Made with appropriate amounts of love and 'masala', South Indian food warms your soul. From succulent curries to flaky parotta, the cuisine offers something for everyone.
If you are spending this monsoon in Pune, this cuisine is the perfect companion to transport you to the symphony of flavours and aromas from South India.
Here is a list of places in Pune to grab some authentic South Indian food that will pleasantly surprise your taste buds with rich flavors and mouthwatering textures.
Warning- You may come back for more.
This food joint in the heart of Pune offers a simple variety of Dosa and Idli, making it an ideal spot for breakfast. Located in Koregaon Park, they serve an airy 'Tatte Idli' that is a true gastronomic delight. However, the true indulgence is their range of dosas that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a generous smother of 'podi masala' and ghee.
The items are priced reasonably with most dishes not exceeding the 150 rupee average, making the spot a true value-for-money experience. Open from 7 am to 11 pm, they also have an outlet in Kharadi. While the seating is modest, the flavors make this place a tempting delight. When visiting, make sure to end your meal on a crescendo with their Filter Coffee.
Located on the Pashan-Sus road, this budget-friendly restaurant is a true hidden gem and a textbook example of "Don't judge a book by its cover".
It boasts of the most scrumptious parotta, served alongside an authentic pepper chicken curry. The preparation is a hearty delight, making it a fan-favourite amongst regulars. Their biryani is one of the most aromatic and comforting recipes, besides being a pocket-friendly option priced at Rs 100 for half a plate, serving one person adequately. They also serve a variety of non-vegetarian appetizers such as the Chicken 65 and Fish Fry, as per availability.
For breakfast, the place offers a range of melt-in-mouth 'idli' and flavourful 'vada' that will leave you craving for more. The dosas are crispy and full of flavour. Their preparations are highly authentic, with a sambar like no other in Pune. The quantity of the dishes is abundant for the price range (average Rs 300 for two) but the true hero element remains their taste. When visiting, make sure you do not miss their indulgent filter coffee, served in a brass 'dabara'.
The seating is modest, onlooking the hustle-bustle of the road. The place is managed by extremely welcoming staff, offering comfort food on the days you miss home. Madurai Tiffin is operational from 8 am to 3 pm in the day and 6 pm to 10 pm in the evenings, offering a bite of Tamil Nadu each time you visit.
Where can you find a proper banana leaf meal or an Onam Sadhya in Pune?
Kerala Cafe brings flavours "From God's own kitchen" to your table. Priced from 190 onwards, these meals are bound to satisfy your soul with a range of delicious combinations coming together. The servings of aviyal, sambar, and Kerala rice feel like a warm hug on cold days.
If you admire the pungent flavours of seafood, Kerala Cafe will find a special spot in your heart. Their serving of 'Prawns Pepper Fry' is as delectable as the aromas may suggest.
The curation of stews and 'mappas' served alongside a choice of appam and iddiyappam add a golden feather to their chef's hat, making the place a popular pick amongst the Mallu community residing in Pune. If you find yourself in one of Kerala Cafe's outlets on a warm day, do try out their Kulukki Sharbat to discover a spiced refreshment like no other.
The cafe is open from 11 am to 11:45 pm on all days but calling for a reservation on weekends is ideal to save time. Their ambiance is warm and welcoming, known for great service. While it is a great option for family dining, the outlet in Kalyani Nagar is a great option for all with rooftop seating, music, and a serving of alcoholic beverages. The cost for two is approximately Rs 1500.
If you are someone who enjoys the fail-proof simplicity of great dosas, Anna Coffee House in Baner is your place to be. The crispy dosas served alongside their range of fresh juices are a gastronomical delight. Their filter coffee is a cloud of warmth on a rainy evening.
While their Mysore Dosa and Masala Dosa are fan favourites, they offer an experimental range of dishes like 'Chocolate Dosa' and 'Pizza Uthappa' for the days you feel inquisitive. Who knew a dosa could double as a crepe?
This spot makes for a great family dining experience as it also serves a range of street food and fast food options. Open from 9 am to 10 pm, this restaurant is nestled in simplicity and affordability. When visiting, make sure to try the mini podi idli- little clouds of flavour that you can eat!
While the Oxford of the East continues to bring together students from all over the world, the dwellers have truly found a piece of home and comfort in this cultural epicenter. What is your piece of home here, in Pune?
