A Food Lover's Guide To Kodaikanal: Where To Eat, Sip And Snack

Kodaikanal has always been the kind of hill station that feels familiar even on your first visit. The cool air, the slow mornings, and the winding lake road make it an easy pick for travellers from Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore and beyond. But Kodai is not just about viewpoints and pine forests. It has a quietly evolving food scene that mixes old favourites with new cafés, Middle Eastern menus, heritage kitchens and gourmet bakeries. Whether you're stopping for hot chocolate after a long walk or settling into a cosy bistro after a day of exploring, food becomes part of the Kodai experience almost without trying. This guide brings you the best dining spots, plus a few food-focused travel tips to help plan your next holiday.

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What Makes Kodaikanal A Great Destination For Food Lovers

Photo: Unsplash

Here are four reasons why a Kodai trip often turns into a food trip without even trying:

1. The weather makes everything taste better.

From soups and hot chocolate to biryani and parathas, the chill in the air naturally pulls you towards comfort food.

2. A mix of iconic cafés and new gourmet kitchens.

Kodai blends old-school bakeries with modern menus, so you can find everything from falafel to sourdough to home-style North Indian.

3. Locally grown produce.

Organic coffee, homemade chocolates, cheese and hill spices appear across menus and make great edible souvenirs.

4. Scenic food stops along popular routes.

From cafés overlooking Dolphin's Nose to bakeries near the 7-road junction, many eateries double up as mini viewpoints.

Best Dining Spots In Kodaikanal

1. At the heart of it all – Ten Degrees

Photo: Ten Degrees

Almost everything in Kodaikanal converges at the 7-road junction. Ten Degrees is located at this location and takes its name from Kodaikanal's location (10.23 degrees North). The cosy interiors complement a wide array of comfort plates that include everything from South Indian to European cuisine. Asian favourites like the lemon chicken are a favourite with locals while we keep going back for their signature desserts like the Tres Leches cake.

Location: PT Road (near 7-road junction)

2. For the views – Altaf Cafe

Photo: Altaf Cafe

A popular spot with road trippers and bikers, Altaf is worth checking out just for the sweeping views. Located on the way to Dolphin's Nose viewpoint, this Middle Eastern restaurant offers the perfect menu to comfort you on a typical chilly Kodaikanal day. Think pancakes, falafel plates, egg sandwiches and a sinful hot chocolate.

Location: Dolphin Nose Road, Vattakanal

3. Buffet mode – Le Poshe Kodaikanal

Photo Credit: Le Poshe Kodaikanal

There's nothing more satisfying than a large dinner buffet spread after a day full of treks and local adventures. The all-day diner at Le Poshe offers one of Kodai's largest buffet spreads with multiple live counters. From a fail-proof biryani to international favourites, this family-friendly buffet is loaded with comfort food options at a convenient location.

Location: Sivanandi Road

4. Gourmet cravings at George's Gourmet Kitchen Cafe

Photo: George's Gourmet Kitchen Cafe

One of Kodai's popular gourmet dining hotspots, GGK Cafe offers great options for breakfast and lunch. Located along the drive to the iconic Kodaikanal Golf Course, GGK's breakfast plates include bagels, sourdough bread. We'd also recommend their gourmet pizzas and seasonal, homemade ice creams.

Location: Golf Course Road

5. A slice of history – The Tamara Kodai

Photo Credit: The Tamara Kodai

Baynes Bungalow was one of the first large houses to be built in Kodaikanal. This heritage building dates back to the 1840s and has been transformed into the Tamara, one of Kodai's premium addresses. Bistro 1845, the resort's French bistro and bar, offers a smattering of European and Asian dishes. You can choose from indoor and outdoor seating options at this vintage-themed resto-bar.

Location: St. Mary's Road

6. Home-style meals at Tava

One of Kodai's OG comfort food zones, Tava has remained a favourite with backpackers and families alike. This affordable vegetarian eatery offers home-style North Indian cuisine in a quick service environment. Expect ghee slathered parathas and a delish dal tadka and bhindi masala.

Location: PT Road (near 7-road junction)

7. Coffee and cake at The Pulney Hills Café

It's just a Kodai thing. Those sudden hunger pangs or snack cravings fuelled by the balmy weather. Located near the 7-road junction, this cosy café is just the spot for coffee and cake almost any time of day. Choose from their home roasted and brewed organic coffee blends and delish cakes. Their carrot cake is a house favourite.

Location: PT Road (near 7-road junction)

Food and Travel Tips for Your Kodai Trip

Photo: Unsplash

1. Pair your food stops with viewpoints.

Altaf Café works perfectly after a Dolphin's Nose trek, while GGK is ideal after a scenic drive towards the golf course.

2. Evenings get chilly, so choose cosy cafés after sundown.

Pulney Hills Café and Ten Degrees are both great evening stops for coffee, soup or dessert.

3. Try at least one buffet if you're travelling with family.

Le Poshe is convenient if your itinerary includes sightseeing and you want an easy dinner option.

4. Stock up on local coffee and chocolate.

Most cafés sell their own blends, and these make better souvenirs than keychains or candles.

5. Parking can get tight around PT Road.

Walk between cafés and shops in this area to avoid the weekend traffic.

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So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Kodaikanal today!