Will Chennai’s butter biscuits melt away under pressure of packaged snacks?

In the heart of Chennai, the humble butter biscuit—a melt-in-the-mouth local treasure—is struggling to survive against the onslaught of mass-produced snacks. Once an integral part of tea-time culture, these biscuits now face an uncertain future as younger generations turn away from the artisanal craft.

A craft rooted in tradition

Old Washermenpet, a bustling Chennai neighbourhood, is known not only for its fishermen, printing presses, and leather units but also for its time-honoured biscuit makers. Families like Nooralla have been crafting butter biscuits for decades, but the rise of machine-made snacks has made their survival increasingly difficult.

As the demand for modern snacks grows, their business is slowly fading. Younger generations are reluctant to carry forward the tradition, casting doubt on the future of this culinary art.

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Tea shop connection

Chennai’s tea shops have long offered more than just caffeine. On any given day—whether under the blazing summer sun or during the rainy season—tea lovers savour their steaming glass of chai with a side of butter biscuits.

One bustling biscuit shop in Chennai produces around 75,000 pieces a day, though production dips to about 50,000 between February and July when tea consumption drops. Still, the biscuit’s enduring charm keeps loyal customers returning for their nostalgic fix.

A bite of nostalgia

The buttery sweetness of these biscuits stirs childhood memories for many. These simple treats are more than snacks—they are a connection to Chennai’s past, evoking the warmth of a time when life moved more slowly.

In tea shops across the city, giant jars of butter biscuits still stand proudly next to flashy packaged snacks. Yet even today, many regulars ask only for their beloved butter biscuits, preferring tradition over trend.

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A fading tradition

Despite their special place in Chennai’s heart, butter biscuits now face an uphill battle. Packaged snacks and machine-made biscuits are capturing the market with their speed, convenience, and flashy appeal.

Small-scale bakers continue to keep the tradition alive, but competing with mass production is no easy task. Its earthy notes of butter and salt make it the perfect companion to a glass of tea.

As this culinary tradition stands at a crossroads, the city’s residents must decide: will butter biscuits remain a daily delight, or fade into memory?

A symbol of Chennai’s soul

More than just a snack, Chennai’s butter biscuit is a taste of history and a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. But with flashy new snacks flooding the market, its survival hangs in the balance.

So enjoy it while it’s still around!

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