A holiday without great food doesn’t feel much like a holiday at all. If you agree with us on this one, your next escape to Kodaikanal has all the makings of a great one. The tourist hotspot has, in the recent years, turned into a foodie’s paradise offering budget-friendly eats from all parts of the world {with a healthy dose of Indian spices of course}. LBB shares its recommendations for your next holiday in the southern hills.
Here's Everywhere You Need To Eat At When In Kodaikanal
Cloud Street
Many boldly declare this to be by-far the best place to eat in Kodaikanal. The simple, largely-Italian menu brims over with tried-and-tested flavour combinations that you simply can’t go wrong with. Start your day here with their cheesy toasted sandwiches that come loaded with mushrooms, chicken, bacon, sausages, and ham {choose the filling you want}. We love the pesto and tomato version {the flavourful, creamy pesto is one of the best we’ve had}.
For lunch, there are wood-fired pizzas and pastas that come layered with all kinds of decadence. Don’t go away without trying their rich brownies and apple crumble at the end of your meal.
Royal Tibet
Over the years, Tibetan restaurants have mushroomed all over Kodai {the cuisine is, after all, a perfect match for the weather}, and among them, we pick Royal Tibet as our favourite. The tiny establishment serves up big mounds of food at wallet-friendly prices. Their egg noodles paired with the tongue-tickling garlic or chilli chicken are a true winner.
The roast chicken, momos, and thukpa have plenty of takers, too. Whatever be your order, we recommend that you add a generous dose of that hot, garlic sauce {the one on the table} to your dish.
The Carlton
One of the spiffier properties in the hill station, the Carlton is where you need to go for a sundowner. We recommend that you get there in time for the sunset, order up a glass of whiskey or a cup of steaming hot tea when you’re there, with the reflections shimmering on the lake below. Once you’re done, you can head straight for the bar or hit their buffet. Perfect for a date night in Kodai!
Pastry Corner
A Kodaikanal institution, Pastry Corner’s affordable range of cakes, ice creams, snacks, and sweet treats has garnered quite a few loyal fans. Which is why you might find many of their offerings to have sold out before you get to make your pick. If you’re not in the mood to squeeze into the handful of benches that can be found around the bakery, you can takeaway their packets filled with muffins, vegetarian sandwiches, rum balls, croissants, and cakes {their pear and black forest ones are very popular}. They also make a killer filter coffee!