Pondicherry’s vibrant French colonial influence sets it apart from its sister South Indian cities, and this applies to its cuisines, which are a delightful mélange of French and Tamil cooking that is sure to set the tastebuds alight with flavours. This fusion cuisine is a regular offering on the menus at most of the quality options for Pondicherry accommodation including the Hotel Atithi, which is a choice option of Pondicherry hotel to host your stay here. Look forward to sampling some delicious Pondi cuisine, with seafood being a prime option at this coastal locale. Some local favourites that are a hit with the expatriate populations are the prawns masala, prawn bajji, fried fish, prawn fitters and crab curry. A popular mode of preparing fish dishes is to pop it in the oven and roast it with cloves for an earthy and satisfying meal. French onion soup is another popular lunch-time treat with salad and other sides presenting a regular feature on most menus. The chilly monsoon seasons see hearty seafood and vegetarian bisques rising in popularity. Smoked eggplant is another hit in the cuisine scene, as are the stuffed cabbage, capsicum, and potato creations presented in a variety of ways. The soy dosas and pancakes are excellent vegetarian options that are unique to Pondi.