So, which is the best city for food in Tamil Nadu? Well, that’s a debate that can stoke some serious local pride! But Coimbatore definitely tops the list. On a recent visit to O by Tamara, a luxury hotel in the city, I had the chance to taste some of the area’s most famous dishes. Coimbatore is located in the center of the Kongunad region, a part of the south-western belt of Tamil Nadu, which includes cities such as Salem and Erode. O Café, the hotel’s all-day eatery, serves authentic Kongunad flavors with some seriously delicious options.
But Coimbatore’s culinary scene is not just about Kongunad food. Whenever I am in the city, I make sure to visit Annapurna’s famous Ghee Roast Dosa to enjoy the most satisfying filter coffee. Over the past decade, the city’s street food and fine dining scene has evolved in exciting ways. From the unique taste of mushrooms to the crispy butter appam, melt-in-the-mouth Mysore Pak and flavourful biryani made from short grain rice, Coimbatore’s food scene is buzzing. Here are the must-try places!
Here are the 12 best places to eat in Coimbatore
1. Regional Specialties at O Café (O by Tamara)
O Café’s all-day dining menu offers a mix of casual dining and regional favourites. Along with the comforting Arisi Paruppu Sadham, the Chicken Sukkah is a must-try. Don’t miss the popular dessert – Kavunni Arisi Halwa, which is made from black rice.
- Where: O by Tamara, Sakkarai Chettiar Colony, Uppilipalayam
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2. Dosa and filter coffee at Annapurna
This iconic local chain has been serving Coimbatores since the 1960s. Their Ghee Roasted Dosa, along with their famous Sambar, is famous. Other top picks include their Pongal Vada and of course the filter coffee that is guaranteed to wake you up!
- Where: Peelamedu-Padur Road (Opposite KMCH Hospital)
3. Mutton Biryani at Kovai Aangan Biryani House
Kovai Aangan, which has been in existence since 1926, is a must-visit place for biryani lovers. The biryani here is made from short grain rice, and it is nothing short of delicious. Also, try their Kongunad-style Pichu Potta Kozhi Varuval – a mouth-watering shredded chicken dish.
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4. Butter Appam at Tiffin House
Coimbatore has a hold of sorts on appam. This is not your usual soft, fluffy appam – it is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and loaded with butter. This is a dish that you won’t find anywhere else in Tamil Nadu!
- Where: Sambandan Road E, RS Puram
5. Coimbatore Style Mushrooms at Lovely Mushroom Stall
Mushrooms (kaalan in Tamil) are a big thing in Kongunad cuisine, and Coimbatores are seriously nostalgic about them. At Lovely Mushroom Stall, batter-fried mushrooms are marinated in a secret spice and served with all kinds of delicious dishes.
- Where: Raja Annamalai Road, Saibaba Colony
6. Karandi Omelette at Haribhavanam
Karandi (karandi) omelette is a unique local dish, which is cooked quickly in a large ladle to give it a fluffy texture. Haribhavanam is a favorite spot for local favorite dishes including Karandi omelette and other Kongunad dishes.
- Where: Goldwyns, Avinashi Road
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7. Malli Pongal at Sri Anandhas
This popular vegetarian chain serves a variety of daily specials. Don’t miss the Malli (Coriander) Pongal, and if you’re lucky, you might get a chance to try their fan favorite Chiku Kesari. Karupatti Mysore Pak made from palm jaggery is also served in the sweet shop here.
- Where: Lakshmi Mills Junction, Puliyakulam Road
8. Pallipalayam Chicken at Valarmathi Mess
A local institution, Valarmathi Mess, serves one of Kongunad’s most famous dishes: Pallipalayam Chicken. Flavored with spicy spices and prepared with shredded coconut, these crunchy chicken nuggets are packed with flavor.
- Where: CSI Compound, Race Course
9. Eleanor Pudding at Norukkas
Known for its millet-based snacks and sweets, Norukkas is famous for its Elanir Halwa, made with tender coconut water. It’s a refreshing dish that has become a local favorite.
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The Cove is one of Coimbatore’s newest fine dining destinations, and it’s all about progressive cuisine. With a private dining room for exclusive chef’s table menus, this is the place for a truly unique dining experience. Expect dishes like curd rice arancini balls and comforting yam galouti.
- Where: E Arokiasamy Road, RS Puram
11. Sri Krishna Sweets in Mysuru
A trip to Coimbatore would not be complete without trying Mysorepa, a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that originated here. Shri Krishna Sweets is the go-to place for this delicious treat made with ghee and pure bliss.
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12. Potlam Sadam in Rasnai
Located in the trendy Lakshmi Mills compound, Rasnai brings street food from all over South India to Coimbatore. Don’t miss the Rameshwaram-style Potlam Saadam – a one-pot meal consisting of a mixture of rice and meat, wrapped in a banana leaf.
- Where: Lakshmi Mills Compound, Avinashi Road
Coimbatore’s food scene is full of unique flavours, and these places are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you want a comforting dosa, a spicy biryani, or something sweet to finish your meal, Coimbatore’s culinary attractions are there for you!
