Early this year, I had the opportunity to work remotely from Auroville. This spiritual township near Pondicherry is a popular haven for digital nomads. If you’re from Bangalore, Chennai, or nearby and have a few days off, Auroville can be a good place to visit.
My week there was a mixed bag compared to the hype. I personally found it to be somewhat overrated. Everything was expensive, the food was mediocre, and many cafes covered by travel bloggers turned out to be overpriced.
However, if you want to visit this French-inspired town known for its less-than-stellar baguettes and cakes, here are some spots where you can enjoy decent food while burning a hole in your wallet.
Solar Kitchen
Solar Kitchen is a community kitchen of Auroville Ashram. This place serves meals to various schools in the area. Its name comes from the big solar bowl that provides part of the steam used for cooking.
They serve around 1,000 vegetarian meals per day and are open only for lunch, from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM. If you plan to visit, make sure that you call and book your meal in advance (Phone No: 0413-2622197). A meal costs Rs. 210 for adults and Rs. 90 for kids. Solar Kitchen also offers meal coupons costing Rs. 3,000 per month for lunch.
Though I haven’t been there myself, I’ve heard that the food is fairly average and the volunteers can be quite rude to Indian visitors.
Solitude Farm
One of the eight organic farms within Auroville, Solitude Farm is a self-sustained operation that also runs a café. They serve organic meals for breakfast and lunch, using fresh produce from the farm each day. It’s a great spot for smoothies and juices.
However, the experience can be hit-or-miss. The young volunteers working there can be quite careless and slow with orders.
There are no charging points available, and if you spend too much time, someone might ask you to leave. The charming concept is ideal for foreigners who these volunteers are nice to.
Visitors Centre Dreamer’s Café
It is one of the few restaurants inside the visitor’s center complex that serves non-vegetarian food. Dreamer’s Café is open until 9:00 PM, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s also one of the few cafes in Auroville where you’ll get free WiFi.
Try their coffee and buns or you can also try some of their South Indian delicacies. A friendly cat roams the café, and will play with you if you have friendly vibes.
The staff is warm and welcoming, though service can be slow but it will enough time to spend there. Located right in the Visitors Centre, it tends to be quite crowded.
Right Path Cafe
Also located inside the Visitors Centre, Right Path Cafe is less crowded and popular among foreigners. It serves snacks like tea, coffee, samosas, sandwiches, cakes, and ice creams, and is open until 9 PM. The staff is very friendly and nice. It seating is in an open courtyard which is nice for a change.
Neem Tree
Located close to Solar Kitchen, Neem Tree is a nice spot for relaxing and hanging out. Surrounded by the greenery, it offers a laid-back vibe. This restaurant is open until 9 PM.
The menu features a variety of reasonably priced items, from soups and juices to delicious wraps. In the evenings, they also serve chaat. However, be prepared for slow service, which is common in Auroville. You might find yourself waiting up to 20 minutes in line just to place your order.
Aneeta’s Kitchen
If you’re craving North Indian food and non-veg options, Aneeta’s Kitchen is a great choice. Their chicken fried rice is a must try. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a forest-like ambiance surrounded by trees.
Tanto Pizzeria
Tanto Pizzeria offers a delightful open-air setting that adds to its charm. Although the lack of indoor seating can make it less comfortable in the afternoon heat. They serve authentic, wood-fired oven pizzas made with fresh ingredients. It’s a great spot to work from during lunchtime. The restaurants is on an expensive side. Don’t miss out on their pastries and desserts, which are as delicious as the pizza.
Goyo, Korean Silent Restaurant
As the name suggests, Goyo is a silent restaurant, making it less ideal for remote work or taking calls. It offers a unique opportunity for mindful eating, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors and textures of the food. Be sure to pre-book your table, as it tends to be very crowded.
Gelato Factory
Gelato Factory offers an impressive range of both vegan and regular gelato flavors. There are 18 vegan options like hazelnut, pistachio, chocolate orange, stracciatella, and various sorbets. Run by a warm Italian couple, it’s a fantastic spot to relax with friends or work from. The hazelnut gelato is highly recommended by me.
Hope Café
Hope Café is a delightful vegetarian spot. Everything is tasty and comes with generous portions. I tried their Mediterranean pizza, which was excellent. The staff is very friendly, and the café is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a pleasant place to work or relax. In the evening, the dimly lit interior with cozy lighting and comfortable seating creates a nice atmosphere. Friendly pet cats add to the welcoming vibe. The Instagram-worthy interiors make it a great place for photos.
Auroville Bakery & Café
One of the oldest café in Auroville, Auroville Bakery & Café opens at 6:30 AM to start baking its cakes. The cakes are so delicious that they often sell out by afternoon. Their hot chocolate is heavenly, and the aroma of freshly baked bread will only increase your hunger. It’s one of the best outdoor cafés in Auroville. You can spend some time working from here.
Pangaea Café
Pangaea Café boasts extravagant décor and charming ceramics that I absolutely loved. The hospitality is top-notch, and their hummus and falafel are particularly delicious. The décor is inviting, with delicate touches and well-curated music enhancing the ambiance. They also offer a selection of regular coffees and cold brews, making it a well-rounded spot to enjoy a great meal or a drink.
Must Avoid Cafes and Eateries in Auroville
Satchitananda Raw Food Restaurant
Satchitananda Raw Food Restaurant could be a nice choice depending on your eating preferences but it is not a place where you’d want to open your laptop. The food here is entirely raw. If you’re not accustomed to raw food, it might not sit well with your digestive system. It’s best to skip this place for potential adverse reactions if you’re not used to this type of diet.
La Terrace Café
La Terrace Café offers a delightful mix of continental and a touch of Indian cuisine, mainly focusing on breakfast. Sadly the payments can only be made with an Aurocard, so it’s accessible mainly to Ashram residents and guests. Traditional cash or card payments are not accepted.
I have heard that they have done so in order to only get foreigners who come here to volunteer at the Ashram.
Bread and Chocolate
Bread and Chocolate is often considered one of the most overhyped spots in Auroville. If you’re planning a coffee marathon, it might suit your needs, but otherwise, it’s best avoided. The staff can be extremely pretentious, and the service is pretty slow. The space is super-crowded, and one staff member even monitors how quickly you eat, asking you to leave as soon as you finish.
Marc’s Cafe
The staff literally asked me to leave as I opened my laptop so I guess they don’t really welcome remote workers, but they didn’t even let me finish my coffee for which I had paid.
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