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Puducherry is often described by its cosmopolitan food scene. Funnily enough, it’s not the French, Portuguese, Dutch, Anglo-Indian and Tamil influences that can define Pondicherry’s F&B culture. It’s the spirit of adaptability that looms large across most local menus in the city. You can find some of the most authentic French pastries and European cheeses listed alongside some fantastic and ingenious Creole dishes that have heavy South Indian influences.
Be it the French quarters of White Town or some of the most unassuming tea shops along Mission Street, Puducherry’s food will surprise you at every turn. If you’re headed to Puducherry and are overwhelmed by the choices, here are a few of the winning foods you need to try.
Meen Puyabaise
The French influence on Puducherry’s local cuisine is undeniable; it’s so strong that many French dishes were modified to fit local tastes. Take the Puyabaise, for instance, It’s essentially the Indianised version of bouillabaisse, a classic French seafood stew from the port town of Marseille. It usually features crabs, mussels, shrimps and shellfish in a tamarind-turmeric base and is served with a thin flatbread.
Recommendation: Chez Francis
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 500-800
Kadugu Yerra
This Mughal dish is popular in Puducherry and is made with baby shrimp cooked in a spicy mustard-based gravy. The shrimp are marinated with turmeric, chilli powder, and other spices before being simmered in a rich coconut sauce flavoured with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and tamarind.
Recommendation: Kooraikadai Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 200-400
Puducherry Egg Curry
Egg curry is a beloved dish in Puducherry, where eggs are simmered in a flavorful tomato and coconut-based gravy infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The Pondicherry-style egg curry is a hearty and comforting dish, often served with rice or chapati.
Recommendation: Kamatchi
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 200-400
Thokku Biryani
Puducherry’s street food is one of the biggest draws for tourists as they find an assembly of all kinds of influences. Thokku biryani is a kind of semi-gravy featuring a well-seasoned chicken and it’s usually made in a big degchi. This is different from Puducherry biryani which typically features tender pieces of meat, such as chicken or mutton, marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, then layered with long-grain basmati rice and slow-cooked to perfection. You can find some of the finest Thokku biryani at street food stores and neighbourhood hideaways which sell it fresh.
Recommendation: Chickpet Donne Biryani House
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 300-600
Puducherry Crab Soup
Puducherry is famous for its seafood, and crab soup is a big favourite. This rich and flavourful soup is made by simmering fresh crab meat with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices until the flavours meld together beautifully. It's often served as a starter or appetiser, accompanied by crusty bread or crispy papadum.
Recommendation: De Bluefin Seafood Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 300-600
Meen Kuzhambu
This popular curry is served across Puducherry, be it in upscale diners or street food havens. It is a traditional South Indian fish curry with a flavorful and spicy dish made with fish as the main ingredient, cooked in a tangy tamarind-based gravy along with a blend of aromatic spices. You may head to White Town to sample some splendid Meen Kuzhambu or you can savour some from local joints which serve this dish at under Rs 100.
Recommendation: Karaikal Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 500-800
Crepes
Puducherry offers some of the finest French desserts and pastries and crepe is one of the most beloved desserts in the city. Puducherry is smattered with all kinds of patisseries and bakehouses which explore different versions of bread, jams, compotes, tarts etc. These dessert spots tend to have a dedicated crepes menu where you can spot both sweet and savoury kinds. You can opt for a savoury ham and cheese crepe or something drenched in chocolate!
Recommendation: Coromandel Cafe
Type: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian
Budget: Rs 800-1200
