Pondicherry is located in southern most part of India, alongside Tamil Nadu. Since the French dominated this area till 1954, you can see a blend of South Indian and French culture as well as in cuisine. Its not only Idli but also croissant. Both these cultures are rich in food and hence your taste buds will dance with joy, when in Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a place where Instagrammers will go mad! The picturesque architecture, bright painted French houses and scorching heat, throughout the year, and yummy food completes the description of Pondicherry.
I am a vegetarian so, fasten your seat belts my vegetarian buddy’s! Other foodies, don’t be disappointed. The places that are suggested below also serve delicious non-vegetarian food (according to my non-vegetarian friends). Most of these eateries are located in White Town, my favorite place in Pondicherry. Lets explore some of the best eateries in Pondicherry.
1. Hotel Anand Bhavan
This hotel too is located not too far from Promenade. They serves authentic south Indian food at a very reasonable price. Starting from filter coffee to Idli, Dosa, Vada to the traditional south Indian lunch thali. This place servers the best sambar and everyone working here is very friendly as well as very helpful. It is a small place with a limited number of seats available and serves vegetarian food only. Also, do not forget to try their filter coffee. Location
2. Flamingo Dragon
They serve the best Asian cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The price meter bends a bit towards the higher ends but, the food as well as the mocktails are a must try. The ambience takes you to Asian streets with red background and Chinese sign boards. My favorite were the vegetarian starters. We tried crispy lotus stem, which was prepared Indo-Chinese style and Zhao pandan paneer, a Thai dish and some chicken starters. For main course we ordered chicken fried rice and vegetarian Goreng noodles. They also have live music playing with bands and DJs on weekends. Tap for location
3. Auroville Bakery & Restaurant
You can spot this super delicious café (location) on route Matri Mandir Viewing point from the main town of Pondicherry. Auroville is a whole new place. They serve organic food prepared from the organic grains and vegetables produced in Auroville. If you want the bite of their delicious croissants, visit before its too late. Yes, you wont want to miss anything that is prepared in the bakery hence, we suggest you to visit before noon. There are no words to describe the wonderful tastes of each and every food product you get here. Be it the melting croissants or the lip smacking pastries, you wouldn’t regret visiting this place. Click here for location.
4. Le Café
The only café on Promenade with a stunning view of ocean and the sound of waves. This place (tap for location) is just amazing! Even though, you might want to visit this place in the evenings. Since the heat was unbearable, we ended up having cold coffees, smoothies and milkshakes and of course French fries. The refreshing view made us forget all the exhaustion and calmed us. They serve French as well as south Indian food.
5. Villa Helena Heritage Guest House & Restaurant
We went here for dinner and the ambience is just amazing. A French style bungalow converted to hotel and restaurant, serves delicious pasta. My friend also tried pork and she loved it as well. The restaurant seating is in their open veranda with lovely lights climbing down the trees. You not just enjoy food, but also the ambience with silent music soothing your ears. Location
6. A Bonus Tip for Tea/ Chai Lovers
A final tip, if you are a chai lover, do not be disappointed to not find chai in any regular restaurant. Pondicherry is a land of filter coffee and hence tea is a difficult beverage to find. There are a few chai/tea stalls in Pondicherry of which Jyoti tea stall is one which servers just the perfect chai to begin your day with.
Pondicherry is a paradise for foodies and Instagrammers. You can end up having a short trip to Pondicherry or can stay long to explore the nature and surroundings. Read this to know more about my recent Pondicherry trip.
Do explore these fine eateries and give us a feedback about your experience and your favorite food on your visit to Pondicherry.
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