Disclaimer: The author visited the restaurant twice at her own expense. This is not a sponsored article. The images used in this article are the author’s personal photos and are not to be reused for any purposes whatsoever. Read about our editorial policies.
Coromandel Cafe is almost always housefull! Just to get a table here, we had to wait around 30-40 minutes, during both our trips to Pondicherry. That’s the kind of popularity the cafe enjoys.
It can safely be called one of the best cafés of India and my personal favorite eatery in Pondicherry. But, what’s so special and unforgettable about Coromandel Cafe? Let me take you through it all in this article, including the dishes we tried here.
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Best Parts About Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry
The main highlight of Coromandel Cafe has to be its innovative and modern international food created with fresh, locally-grown ingredients — which both look and taste heavenly. Plus, they are pet-friendly and offer several vegan options that are unbelievably delicious! I have had the best vegan pizza of my life here at Coromandel Cafe.
Moreover, the restored heritage building’s chic European vibe and whimsical interiors add to the unforgettable dining experience. Let’s talk about the design in detail in the upcoming section.
TWT Tip: Since dining at Coromandel Cafe usually involves a wait time of over 30 minutes, visit the cafe way ahead of your meal time, reserve your table and then take a quick stroll to explore the French Quarters. You can check out the boutiques and colorful heritage buildings before going back to have a hearty meal.
The Ambience At Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry
As you enter the pastel pink heritage building, you are instantly transported to Pondicherry’s French colonial era. A serene patio brimmed with lush foliage overlooks a high-roofed, European-style porch.
Further inside, peppy English music welcomes you into the indoor seating area, which glitters under the glow of crystal chandeliers. A staircase leads to the upper floor space, where the interiors are further accentuated by golden sculptures of reindeers, floral sofas, potted succulents and warm lighting.
And if you’d rather dine outdoors, a backdoor leads you into their alfresco seating area, which is equally gorgeous with tables placed amidst a palm-fringed landscape. Here, a little corner bakery needs a special mention, as the aroma and sight of fresh bakes behind a glass counter entices you to indulge.
Did You Know?
The building that houses Coromandel Cafe was once the residence of a French judge during the colonial era. It has been named in the list of ‘India’s Top Restaurants’ by Conde Nast Traveller, when popular British chef Jay Adams was heading the kitchen here.
The Food & Drinks At Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry
Coromandel Cafe serves a global menu with options such as pastas, pizzas, salads, desserts, coffees, teas and alcoholic beverages. Here are the dishes we ordered at Coromandel Cafe:
# Vegan Margarita Pizza – With the fluffiest and thickest base, this pizza is an absolute must-have at Coromandel Cafe and one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had! Plus, the combination of their lip-smacking vegan angelo cheese, fresh basil and slow-cooked marinara sauce together perform a dance on the palate. We had ordered this pizza even during our second visit.
# Vietnamese Rolls – Let me start with the splendid presentation of this dish. A purple-hued dipping sauce (made of butterfly pea flower) popped out from the white bowl, while the pan-fried Vietnamese Rolls sat in the center on a bed of salad, sprinkled with fresh microgreens. The rolls were delicately crisp and paired well with the freshness of the salad. But what added a burst of flavor to the dish was the butterfly pea flower sauce — oh so interesting!
# Mason & Co Chunky Blondie – Honestly, it’s the chocolate used in this blondie that makes it an absolute winner of a dish. That’s how delectable and intense Mason & Co’s single-origin chocolates are! You have to try it to realize what I mean. Plus, the juxtaposition of crunchy and soft textures make it a delight to dig into. We’d repeated this dish too during our second visit.
# Lavender White Tea – Served in a pretty white teapot, the lavender white tea was soothing, subtly flavored and helped wash down the heavy meal.
# Virgin Pina Colada – Created with freshly squeezed coconut milk and pineapple, the mocktail was super refreshing and made for the perfect recipe to beat the heat of Pondicherry during lunch.
TWT Sustainability Trivia: Coromandel Cafe composts all their food waste and uses only hyperlocal ingredients to create their global dishes, instead of importing ingredients from abroad.
Location Of Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry
Coromandel Cafe is located in White Town’s Romain Rolland Street, one of the most happening parts of Pondicherry, where you will find many popular stays and cafes. Also, its close proximity to the Promenade Beach make it convenient for tourists exploring the French quarters on foot.
TWT Experience Summary Of Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry
I am quite confident that I’d be dining at Coromandel Cafe on all my visits to Pondicherry. Such was the effect of its scrumptious food combined with the eclectic architecture and pastel pink walls.
Also, we loved the fact that Coromandel Cafe is pet-friendly and their menu is inclusive towards vegans, with several yummy plant-based options. The Vegan Margarita Pizza and Mason & Co Chunky Blondies are absolute must-tries here.
However, you might have to display some patience if you visit during peak hours, as the cafe gets packed, especially on weekends and holidays. So, besides the waiting time to get tables, your orders may also take some time to reach you. Nevertheless, the dining experience turns out to be worth the wait.
Inclusivity checklist:
✅Pet-friendly
✅Vegan-friendly
✅LGBTQ+ friendly
✅Sustainability measures
✅Toddler-friendly
✅Local, organic ingredients
✅Outdoor seating
✅Alcohol
Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Contact: 9489214332
Address: La Maison Rose, Romain Rolland Street, White Town
Location: Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions About Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry
1. Who is the owner of Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry?
Coromandel Cafe was started by Kiran Rao, an entrepreneur who also owns the popular Amethyst & Chamiers Cafe in Chennai. These cafes are also set up in restored heritage buildings.
2. How much would a meal at Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry cost?
A meal for two at Coromandel Cafe would cost between INR 1,500 to INR 3,000, depending on the number of dishes you order. In case you go for alcoholic beverages, the price of your meal would be higher.
3. Does Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry allow pets?
Coromandel Cafe is a pet-friendly eatery. You can take your fur babies along with you for a meal at the cafe.
4. Is Coromandel Cafe Pondicherry vegan-friendly?
Coromandel Cafe offers many vegan dishes with legit plant-based cheese replacements that are absolutely delectable. They don’t compromise on flavor even in their vegan options.
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