Vaishali

Vaishali - Pune

How can I start the Pune category with any restaurant other than Vaishali? This is actually not because its my favourite or anything .. but I heed to social pressures. Puneites living outside of Pune always have Vaishali in their list of things they miss - It has a cult status in Pune. However, don’t expect out-of-this-world food or an elitist kind of place. Its more like a mix of nostalgia, atmosphere and food that makes it what it is. Vaishali is for the masses. From the young children with their parents, the college crowd of hip youngsters, to the busy office-goers stopping for a bite and the elderly reminiscing over old times. Its a place to come, eat and enjoy.

The food is undoubtedly good - simple fare - Udipi types - but its also the location (bang on FC road), atmosphere(youthful, relaxing) that makes it such a revered restaurant in Pune. Whats interesting is that it is a very popular hang-out place for a variety of people throughout the day. The tekdi-goers and badminton/tennis players in the mornings, the college crowd in the afternoons and whole families in the late evenings. When in college in Fergusson - right across the road from Vaishali - we have spent many an afternoon at the place sharing a few teacups amongst friends.

Avoid the evenings (especially weekends) if you want to sit at leisure though. There’ll be a considerable wait and you will constantly be under pressure to eat, pay and leave.

On to the food. Being largely an Udipi affair .. its mostly dosa-uttappa-wada that dominates the menu. The sambhar at Vaishali is the best I have ever eaten. Its always piping hot with the right mix of spice, vegetables and tang to it. Have a bit of wada with the spicy, hot sambhar and then soothe your palate with the perfect coconut chutney. Excellent. The SPDP (sev potato dahi puri) is what really made Vaishali famous. But I don’t think its really the best dish there. My personal favourite is the veg cutlet. The cutlet itself is a mix of beetroot and potato and who knows what else, and the green chutney and ketchup that accompany it make for a great combination.

All in all, a visit to Vaishali is always satisfactory.

Recommended: Wada-Sambhar, Veg Cutlet, Mysore Masala Dosa.

Vaishali
Cuisine: Udipi
Food: **** Ambiance Atmosphere: **** Price: $$
Last Visited: Mid 2007