennai.

Mainland China at Aruna Hotel offers Chinese-Indian cuisine. The trouble with Chinese cuisine in India is one needs to have a stomach for chilli chicken or fried noodles with a liberal dash of masala or spices. But this restaurant does Chinese food the way it is meant to be.

The French Loaf on Harrington Road is the perfect spot for a cup of coffee and some croissants.

‘I like this bakery because of its divine smell indoors and the outdoor benches under trees,’ she says. And even though it is located next to a school, it is not overrun by noisy schoolchildren.

Another must-try is Anokhi. Although less attractive than its sister cafe, Amethyst, which is located in an old summer palace, the smaller and pricier Anokhi is a nice and quiet place to unwind in.

Rathna Cafe at Triplicane represents the old Madras. Cheap and unfancy, it offers one of the best traditional Indian breakfasts. Bite into its light fluffy idli (steamed rice cake) and thosai (paper- thin crepe), and don’t forget to savour the filter coffee.