Banana Leaf Cafe — Restaurant in Pune

Today I enjoyed most authentic breakfast from God's Own Country, Kerala in Pune. For years, I was searching for a good Kerala food joints outside Kerala (& yearning for authentic Kerala dishes like Puttu, Kadla Curry, Appam, Veg stew etc). Finally, my search and tapasya for several years ended in a small authentic Kerala cafe on Salunkhe Vihar Road, Pune.

Banana Leaf Cafe is a small restaurant serving authentic Kerala (& South Indian) food since 0700 am to 1000 pm. When I discovered this place while on early morning walk, I decided to try it and just to check whether it is really authentic Kerala food joint (as all staff was maharashtrian & people eating poha there), I decided to order Puttu & Appam with Kadala (black chikpea) Curry. To my wonder, when steaming Puttu with Kadala Curry arrived on table after 15 minutes, just by the look at it and enjoying the fragrance of same, I knew, I am at a restaurant, which is authentically from God's Own Country.

Taste was amazing, quality was very good and service was exceptional.

All the dishes are at very affordable price and pocket friendly.  The restaurant, though being very small is well-maintained, and offers a clean & with cozy atmosphere.

Ended the lovely breakfast with double strong Filter Coffee (Kofi). The experience was so authentic and satisfying that I decided in future, whenever I yearn for Puttu or Appam or Banana Fritters (vaazhappazham) or idiyappam in Pune, Banana Leaf Cafe will be my first and only choice (in next visit, going to try idiyappam & Vaazhappazham...

Edit 19th Jan: Today i visited them again after a long gap... always such passive aggressive service... really rude and nasty. So disappointing ya.

Lovely idea and unique menu... Kerala food is not easy to find at economical rates. So I was really happy this place opened even if it's only vegetarian.

But the food and snacks are almost never fresh... even if you go early morning - especially the stew and curry. What are these people thinking? The people who run the place are full of excuses instead of understanding that customers come to this type of joint for fresh food.

They claim that everything is fresh, but my stomach is really hurting after my last visit. I had the stew... and it looked like it had been reheated way too many times.

I hope the management knows how to take feedback and take interest in serving only fresh food. I mean they've just opened and they're already serving old food? Wonder what will happen later.

Edit: Reply to Banana Leaf Cafe I appreciate the tone of your reply. But challenging a customer's actual experience of seeing and tasting extremely thick stew with the veggies falling apart... and more importantly, feeling sick immediately after eating... may not be the wisest way to respond. Most restaurants have to make certain foods / bases in advance... but this has to be managed well. Though honestly, I still don't understand why you cannot serve freshly fried wadas and fritters? Why do they need to sit on the counter? But I do appreciate your food to some extent - especially the...

Banana Leaf is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts! This small yet charming restaurant-cafe boasts a warm host and impeccable food quality. I highly recommend the Appam and Veg Stew; it's a delightful treat for your taste buds. Don't miss out on the Banana Leaf Special Dosa – a must-try with its unique flavors that set it apart. And to top it off, the filter coffee is simply amazing! A perfect blend of hospitality and exceptional cuisine, Banana Leaf is a culinary experience worth savoring. If you're in Pune-Wanworie area and craving authentic Kerala flavors, Banana Leaf is the go-to spot!" Can’t wait to review remaining items in my...