The erstwhile French colony of Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is known for its Bohemian vibe given the expatriate population, the cultural scene, superb shopping, and quaint hangouts. The old part of the city clings to its colonial past with buildings from a bygone era including splendid churches, exquisite temples, and boulevards. Though it’s a coastal city, the beaches are nothing to write home about! Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the local museum, and many statues are just some of the attractions to check out. So, if you’re planning a vacation here, staying in one of the sea-view hotels and beach resorts will give you more time to visit each one.
Pondicherry is also a foodie destination offering you a variety of cuisines ranging from typical South Indian fare to the best of French cuisine with a liberal sprinkling of Italian, American, and Continental choices also available. Biryani, a flavorful rice dish, that may or may not contain meat, is something that you must try when in this city. Take a look at our list to know where you can find the best spots for biryani in Pondicherry, India.
1. Hotel Sri Kamatchi Biryani Veedu
Enjoy fresh, hygienic food at this cozy restaurant that plates up delicious biryani, true to its name. The seasoning used is from natural herbs and plants that give the biryani its unique flavor. Besides, chicken, mutton, and prawns biryani this restaurant also offers a variety of South Indian specialties.
Hotel Sri Kamatchi Biryani Veedu
Address: No:5/Old No. 3A, La Bourdonnais Street, Near Old Ambedkar Law College, Puducherry 605001
Website: Hotel Sri Kamatchi Biryani Veedu
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)
2. Blueline Restaurant at The Promenade
Pondicherry has plenty of great places to eat, but if you want to feel the ocean breeze caress you, relish the outdoor dining at this elegant restaurant in Pondicherry. This 24-hour restaurant that overlooks the sea, dishes up a variety of French and North Indian food alongside juicy steaks and fresh seafood preparations. Their North Indian style Bhuna Murgh Biryani flavored with mild spices and luscious chicken pieces and an egg is a must try.
Blueline Restaurant at The Promenade
Address: 23 The Promenade, Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Website: Blueline Restaurant at The Promenade
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
3. Hotel Food Paradise
Relish the best of Mughalai food during your sojourn in Pondicherry at this popular restaurant which offers Halal food. Enjoy a meal comprising of their Arabic biryani accompanied by grilled fish and some yummy faluda for dessert. Don’t let the simple yet cozy ambiance of the restaurant fool you!
Hotel Food Paradise
Address: Ozhandai Keerapalaiyam, Mudaliarpet, Puducherry, 605004
Website: Hotel Food Paradise
Opening hours:11am - 10pm (daily)
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4. Aasife Biryani
Having come a long way from being a small shop to a chain of restaurants across South India, the Aasife restaurant in Pondicherry is a must on the list of biryani lovers in the city. The unique taste of the biryani is a well-kept secret perfected by the founder after whom the restaurant is named. Take your pick of chicken, mutton, or prawn biryani with the Mughlai variant also available. Efficient service and a pleasing ambiance complete the experience.
Aasife Briyani
Address: No.2, Naga Progress Avenue, Bussy Street, M.G.Road, Pondicherry
Website: Aasife Briyani
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
5. The Tadkka Dhaba
An affordable and affable place for a meal when you have a craving for some authentic ‘dhaba’-style food while in Pondicherry! The slow-cooked or ‘Dum’ biryani served here with chicken or mutton as well as a vegetarian option, does stand apart from the variety of North Indian fare on offer such as rotis, paneer tikkas, and rajma chawal. Top it off with a glass of creamy lassi or a kulfi falooda!
The Tadkka Dhaba
Address: 35, Aurobindo Street, Pondicherry
Website: The Tadkka Dhaba
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)
6. Les Chefs
A great place for dinner with the family or to catch up with friends, Les Chefs offers you a multi-cuisine menu with Pan Indian, French, and Oriental dishes leading the way. Enjoy the pleasing music and elegant ambiance as you relish the food. There is something for every kind of biryani lover - vegetarian or non-vegetarian!
Les Chefs
Address: No 27, Yanam Vengadachalam Pillai Street,Pondicherry - 605001
Website: Les Chefs
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
7. Karai Restaurant
Don’t be misled by the simple exterior and the compact dining room at this restaurant. The menu has a variety of delicious sounding items and the biriyani section has enough options to keep you happy. Try the Nattukozhi biryani for some authentic local flavor.
Karai Restaurant
Address: 100 Feet Road (Near Indra Gandhi Square), Puducherry
Website: Karai Restaurant
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)
8. Dindigul Thalappakatti
From its humble beginnings half a century ago, this restaurant has grown into an international chain that is a favorite haunt of famous celebrities from different walks of life as well as the common man. The secret recipes use a special blend of spices and have been handed down over the generations. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with its classy interiors and courteous service.
Dindigul Thalappakatti
Address: Near Balaji Theatre, 108, Sithankudi, Kamarajar Salai, Puducherry
Website: Dindigul Thalappakatti
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
9. Junior Kuppanna
This restaurant is named after its founder who first set up the establishment in 1960 in Erode. The unique mixtures of spices used in the biryani and other dishes specific to the Konga Nadu cuisine that is offered here are still prepared personally by the founder’s wife. A perfect spot to enjoy authentic South Indian fare served on plantain leaves.
Junior Kuppanna
Address: Indira Gandhi Statue, Pondicherry, India
Website: Junior Kuppanna
Opening hours: 11.30am - 11pm (daily)
10. Appachi
Offering delicious Chettinad cuisine, this non-vegetarian restaurant is located in an old non-descript building in the city. The lip-smacking food and quick service more than makeup for the lack of ambiance and decor. Try the biryani with a side of one or more of the savory sides for a dash of extra flavor.
Appachi
Address: Old No.9 & New No.11, Rangapillai Street, Puducherry
Website: Appachi
Opening hours: 12pm - 10.30pm (daily)
Enjoy the many options
There are plenty of choices for vegetarians as well as seafood-lovers when it comes to biryani. Make your way to one of these places for some delicious memories! Just don’t forget to check out great budget hotels and heritage hotels first for more accommodation options.