The Punekar: 5 Underrated Eateries in Pune

This article was published on The Punekar.

Butter crepe at Yogi Tree

When an outsider questions you about some of the most popular places to eat in Pune, what’s your response? I bet the regulars – High Spirits, Tertullia and Malaka Spice figure in your recommendations. But, let’s see and experience beyond the usual and open up a wider window of taste and flavours! We draw up a list of some eateries in town that serve great tasting fare with or without the ambiance.

Chai and Bun-Maska

The city’s favourite tea snack is the Bun-Muska. Over time, we have been conditioned to associate Chai with Vohuman Café. Yes, it is a buzzing little place popular for its owner’s eccentricities and double omelet. But, have you visited Café Yezdan yet? Born in 1964, this Irani café is an important fragment of Pune’s food heritage. A tiny open kitchen doles out Omelet,Bhurji, Chai and a lot more. And yes, they slather as much fat on bread as their other counterparts in the city do.

Café Yezdan: Sachapir Street, opposite Dorajbee Restaurant, Camp

Chinese…and Sushi

Feel like donning chopsticks and eating some Oriental fare? No, don’t go to Chinese Room or Mainland China for the umpteenth time! Try out Soy. This restaurant serves some great Chinese and Japanese food. Yes, Japanese as well. Soy works brilliantly if you are craving for Sushi but are tight on the pocket. Some dishes we recommend are Sui Mai, Man Tao, Fried Asparagus Sushi and Corn Curd Salt and Pepper.

Soy: Le Royce Hotel, Bund Garden Road

Chow in the Calm

The next time you meet a friend for a meal in Koregaon Park, make Yogi Tree your venue. It is one of those few spots in this bustling area where you can dine in the quiet. This secluded indoor-cum-alfresco restaurant is frill-free decor wise, but its lip-smacking food attracts foreigners from the Osho Ashram. Try their Butter Crepes, Risotto, Aglio-e-Olio Pasta and Brown Bread Sandwiches. You’ll thank us later!

Yogi Tree: Lane A, Off North Main Road, Koregaon Park

Coastal Curries

We know we have some Mahesh Lunch Home fans here, but for some hot Appams and delectable Stew, visit Coconut Grove. Spicy, some items are not for the faint-hearted. You must also sample their Malwani curries, Fish preparations and dainty Neer Dosas!

Coconut Grove: Ambedkar Bhavan, Mangalwar Peth, Camp

Chatpata Chaat

Where do most Chaat-lovers in the city flock to? The chaatwala in their local neighborhood of course! Once in a while, leave your comfort zone and drive to a very busy street next to Shivaji Market in Camp to visit Jai Shankar Pani-puri Wala. Business started off four decades ago on a simple cart on the very same road; today they have a small space with seating, albeit cramped. Servers in uniforms treat guests to Pani Puri with their gloved hands. Their SPDP and Dahi Wadas are a must-try!

Jai Shankar: Babajaan Chowk, Camp

INSIDE THE GO CHEESE FACTORY

Last weekend, I got a unique opportunity to visit Gowardhan Cheese Factory in Manchar district, a good two hour drive from Pune city. The owning home-grown company Parag Milk Foods brand portfolio includes Gowardhan and GO boasting of a range of dairy products that have been retailed across Mumbai and Pune over the last decade. I first started using their yoghurt when the local kirana store ran out of my usual preference of Amul , Danone and Britannia . One spoon of it and I instantly found it so fresh, light and 'unprocessed'. I have always loved cheese but now I even prefer it over chocolate. So when I was scheduled to visit the GO factory, it bore semblance to winning the golden ticket and entering glistening gates to its factory much like the popular Roald Dahl 's Charlie . Except that it was not all that dramatic!

An Immersive Stay at Andaz Amsterdam

I have stayed at some great hotels, but none were like the Andaz Amsterdam . None of them. No hotel has impressed me as much as this Hyatt brand of hotel has. It's so good, it warrants an entire blog post. And here is why - right from the word check-in, you're really made to feel like you've stepped into a little slice of Amsterdam . The hotel is located on one of the hottest streets in Amsterdam called Prinsengracht, a street along the city's most prestigious canal. A lot of the city's attractions are a short walk away. The hotel is designed by the famous Dutch designer Marcel Wanders . So no wonder hints of this vibrant old city of Amsterdam peek out from the interiors to induct you into Dutch culture. The lobby was stunning - with its prominently blue interiors, there was a touch of quirk everywhere. From the very high ceiling is suspended an enormous artsy lighting-cum-chandelier installation. Above each reception desk there are huge white bell-shap

Restaurant Review | Where Else Cafe & Bar

Where Else promises to be unique in Viman Nagar, a neighbourhood already brimming with so many eateries. Four young friends came together to put their love for food and travel experiences in a melting pot called ‘Where Else’. This new café and bar is the brainchild of sibling duo Ardesh and Daisy Rustomjee and best friend duo Amritha Shrikumar and Sweta Jobanputra. These Viman Nagar residents have been firsthand witnesses to the rise of new eateries in their locality. With ‘Where Else’ they aim to fill in the void of a place that offers all-day breakfast and good quality indulgent food. We drove to the outlet in its first week of opening to find out if ‘Where Else’ is the place to be.

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