The review was anonymously done after paying for the meal.

Till I went to Madikeri this time, I had only heard of the delicious Kodagu cuisine, especially their iconic Pandi curry. Despite my efforts to experience the delights of this cuisine, I had so far been most unsuccessful in doing so. Restaurants in Delhi NCR or Bangalore of even the most acclaimed restaurant “Coorgi Cuisine” at Madikeri had not delivered on the taste experience. That is till I met a local who promised to take me to where food is really food and has the seal of approval of the local Kodavas.

The first rule of finding good food in Coorg, the local gent explains, is to look for it in bars and not restaurants catering to tourists. Two, look away from fancy names that have the word Coorg in it and fancy ethnic décor, and go for names that sound down to earth and have basic and well lived interiors.

True to his own gyaan, he takes us to a bar reassuringly named Hotel New Church Side, with dingy, not well lit interiors, and tough men chugging down dark drinks. We settle in and ordered some beer to start the evening.

The menu is a typical bar one that can be found anywhere in the country with a surfeit of fried thingies. But hidden among those dishes were three gems. Pork chilly fry (Rs 85) is the first dish we order. It is cooked to perfection and has just the right amount of perfectly yielding fat. 

Pandi (Pork) curry (Rs 95) has the unmistakable hit of freshly ground pepper and cinnamon, and really is to die for.  Akki roti (Rs 10) makes a perfect accompaniment.

I insist on meeting the chef who has made such superb dishes. A shy looking Gundappa is forced to appear, who appears both embarrassed and pleased with all the compliments he gets.

Much recommended if you happen to be a porcoholic who happens to be visiting Madikeri!

Ratings (Out of 5)  

Food: 4.5 | Ambience: 3.0 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.5 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.500 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: No

Address: Temple Road | GT Circle Omkareshwara, Madikeri  571201, India

Tel: +91 82722 25498