Chettinad Cuisine is the cuisine of the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Food from this state is predominantly vegetarian due the majority of Tamil Brahmins. ... Cuisine of Chettinad is uses a variety of freshly ground spices including cumin, fenugreek, fennel, clove, bay leaf, turmeric and tamarind.The key ingredients of Chettinad Masala are – fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, coriander seeds, ginger, and garlic. Dry roast the spices for a few minutes, and grind.