The most reliable South Indian vegetarian chain in the world has a branch in Kanchipuram, and it earns its reputation here as elsewhere. The menu runs from morning tiffin (idli, dosa, vada, pongal) through full lunch thalis to evening snacks, all prepared to a consistent standard that is hard to find in unknown restaurants when you're short on time.
The thali is the thing to order at lunch: a steel plate with rice, sambar, rasam, two or three vegetable curries, curd, and papad, refilled until you stop them. It is good value, generous, and representative of what South Indian vegetarian cooking actually tastes like when done properly.
Saravana Bhavan's air conditioning and clean surroundings also make it a sensible choice after a long morning walking temple circuits in the heat. The coffee — filter, served in the traditional tumbler and saucer — is correctly made.
Expect a queue at peak lunch hours. Service is quick.