Thanjavur has huge significance from history, culture and the ancientness perspective. Thanjavur and its surrounding districts house the most number of ancient temples that dates back to thousands of years, way before any of the civilizations existed. Thanjavur is a living proof of Bhaarat’s ancient culture, literacy and civilization. Though technically, none of the governments in the past made any effort to highlight the history of this grand town which was once the capital city of the Cholas, the town still manages to bustle with tourists from across the world, especially to visit the Big Temple.
Surprisingly for such a bus tourist spot, Thanjavur today lacks authentic restaurants that could give a taste of its home-grown and house-hold food. From kadappa and paruppu saambhar to paruppu usili and pulikaaichal, there are hardly any restaurants that offer these traditional dishes. Dont take me wrong, the town has so many restaurants that have sprung up in the recent past including the famous (or should I say the infamous for its diminishing taste) Adyar Ananda Bhavan. They are nothin short of the typical Udupi hotels that one can find in Bengaluru, literally everywhere.
Those dishes have vanished and so are the hotels. However, if you ever find yourself in Thanjavur, hungry for a hearty, traditional food without much spices and masalas, that which doesn’t taste like a typical Adyar Ananda Bhavan, , then, skip the fancy restaurants and head straight to Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins. Though the name says Rayiladi (under the rail bridge), it has its branches.
PS: Even Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins does not offer any of the above mentioned Thanjavur’s traditional dishes, but, it still maintains authenticity in whatever simple dishes it has to offer.
In a city where good old vegetarian hotels are slowly vanishing, this small, no-frills eatery continues to serve food that tastes just like home. No unnecessary experiments, no over-the-top marketing—just simple, authentic, and delicious food at an unbelievably affordable price.
What happened to Thanjavur’s good old veg hotels?
Once upon a time, Thanjavur was filled with fantastic vegetarian restaurants. People who truly knew how to cook ran these places, ensuring that every idli was fluffy, every dosa was crisp, and every cup of filter coffee was made with love.
Some of the most famous Brahmin-run food joints, known for their unmatched quality and homely taste, have vanished over the years. These were places where you could sit down and enjoy a wholesome meal, prepared with care and tradition.
But times changed. Good cooks and food experts moved to bigger cities, chasing dignified lifestyles and better opportunities. Slowly, many of these legendary eateries started shutting down or lost their original charm. Today, most of the new restaurants that have popped up are owned by businessmen or politicians—not food lovers. Naturally, the taste just isn’t the same anymore.
That’s exactly why Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins is still special because whatever simple dishes they offer (though not everything is traditional), the taste of the land remains.
Where to find Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins?
There are two branches you should know about:
1. Near Thanjavur Railway Station – This is the main branch and the one you should definitely visit. It still holds the same charm, quality, and authentic taste that locals swear by.
2. Selvam Nagar, Medical College Road – Now, let’s be honest. The food here is as good as the Railway Station branch, but the surroundings? Not great. Being located next to an open sewer doesn’t help, and the overall cleanliness isn’t the best. But if you can ignore the setting and focus purely on the taste, you won’t be disappointed.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kWM8NcJdiEDnehys8
What’s on the Menu?
Unlike big chain restaurants that offer a hundred different dishes but get none of them right, Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins keeps it simple. The menu is limited, but every single item is made homely and sumptuous.
Why Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins stands out
Sure, Thanjavur has big names like Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B), but let’s be real—it doesn’t come close to the taste, soul, and authenticity of Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins.
Here’s why:
SOmehow, this joint is able to maintain the traditional taste that no other restaurant is able to offer in Thanjavur. Please note that traditional taste may not be the best for everyone’s taste bud. By traditional taste, we refer to homely food, that gives the spirit of the land.
This isn’t some mass-produced, factory-style food. Every dish is cooked for the meal time.
Unmatched Affordability – While other hotels charge ₹500+ for 2 meals, Subbaiah’s prices remain humble, making it one of the most value-for-money places in town. A whole family can eat sumptuous food in less than Rs. 200. Yes. a family of 4 or 5 can enjoy sufficient and homely meals in less than Rs. 200. Now that is affordability.
Tastes homely is different from great taste
If you love traditional taste or on a chase for one of those old hotel units that is still functioning across the town, then Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins is a must-visit. The Railway Station branch is hands down the best option, but even the Selvam Nagar one is worth checking out (if you can ignore the surroundings).
At a time when most restaurants in Thanjavur are focused on branding and profits rather than taste, Rayiladi V Subbaiah Tiffins is one of the last places that still serves true, homely vegetarian food.
So the next time you’re in Thanjavur, do yourself a favor—skip the big hotels, ignore the fancy advertising, and just follow the locals.