A Quick Pondicherry Eating Guide
From local spots to fine dining restaurants, explore curated recommendations by Urbanaut on where to eat in Pondicherry & Auroville, one meal at a time.
Urbanaut Recommends
What better way is there to get to know a city than to eat in it? Here’s a Pondicherry itinerary for you that revolves around most travellers’ first love–– food.
Begin with some fluffy scrambled eggs at Indian Coffee House, followed by a cup (or a few) of coffee, of course ––there are many outlets, but our sources tell us that the one you’re looking for is located in a recently restored Franco-Tamil building, on JN Street. While you’re at it, place a call to Bread and Chocolate in Pondicherry to reserve a sourdough loaf that you can pick up–– freshly baked and hot from the oven!
Fresh & Healthy Eateries in Pondicherry
When you’ve explored the city on foot for a few hours, it might be time to think about your next meal. We’ve got you covered! Maiyam, the ‘past food’ restaurant in Auroville specializes in whole-grain, healthy Indian cuisine. Enjoy a mindful meal of overlooked legumes and a balance of every flavour in either a ‘bowl’ or ‘plate’ meal.
Settle in for the obligatory afternoon siesta, followed by a visit to the beach for those sunset views, and you’re ready for drinks and dinner at La Villa. Choose a bottle of wine from their lovely selection, and tuck into continental food prepared by French chef Michel Christmann (formerly of a Michelin-starred restaurant in France), knowing you’re in good hands.
If you’re looking to support a small but quality restaurant, head to Umami Kitchen. This lovely little restaurant is owned and run by an Indo-Italian couple. Tuscan chef, Leo, is an expert in Italian and pan-Asian cuisine and their menu is modified every week to accommodate fresh, local produce.
On Day 2, you’d be remiss if you didn’t visit Coromandel Cafe. An aesthetically pleasing cafe with lovely cocktails and an even better ambience, this is where you’ll want to end your second evening in Pondicherry. Other notable establishments slightly farther afield like Conscious Cafe Auroville for healthy eating or Theevu Plage Beach Resort for delicious seafood (call in advance and request their lobster, if you’re so inclined) are also worth a place in your itinerary.
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