Flavor Blaster Cocktail. Edible bubbles, fragrant haze and a smoky cloud before you actually taste your cocktail. I tried it not in Delhi or Bangalore for the first time but at Cove, the newest fine dining destination in Coimbatore. KOVE, a progressive vegetarian stand-alone restaurant with a fully stocked bar, is a testament to the fact that the food scene of Coimbatore has come a long way in less than a decade.
Tamil Nadu’s second city has many faces – South India’s Manchester, an auto component hub and now an IT and ITeS hotspot. It is also at the heart of the erstwhile Kongunad region, which was once a fiefdom of the mighty Chera dynasty with its own unique culinary identity within Tamil Nadu cuisine. Until a few decades ago, the city’s food scene was dominated by local South Indian restaurant chains like Annapurna. While they continue to expand, the city’s changing demographic and spending power have given rise to an array of restaurants and cafes that will leave you spoiled for choice:
1. Cove:
An amalgamation of Kovai (or Coimbatore) and Love, KOVE is a bold move by the Annapurna Group that proves that fine dining restaurants are no longer just the preserve of Tier-1 metros in India. The interiors are elegant, with fabric ceiling panels paying homage to the city’s textile heritage. There is a private dining room for the special chef’s table menu – a first in town. The menu is a mix of progressive signatures such as Curd Rice Arancini Balls and comfort food such as Yum Galouti or Baked Brie. The restaurant has a fine selection of artisanal cocktails – the Scarlet Lady with a hint of caramel and popcorn syrup and popped corn kernels is a must try.
Where: East Arokiyasamy Road, RS Purami
Cove, Coimbatore
2. French Door:
It might remind you of the French Quarter that was once Ville Blanche (White Town) in Pondicherry. Coimbatore’s most Instagrammed door takes you to an intimate cafe and restaurant that is perfect for a lazy lunch or any time snack. The interiors are simple yet elegant and create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Their breads are the best in town and are a main ingredient in some of their popular dishes like bruschetta and mushroom crostini.
Where: West Bashyagaralu Road, RS Puram
3. Haribhavanam:
There are not many places in the city where you can enjoy the local Kongunad specialties in a pleasing atmosphere. This is one reason to visit one of the Haribhavanam branches across the city. The menu leans towards the cuisines of Tamil Nadu and is very complete. I’d recommend the restaurant’s Pallipalayam Chicken, a savory dish that combines shredded chicken with shredded coconut. You can wash it down with a bottle of traditional pill (marble) soda. Don’t go without trying their extra tall glass of falooda.
Where: Goldwins, Avinashi Rd.
4. Welcome Cafe Kovai at Welcome Hotel Coimbatore:
ITC’s WelcomeHotel One of the finest addresses in the city, the hotel showcases Coimbatore’s rich textile heritage with cleverly placed props and abstract prints in almost all rooms and public areas. Welcome Café Kovai, the hotel’s all-day diner, finds a balance between international and pan-India signatures, but it’s the regional cuisine that shines here. South Indian breakfast staples are done right (their multi-grain dosa and fluffy idli are worth checking out) with home-style dishes such as kare kati kola urundai (minced mutton balls), plenty of restaurants Things go well.
Where: WelcomeHotel, Race Course Road
Welcome Cafe, Coimbatore
5. Annapurna:
An AP for most locals, this is one of the city’s best-known home restaurant brands that has been around since the 1960s. I can’t think of many places where I have eaten more delicious Ghee Roast Dosa. This is one of their signature any time additions to their Pongal Vada and invigorating filter coffee. If three generations of Coimbatore residents swear by one more thing, it is Annapurna Sambhar.
Where: Peelamedu-Padur Road (opposite KMCH Hospital)
6. La Cabana, Park Elanza Hotel:
one of the city’s only al-fresco rooftop restaurants and bars; Perfect for enjoying the mild climate of Coimbatore for most of the year. This is a popular choice for an after-hours meet up with your coworkers and is perfect for a quiet dinner for two. Their tandoori starters are a popular choice and so are their sizzlers. The dessert menu has some nice surprises like paan and gulkand cheesecake.
Where: Dr. Nanjappa Road, Ram Nagar.
La Cabana, Coimbatore
7. SHRI ANAND:
One of the most popular vegetarian chain restaurants in Coimbatore. Watch daily specials like Malli (Coriander) Pongal and a variety of Rava Kesari (Sheera); The chikoo kesari is our favorite. Their filter coffee is amazing. Their sweet shops that are part of the restaurant offer a variety of namkeens and sweets including the delicious Karupatti Mysore Pak which is made from palm jaggery.
Where: Lakshmi Mills Junction, Puliyakulam Road.
8. Birds on Trees:
This is one of the most photogenic restaurants in Coimbatore which is located in the swish Race Course Road neighborhood. There are outdoor seating options, including a rooftop dining area. Most of the locals swear by their selection of European food and the popular North Indian signatures that I saw on my last trip.
Where: Race Course Road
Birds on Trees, Coimbatore
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