A Clean, Simple Breakfast Spot That Surprised Me in the Best Way
We stopped by Pai Restaurant in Gokarna for an early breakfast on our second day of the trip — and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The place has a no-frills, clean setup that instantly feels local and comforting. From the outside, it's modest, but inside it’s bright, decently spacious, and tidy, with a casual seating arrangement that works well for a quick, hearty meal.
What stood out to me most was spotting samosas being served for breakfast — something I’d never encountered before! As a lifelong samosa lover, I couldn’t resist, and I’m so glad I tried them — crisp on the outside, warm and flavorful inside. A fun, unexpected start to the day.
We also ordered classic South Indian tiffin items like dosa, vada, and idli — all freshly prepared and satisfying. The pricing was very reasonable, making it a good budget-friendly choice for travelers or anyone looking for a no-nonsense meal.
The only area where it could improve was the attitude of the staff — they were professional, but a bit more warmth or friendliness would’ve elevated the experience further.
All in all, Pai Restaurant delivers what it promises: good, clean food at fair prices — and with a samosa twist that made our...
Read moreVery Bad Experience
This was honestly the worst veg fried rice I’ve ever had. It was super oily and full of sauce. We took just two bites of the rice and left it.We complained to the older man at the counter, but he was rude and unprofessional. He just said, “We serve it like that only,” which was very disappointing.
The kitchen didn’t look clean at all — we even saw someone sneeze into the pan while cooking. It didn’t seem like there were any trained chefs either.
We also ordered Mushroom Biryani, but it had more peppercorns than mushrooms. The raita tasted really bad and seemed like it had been kept in the fridge for days.
The food is overpriced, and the quantity is very less. Overall, a really bad experience. As there is no negative star rating hence giving 1 start. I wouldn’t recommend this...
Read morePAI restaurant: An Unforgettable Recommendation I got this tip from a local police officer, and wow, did it pay off? Yess!!!! Absolutely, stepping into PAI felt like a trip back in time, with its charming, rustic decor and a vibe that was both historical and incredibly cozy. The food was pure comfort and flavorful. I instantly fell head over heels for their banana buns—they were unbelievably soft and delicious, especially when paired with the rich saagu and coconut chutney. The veg pulao was more like a savory fried rice, but it tasted nice. If you go, do yourself a favor and get the buns. They are an absolute showstopper and a must-try. This place is a gem, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a truly heartwarming...
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