This is for the information of all keralites new to Pune and is desparately looking for Kerala Cusine.
I reached Pune during March 2004 and explored two restaurents. One was "Malabar Hills" in Korehgaon Park which is a history now. But I would like to place on record the best time I spent there. They used to have fantastic ambience where food was served on "Erumadam" (I dont know the exact Enlgish of the same - but these are huts supported by very long poles and you have to climb up to reach the hut.).
The other one being "Southern Spice" in the beginning of Dhole Patil Road after the Main Road Entrance of Ruby Hall Clinic.
No wonder - the food you get here is as good or better than what you get at Kerala also. But ofcourse, I have seen deterioaration in quality during last three years. And the best recommendation from my side is to go for "Rice Thali" which is available from 12.30 to 2.00 PM. You can have thali with beef curry, chicken curry, Veg thali, Mutton curry or Crab. The price ranges from Rs.60/- to Rs.100/- per plate. The quantity is limited. You can have choice of Kerala Ring Paratha / Appam with White rice / Brown rice , Rasam / Butter milk along with the special dish you choose and other kerala side dishes like a bit of "thoran", pickle, pappadam etc. You can taste everything in a limited quantity but for any normal person, it is filling. If you are a regular customer (definition being the face which the manager or owner rememebrs) he will not hesitate to offer more rice once in a blue moon. (no guarantee on this - I was one among the few who got this privilege).
I have introduced many non keralites to this shop and everybody liked it.
My personal bad experience is that - sometimes they lose track of the customers in que. During day time for thali, certain days there will be rush and if you come alone - they might keep you waiting for long time as for one person occupying a full table does not help their business.
All together - I strongly recommend this for all "Mallus"
Also, behidn the Khadki Railway Station on the road towards Spicer Collge (dont drive towards Spicer - it is on the sharp turn exactly behind khadki station in the spicer college road) you will find a Kerala restaurent (a 100% local hotel) which is poor mens’ paradise. You will get parippu vada, Uzhunnu vada, dosa, ring paratha, beef, rice thali etc etc their. You can go there once in every two months but it is a real paradise for those mallus who are students, who just started their career and want to save money. Also, you will find large number of labourers etc. also using this restaurent.
Well, thats all about kerala cusine from pune.
For any further information, post a comment - I will be replying to that!