Must try restaurants in Coorg | Heritage food tour in Madikeri #coorg #coorgtrip

Summary

Explore the charming hill station of Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka, through a journey to its unique cafes and restaurants. From Ainmane, offering aromatic Coorgi coffee and spices, to Raintree with its warm hospitality and Coorgi delicacies, the video highlights authentic experiences. Visit The Wheel Cafe for a cozy, relaxing atmosphere and Belli’s Homestay & Restaurant for a taste of history and traditional cuisine. This video invites viewers to savor the rich flavors and heritage of Coorg while sharing their experiences and discovering hidden gems in this picturesque region.

Takeaways

• 😀 Madikeri, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a picturesque hill station known for its lush hills, coffee plantations, and waterfalls, making it an ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore.
• 😀 Ainmane Café in Madikeri offers a variety of Coorgi coffee, including Arabica and Robusta, and is famous for its authentic Coorgi spices like sun-dried pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• 😀 Ainmane is also known for its handmade chocolates and is a great place to purchase Coorg's spices to take home.
• 😀 Raintree Café is set in the historical Belliappa House, where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed. The café offers a range of North Indian, South Indian, and Coorgi specialties, including mutton curry and akki roti.
• 😀 Raintree Café is pet-friendly and offers ample parking space, making it a great family-friendly destination.
• 😀 The Wheel Café provides a peaceful, cozy atmosphere with various seating options, including indoor sofas, outdoor tables, and rooms with books and board games. It's perfect for a quiet, leisurely afternoon.
• 😀 The Wheel Café emphasizes community-building and promotes a sense of togetherness among visitors while offering a variety of food and beverages.
• 😀 Belli’s Homestay and Restaurant is housed in a century-old building blending German and Coorgi architecture. It offers authentic Coorgi dishes like kadambattu and chicken curry, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
• 😀 The unique history of Belli’s Homestay, once home to a German missionary, adds to the charm of the restaurant, and visitors can learn more about the place’s heritage from the staff.
• 😀 The script emphasizes that these Coorgi establishments go beyond just food, preserving the local heritage and providing a nostalgic experience, with an inviting atmosphere for both locals and tourists.

Q & A

What is the significance of Madikeri in Karnataka?

Madikeri, the district headquarters of Coorg (Kodagu), is a captivating hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is known for its lush forest-covered hills, emerald coffee plantations, and cascading waterfalls, making it a popular weekend getaway.

What makes Ainmane in Madikeri unique?

Ainmane is a beloved café in Madikeri, known for offering a diverse selection of Coorg's coffee varieties, such as Arabica and Robusta. It also serves authentic Coorgi spices like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Additionally, it’s a place to purchase high-quality spices, including sun-dried pepper, which my family has been using for years.

How do the coffee varieties at Ainmane differ?

Ainmane offers two types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are milder and more aromatic, while Robusta beans have a stronger, bolder flavor. Both types of coffee are grown locally in Coorg's renowned Hardoor estate.

What is the history behind Raintree café and restaurant?

Raintree was founded in 2010 by three friends who were deeply connected to Coorg’s culture. The café is housed in the historic Belliappa House, a century-old traditional Coorgi house that once hosted Mahatma Gandhi during his journey to Kodagu.

What dishes are recommended at Raintree?

At Raintree, it’s highly recommended to try the Coorg-style mutton curry and akki roti, which pair beautifully with steam rice. Additionally, the signature dessert, elaneer payasham (a coconut milk-based pudding), is a must-try.

What is unique about the atmosphere at The Wheel Cafe?

The Wheel Cafe offers a tranquil and cozy atmosphere, with various seating options like indoor sofas, floor mattresses, and a room with books and board games. The café’s nostalgic setting encourages guests to slow down and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

What types of food can be found at The Wheel Cafe?

The Wheel Cafe serves a range of dishes including breakfast items, pasta, sandwiches, rice, appetizers, and beverages. The café’s menu is designed to enhance a relaxed dining experience.

What is the historical significance of Belli's Homestay?

Belli’s Homestay is located in a house with significant history, originally built by German missionary Herman Moegling in 1853. Moegling later constructed the first Protestant Church and school in Madikeri. The property has been transformed into a homestay and restaurant, preserving a blend of German and Coorgi architecture.

What are some Coorgi specialties offered at Belli's Homestay?

Belli's Homestay offers authentic Coorgi dishes such as Noolputtu (rice noodles), Kadambattu (steamed rice balls), and various curries made with pork, mutton, or chicken. These dishes provide a true taste of Coorg’s culinary heritage.

How does Belli’s Homestay combine historical and modern elements?

Belli’s Homestay combines historical elements, like its German-Coorgi architectural blend, with modern amenities, such as air conditioning. This contrast serves as a reminder of the changing world, while still embracing the rich cultural history of Coorg.