With golden sand beaches, lush backwaters, and rich architectural heritage, Pondicherry or Puducherry is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. From the brightly coloured French Colony walls to Paradise and Rock beach, the place is a great option for an amazing weekend getaway.
With that being said, what captivated me more was the delicious cuisine that romanced my taste buds, in a way that makes a second visit to the place a surety.
French, English, Tamil, French and Tamil Creole, Pondicherry has all these savoury options in its many cafes and eateries. Here are a few restaurants that I tried and found to be offering the delicacies that will sort your food cravings. You can easily cover these food joints in one day when strolling around in the streets that transport you to the French era.
Breakfast At Surguru Family Restaurant
Founded in 1990 by Krishnamurthy, who is an engineer by qualification, the Surguru chain of restaurants aims to provide authentic Tamil cuisine at affordable prices. I visited the Nehru Street branch at seven in the morning to have something fulfilling. While I ordered my usual masala dosa, onion dosa, vada, and the famous filter coffee, I noticed that Surguru had various other Tamil cuisine options on the list that are also a favourite of the diners. Don&rsquot forget to try their delicious South Indian thali and parotha kurma.
Address No. 12, Jawaharlal Nehru St, near Shree Vinyagar Temple, White Town, Puducherry
Lunch At PY Cafe
Known as the most &lsquoInstagrammable cafe&rsquo in Pondicherry since it opened in April 2018, it offers a smorgasbord of choices from East Asian to English and Kerala-inspired cuisine. You can choose from healthy options like quinoa biryani to zucchini noodles as well as add a little more indulgence to your plate with the Beef Pasta and the English Platter. However, my favourite turned out to be Fish Molee, a dish from Kerala that has tender fish cooked in coconut milk and served with steamed rice. While you wait for the food, you can grab a notepad to write a letter to your loved one, and PY Cafe will put a stamp on it and send it to you anywhere in the world.
Address 132, Mission St, Heritage Town, Puducherry
Evening Munchies At Eat My Cake
When in 'French Colony', grab on something that is purely French, and what could be a better option than a cafe that has been established by a lady from France Established in 2016 after two years of rigorous preparation by Lala Sou, Eat My Cake is the perfect cafe in the White Town to have some authentic French delicacies. Lala Sou says that the idea of a women-exclusive cafe came to her when they visited a special-needs school in 2014 where 99 per cent of the accompanying persons were mothers. These women had been discriminated against for giving birth to children with special needs, and Lala Sou thought that giving them power back in the family circle through a salary could be a start to a better life. From there, there has been no looking back for Eat My Cake. They serve exclusive French cuisine at their gourmand breakfasts, quick lunches and evening teas. Think macaroons, croquembouches, pondy-breasts, chocolate eclairs, millefeuilles and their most famous (and my favourite) croissant. So while you are strolling through the French Colony near the Notre Dam Church, take time out to munch on Eat My Cake&rsquos creations. That will surely make for the perfect Pondi evening.
Address 5, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry
Dinner at The Spot
After a long tiring day, if you find yourself exhausted and looking for a place that gives you a peaceful corner, The Spot is just the right place. With a majestic white and pastel green seating area, an open-air space, and a bar serving your favourite cocktails, The Spot is located just beside the famous Rock Beach promenade walking road. You can try the distinctive French Creole cuisine here and dishes from Mediterranean and Italy as well. Their Mediterranean tartines, pastas, and the richest grillades are something that you cannot miss.
Address 37, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry