Dosas & Beyond: 10 South Indian Restaurants In Pune Changing The Game

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For decades, Vaishali and Roopali on FC Road have been the face of South Indian cuisine in Pune. But over the last few years, and more recently through the pandemic, that has changed. Several South Indian restaurants have mushroomed around the city, and they are going beyond the average Udipi fare. The menus, of course, have dosas and idlis, but there's more on offer. 

We've curated a list of restaurants you must definitely try if you're keen on exploring the variety of the south. 

We Idliwale

Once a little takeaway, We Idliwale has grown to become one of Pune's favourite South Indian spots. It now has a dine-in in Viman Nagar and another in NIBM as well. Chef Abhishek Joshi has transformed how Pune eats idli by introducing the city to Idli + Chicken Curry plates. You'll also find dosse plates, kothu parotta, mutton saru, and donne biryani which pops up as a weekend special, among other plates that Joshi continues to experiment with.

Meal For Two: INR 1,000

Kerala Cafe

With two outlets in Pune, one at Viman Nagar and another in Baner, Kerala Cafe offers a menu that'll leave you coming back for more. Serving the cuisine of Kerala, you can sample a sadhya, bamboo biryani, kappa, and a variety of Kerala roasts and fries. This restaurant has beautiful interiors too at every location, but the Viman Nagar outlet takes the cake thanks to its rooftop. 

Meal For Two: INR 1,200

Savya Rasa

A fine-dine South Indian restaurant at Koregaon Park, Savya Rasa boasts of its culinary expertise from the lands of Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Mangalore. The staff is courteous and greets you with a polite vanakkam (means welcome in Tamil) into the lavishly decorated well-lit restaurant and shows you to your table.

For starters, we recommend you to try the pallipalayam kozhi (INR 379), pan-fried pieces of chicken cooked in freshly ground masala, turmeric and coconut slivers. For your main course order, the kaikari mandi (INR 379), mixed vegetables simmered in a broth of rice starch and tamarind, and gently seasoned with condiments. Also try the erachi stew which is mutton cooked in coconut milk, black pepper and rich spices. End your delectable dinner with kumbuda halwa (INR 239), a dessert made of winter melon, clarified butter and cardamom.

Upsouth

Satiate your love for mouthwatering South Indian cuisine with Upsouth’s budget-friendly range of combos. We loved the idly vidli combo (NR 95) and the Upsouth dosa combo (INR 160). If you love spicy, we highly recommend you to try the Upsouth podi crispy dosa for INR 99. For desserts, go for the elaneer mousse for INR 94. They are located in Viman Nagar, Aundh, Wakad and Hinjewadi.

Anna Idli

Sada and masala dosas take a backseat, especially when there's pesarattu, Kanchipuram idli, Maddur vada, bonda soup, thengai sadam, puliyogare, and more on the menu. This Udupi restaurant on Baner road has become a quick go-to for those looking for quality south Indian staples. To truly complete your meal, you must get a plate of sweet pongal and sip on some filter coffee. 

Meal For Two: INR 700

Yumma Swami

Collaborating for the second time, chef Shailaindra and Mrs. Sonal Barmecha have come up with an authentic South Indian restaurant in Pune. Yumma Swami, serves some insanely delicious range of crispy dosas, soft idilis, uttappams and much more. The restaurant has really cool and quirky interiors that give offer a relaxing vibe. They also have an open kitchen where you can see your food being made. Yumma Swami is an excellent choice for all your meals. You can also lunch on their South Indian special thali, which serves around three to four courses and is an easier way to dig into their flavours. We insist you try their onion rawa sadha, which is nothing like your ordinary rawa dosas.  

Madras Tiffin Room

An off-shoot of Savya Rasa, Madras Tiffin Room is comparatively more casual. And, more affordable too! Located near the Koregaon Park Starbucks, this space offers kothu parotta, kara bath, and a variety of dosai, roasts, and fried snacks. You can dig into plates that will fill you up, while the ambience makes this a great space to catch up for a quick lunch. With a few chairs and tables only it's dressed like a cafe you'd love going to.

Meal For Two: INR 400  

Gatti Chutney

Vegetarian and snacky, Gatti Chutney is a spot in Mukund Nagar that's not only serving quality dosas but also went viral on Instagram. You'll find healthier options that have long existed but are only now becoming popular. Hop in for plates of a variety of ragi dosas, podi idli, akki roti, bhat, and more. 

Meal For Two: INR 500

Chopsticks Spice Malabar

An older establishment, Chopsticks Spice Malabar in Viman Nagar has been Pune's go-to for Kerala food for a while. While the ambience has made this a restaurant you'd love to flock to for a well-deserved weekend meal. The food is the hero, of course. You should head here for crab roast, chicken pepper roast, fish polichattu, kadla curry, and avial. If your partner-in-dine isn't a fan of the cuisine, the restaurant also serves Chinese and North Indian mains. 

Meal For Two: INR 1,200

Kerala Restaurant

A small unassuming space across Siddharth Nagar in Khadki, Kerala Restaurant runs like a mess. Serving the mostly Mallu bachelors in the neighbourhood, this space has a limited menu. With rickety chairs and tables, this restaurant is your best bet for home-style meals on a small budget. You'll get fish fry of the day, buff fry, chicken roast, parotta, kothu parotta, and morru (buttermilk). And the best bit? You can enjoy your meal while Mallu rock songs play in the background. 

Meal For Two: INR 300