November ’25 Nungambakkam
Hot days, hotter meals, the warmest welcomes. At LFC Chennai, filter coffee and first meetings flow easy. Tradition spices the table — and every story finds a seat.
Photos by Member, Indira.
HOST
Adithya Krishnamoorthi
WHERE WE MET
Delifina in Chennai’s Nungambakkam neighbourhood is a cozy Italian-style café and deli blending gourmet coffee, fresh pastries and artisanal bites in a laid-back, welcoming space.
What We Loved
An activity built around fridge leftovers where members drew chits with surprise ingredients and had to imagine an entire meal from them, turning scraps and odds into inventive, thoughtful dishes.
Kothu Chapati, which comes from the Tamil word ‘kothu’, meaning to chop or shred. In this dish, leftover chapatis are finely chopped and stir-fried with spices, onions, and sometimes egg or vegetables.
Leftover chapatis simmered in sugar syrup infused with cardamom, turning everyday rotis into a sweet treat.
MEET YOUR HOST
Adithya is a Chennai based food lover who spends most of his time in the kitchen, and the remainder thinking about what to make next. His favourite things include discovering new ingredients, fawning over Le Creuset colours, and cooking for others. Adithya believes that food has the power to connect us all to something greater than ourselves—while it serves as a vehicle for flavour and good times, it also bridges gaps in society, heals what is hurt, and transcends boundaries.
What does ‘local’ mean to you?
‘Local’ means community. It is when you stroll through the market and find an ingredient you’ve never heard of, but which your grandmother swears by. It is learning from people around you and unlearning what you thought you knew. ‘Local’ is the power we have to decolonise our plates, and reclaim our stories and history. Don’t get me wrong, I love avocado and rhubarb as much, if not slightly more, than the next guy, but don’t our indigenous specialities deserve a moment in the sun?
What is your most enduring food memory?
When I made quiche for the first time. A perfect outcome at first bat, and I was so proud of myself. I shared it with everyone around me, and felt like I was capable of so much. All because some eggs didn’t seep out the bottom of the crust! The quiche stands as a metaphor for the power of food—it helps us overcome tough situations, and brings us together.
What is the most adventurous food you've tried and loved?
Fiddlehead fern. I know they’re a staple of cuisine all over the world, but they remained a mystery to me until five years ago! Having since panicked over how long to cook them several times, I’ve fallen in love with the bitter notes and the tender snap.
What comfort do you reach for when you are unwell?
Dosa! There is nothing like a hot, crispy dosa paired with some peanut garlic chutney. I’m sure it could bring about world peace.
How do you see your Local Food Club flourishing?
I see Chennai’s LFC flourishing through our members! We are each other’s strength, and contribute something unique and valuable to the club. I think the sustainability of the LFC is intertwined with members showing up every time to have a new conversation.
