(From left to right) Nowana, bread and chocolate, Sakura Sushi
PondicherryWith its charming blend of French colonial heritage and vibrant South Indian culture, it is a destination that never fails to captivate. Nestled in this enchanting region lies Aurovillean experimental township that attracts visitors from around the world with its unique philosophy of unity and sustainable living. But Auroville offers more than just a spiritual retreat – it is also a hidden gem for food lovers. Here, the culinary scene is as diverse and intriguing as the people who inhabit this utopian community, with restaurants and cafes serving dishes made from locally sourced, organic ingredients, reflecting the spirit of conscious living.
Whether you’re enjoying a farm-to-table meal at a cafe that grows its own ingredients, indulging in a raw plant-based feast packed with flavour or simply sipping a cup of herbal tea in a peaceful garden setting, these 7 Auroville restaurants will leave you with unforgettable memories and a taste of the area’s culinary bounty.
Bread and chocolate
The queues and crowds that constantly form outside this venue before they even open are testament to just how delicious their offerings are. With a wide variety of sweet and savoury pastries, freshly brewed coffees and teas, they have the perfect way to start any morning. As the name promises, there is bread (and chocolate) in abundance and this artisanal café offers delicious dishes from wraps filled with local produce, Indian-inspired cakes and much more.
Address: MDR 1115, Auroville Rd, Kuilapalayam, Tamil Nadu 605101
USP Dishes: French press coffee, chamomile tea, fruit bowl, apple pie, sourdough bread, cinnamon roll
Available cuisine: Cafe, Continental, Fast food, Sandwich, Coffee, Tea, Drinks
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, snacks.
Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Cost for two: ₹400
So much trattoria pizza
If you’re craving pizza in Puducherry, head to Tanto Pizzeria on Diagou Mudaliar Road. Opened in 2008 by Daniel Emdin, this cosy restaurant offers 28 different pizzas made from Emdin’s mother’s secret recipes, using fresh ingredients grown on her farm in Auroville. A true home away from home, Tanto Pizzeria is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious pizza and a refreshing homemade iced tea, which will leave you feeling warm and comforting.
Address: Auroville Rd, Near Iyyanar Koil, Auroville, Kuilapalayam, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu 605101
USP Dishes: Orange Sorbet, Tanto Pizzeria, Tierra Pizza, Pannacotta, Margherita, Caramel Cream
Available cuisine: fast food, Italian, seafood, salads, pasta, pizza, desserts, drinks
Meals served: lunch, dinner
Opening hours: 12:00 to 21:15 (closed on Tuesdays)
Cost for two: ₹1,400
Nowana
You wouldn’t think Auroville is the place to go for spectacular Korean food, but Nowana ticks all the boxes and cooks up a feast. The chefs have stayed true to Korean classics, but have also made room for the Indian palate. From the Gimbap to the Japchae noodles, each dish is packed with fresh vegetables and a spicy kick. With plenty of vegan options to suit the needs of the location, this small-scale restaurant has become a part of the culinary landscape.
Address: Nowana, Auroville, Kuilapalayam, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu 605101
USP Dishes: Japchae, Bibimbap,
Available cuisine: Korean
Meals served: lunch, dinner
Opening hours: 12:00 to 21:00 (closed on Thursdays)
Cost for two: ₹1,100
Coffee artist
If you’re looking for a really cheap meal, there’s no better place than this South Indian specialty cafe, which serves up the classics at an incredibly low price. From masala dosas to idlis or even a full meal, you can fill up on fresh, delicious food. The menu isn’t extensive or grand, but the food is all the better for its simplicity.
Address: Yatra, Near, Near New Creation Sports Ground, Auroville, Tamil Nadu 605101
USP Dishes: Dosa, Idli, Filter Coffee
Available cuisine: South Indian
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (closed on Sundays)
Cost for two: ₹100
Solitude Farm Coffee
Located in the Auroville bioregion, Solitude is a unique concept dedicated to honouring the ecological space in which they reside. They offer authentic farm-to-plate dining, with a variety of fresh and nutritious options, including smoothies, soft drinks, vegan ice creams, vegan tea and coffee, wild herb sushi, salads and a daily changing thali, all made from produce harvested on the farm.
Address: Auroville, Tamil Nadu 605101
USP Dishes: Smoothies, Thali, Salads
Kitchen available: Cafeteria
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch.
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost for two: Depending on the meal.
Sakura sushi
Immerse yourself in the Japanese side of Auroville at this cosy sushi joint. At this cozy joint, an open kitchen allows you to watch the sushi rolls being made, giving you a visual feast before you savour each bite. They have a variety of sushi available, from vegan versions such as cucumber, avocado and scallion sushi, grilled marinated pepper maki, tempeh nigiri in teriyaki sauce and red beans with fermented cabbage to options including smoked or fried fish and shrimp.
Address: Auroville Rd, Next to Umbrella Travels, Auroville, Kottakupam, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu 605101
USP Dishes: Maki Sushi, Sushi in Bowl, Tempura
Available cuisine: Sushi, Japanese, Drinks
Meals served: lunch, dinner
Opening hours: 12 to 15 h, 18 to 21 h (closed on Tuesdays)
Cost for two: ₹600
Sachitananda Raw Food Restaurant
Nestled in a quiet corner of Auroville, Satchitananda Raw Food Restaurant, founded by Anandi Vaithialingam, has been a mainstay of clean, healthy eating for almost a decade. Renowned for its commitment to raw, healthy food, this restaurant is a beloved institution among Auroville residents. The lunch menu includes a variety of fresh and vibrant dishes such as flax seed crackers, tomato rasam, sprout salad, wraps, burgers, raw sabzis, vegan cheesecake and homemade kombucha.
Address: 2R82+3J7, Auroville, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu 605009
USP dishes: salads, desserts, wraps
Available cuisine: raw food, vegan cuisine.
Meals Served: Lunch (Occasionally Dinner Served During Peak Months)
Opening hours: 12:00 to 14:00 (closed on Sundays)
Cost for two: Depending on the meal (Payment only with Aurocard)
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