Chettinad Chilli Chicken

Ever since I first tasted Chettinad cooking in Chennai more than a decade ago, I have been fascinated by its culinary traditions and its links with the spice traders since the 16^th century. A more recent visit to the Chettinad region in and around Karaikudi to further experience what is considered the hottest and spiciest food in India left me completely enamoured of its complex layering of flavours.