What to Buy in Chennai: Best Local Products, Prices and Where to Shop
Chennai is home to a variety of local products that can be bought for a range of prices, from ₹25 to ₹10 Lakhs. While some of these products are made within the city itself, a lot of them (like the famous Kanchipuram Silk Sarees) are sourced from other places in Tamil Nadu making Chennai a hotbed for buying products which are distinctly Tamil. Our recommended list of local products to buy in the city has been given below.
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
Authentic Handwoven Silk Sarees from Kanchipuram
Why It is Special
- Only produced in Kanchipuram since the 9th century using traditional weaving techniques.
- High-end sarees use pure Mulberry silk with vibrant colors.
- Feature real gold and silver zari borders.
- Body and border are woven separately and manually joined for strength and contrast.
- Designs include temple borders, mythical creatures and natural motifs.
- Retain value over decades while maintaining shape and lustre.
- Worn for weddings and high-visibility events.
- Ensure you buy sarees with silk certification.
Price Range
- Typical prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹2,00,000+ depending on quality.
- Sarees priced around ₹2,000 are usually synthetic and not authentically made in Kanchipuram.
Where to Buy?
Recommended shops in T. Nagar / Mylapore:
- Nalli Silks
- Sundari Silks
- Pothys
- Pachaiyappas Silks
- RMKV
- Palam Silks
Tanjore Paintings
Traditional Gold-Leaf Relief Art from Thanjavur
Why It is Special
- Origins date back to the 16th century in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu.
- Made on wooden panels with intricate 3D relief work.
- Uses 22 Karat gold leaf and is often adorned with gemstones.
- Traditionally depicts Hindu deities, now also includes birds and landscapes.
- High-quality paintings increase in value over time.
- The gold work becomes more lustrous as it ages.
- Always check for authenticity certificate for gold before purchase.
Price Range
- Small: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000
- Medium: ₹15,000 – ₹35,000
- Large: ₹75,000+
Where to Buy?
Recommended places in Chennai:
- Poompuhar (Pantheon Road)
- Victoria Technical Institute
- Balaji Tanjore Art Gallery
- Sankalp Arts and Crafts
Temple Jewellery
Traditional Jewellery Inspired by Temple Art
Why It is Special
- Originates from temple rituals, historically used to adorn deities.
- Craft dates back to the 9th century in South India.
- Features motifs inspired by temple carvings like Lakshmi, Ganesha and gopurams.
- Made using a unique gold foil over silver base technique.
- Characterized by a bold, heavy 3D sculptural design unique to Chennai.
Price Range
- Gold (Authentic): ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹10 Lakhs
- Silver-based: ₹5,000 – ₹30,000
Where to Buy?
Trusted jewellery stores in Chennai:
- VBJ
- GRT
- Bhima
- Tanishq
Brass & Bronze Statues
Traditional Swamimalai Metal Casting Sculptures
Why It is Special
- Premium statues are crafted using the lost-wax casting method from Swamimalai.
- Each statue is one-of-a-kind as the wax mold is destroyed after casting.
- This technique dates back to the Chola era (9th–13th century).
- Some idols use Panchaloha (5-metal alloy) with spiritual significance.
- Features distinctly Tamil forms like Nataraja and Bharatanatyam-inspired designs.
Price Range
- Small: ₹300 – ₹3,000
- Mid (Standard Quality): ₹3,000 – ₹25,000
- Mid (Premium Quality): ₹25,000 – ₹1 Lakh
- Large: ₹1 Lakh – ₹10 Lakhs
Where to Buy?
Recommended handicraft stores in Chennai:
- Panchaloha Divine Handicrafts Center
- SILAII Flagship Store
- Poompuhar (Pantheon Road)
- SRUSHTI Handicrafts
Palm Leaf Crafts
Eco-Friendly Handwoven Crafts from Palm Leaves
Why It is Special
- Widely used in everyday life, not just as souvenirs.
- Crafted using traditional techniques from villages across Tamil Nadu.
- Features distinct geometric patterns and subtle natural or dyed colors.
- Made using naturally processed leaves, ensuring eco-friendly sustainability.
- Lightweight, durable, and practical for daily use.
Price Range
- Small: ₹25 – ₹150
- Medium: ₹150 – ₹400
- Large / Premium: ₹300 – ₹800
Where to Buy?
Recommended handicraft stores in Chennai:
- Poompuhar (Pantheon Road)
- Hasmi Handicrafts
- Aarde Craft
