Peaceful ashrams, chic cafes, palm-fringed beaches, sea-facing bistros, and bougainvillaea-clad French-styled houses are some of the many things that one identifies Puducherry by. However, the union territory’s diverse foodscape is one of the most popular reasons why thousands of travellers flock to its shores every year. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Puducherry that you must check out on your vacay. By Karan Kaushik
Restaurants in Puducherry every food lover must explore
Cafe Des Arts
Start your day in Puducherry with a hearty breakfast at this popular cafe. The café is famous for its authentic French fare. The Instagram-worthy ambience features vintage décor, which lends the café its old-world charm. The café also offers garden seating. Popular dishes include Banana and Nutella Crepe, Croque-Monsieur Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Egg Sandwich, Nutella Pancake, and Baguette Bacon. They also serve delicious coffee, croissants, and juices.
Where: 10, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry
Le Dupleix
Housed inside the gorgeous white-coloured Le Dupleix Hotel, this restaurant serves both French and Indian fare. They are known for their impressive seafood offerings and fusion dishes. Most people visit this restaurant after seeking blessings and appreciating colonial architecture at Our Lady of Angels Church. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Recommended dishes include French Onion Soup, Blueberry Cheesecake, Rasam aux Crevettes, Poricha Kozhi, Goan Prawn Curry, and Rock Lobster.
Where: 5, Caserne Street, White Town, Puducherry
Satsanga
This laidback and simple restaurant serves mouthwatering French dishes with an Indian touch. It’s an old favourite of seasoned Puducherry travellers. Located near Ganesh Garden, the restaurant also features Italian dishes on its menu. Start your meal by ordering Salad Provencale from their elaborate menu. Then there’s Rillettes, a kind of French potted meat, and Pate de Poission (Fish pate). They also dish out delicious seafood. All dishes at the restaurant are served with French Fries or Mashed Potatoes. Other popular items include Rillettes, a kind of French potted meat, Ratatouille, and Stuffed Brinjal Role.
Where: 54, La Bourdonnais St, Near PWD New Head Office, White Town, Puducherry
Bay Of Buddha
If you are craving some wholesome Asian food, try Bay of Buddha. The rooftop restaurant is known for its impressive range of Vietnamese, Korean, Malaysian, Japanese, and Thai delicacies. Popular dishes include Tom Kha Kai, Khmer Roast Chicken, Seafood Sushi Platter, and Holy Basil Cheesecake. Their Yakitori, dim sums, dumpling soup, and sushi are good too. The sorbets on their menu act as good palate cleansers between meals.
Where: 23 The Promenade, Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry
Hotel Appachi
While most travellers prefer French cuisine in Puducherry, there’s no denying the fact that the city also offers great South Indian fare. For instance, Hotel Appachi, an all-time favourite, is known for its traditional Chettinad cuisine. Try their chicken dishes like Chicken Curry, Chicken Chettinad, Chicken 65, with flaky parothas. They serve on banana leaves. Other recommended items include Mutton Chettinad KKuzhambu, Idichha Kozhi Fry, Kuzhi Paniyaram, and Vanjaram fish fry.
Where: 11, Ranga Pillai St, MG Road Area, Puducherry
Surguru
One of the most famous restaurants in Puducherry, Suruguru is known for its sumptuous South Indian delicacies. Most people flock here to enjoy a filling breakfast before starting their explorations of the erstwhile French colony. Expect the usual uttapams, dosas, idlis, and vadas with filter coffee. Their onion uttapams are much loved. So is the Pongal. If you are visiting during lunch hours, order the thali. Dosa lovers must try their unusual Palak Paneer Dosai and Babycorn Dosai.
Where: Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Heritage Town, Puducherry
Carte Blanche
Housed inside a restored French villa, Carte Blanche is a part of Hotel de L’Orient. The restaurant is known for its gastronomical experiences with French recipes. They use a lot of local herbs and spices in every dish they serve. With its cosy and tastefully done decor, the restaurant is ideal for a romantic date with your significant other. Popular dishes include their Grilled Herb-infused Squid, Creole Prawn Curry, Ratatouille, and Saffron Panna Cotta. They also serve absolutely yum bakery products. The chocolate rolls come highly recommended.
Where: No 17 Romain, White Town, Lalbahadur Sastry Street, Puducherry
Sea Gulls
As the name suggests, this restaurant is famous for its seafood offerings. Conveniently located near the Veeram Pattinam Harbour. The restaurant exudes relaxing vibes and offers stunning sea views. In fact, most people arrive here only to savour the unmatched views of the sea while they chug a glass or two of chilled beer. The restaurant also hosts regular live music shows. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, the open-air restaurant also serves Indian, Italian, Continental, and Chinese fare. For the best experience, visit just in time to catch the sunset.
Where: 19, Dumas St, Duppuypet, Puducherry
Tanto Pizzeria
Pizza lovers must visit Tanto, set up by Daniel Emdin in 2008. The menu features exclusive recipes from the home kitchen of Emdin’s mother. They use farm-fresh veggies from their farm in Auroville. The menu at Tantos features as many as 30 kinds of wood-fired and vegan pizzas along with other Italian and seafood dishes. We recommend their signature Med Pizza. Meat lovers must order their Roast Beef. The seafood platter also deserves a special mention.
Where: Auroville Rd, near Iyyanar Koil, Auroville, Kuilapalayam, Puducherry