Veejay, model, anchor, film star Keith Sequeira calls himself a hardcore foodie. He’d travel to the end of the world for all things sumptuous and scrumptious. When not shooting for Heavy Petting series on NDTV or promoting his soon-to-be-released film Sixteen, Sequeira digs around for good food. Here he picks his 5 faves from Pune.
Blue Nile
Where: Bund Garden Road
What: Iranian Biryani
When it comes to biryani, I am a die-hard fanatic. That is why my visits to Pune are never complete unless I stop off at the Blue Nile for a taste of their Iranian Biryani. This dish is absolutely irresistible and just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Its rice is just the right consistency, so is the ratio of succulent meat to the dish. Trust me, this Iranian Biryani is authentic because of the plentitude of Bawajis in the area and their secret recipes.
Flambos
Where: Near INOX Multiplex
What: Chocolate Ganache
Guess, when God was making me, he happily packed a sweet tooth! That love for all things sinfully sweet takes me to Flambos where I head straight to the dessert section of the menu. And the most irresistible item on the Flambos menu is oh!so decadent baked Chocolate Ganache in bon bon. Chocolate ganache bon bon in rich filo pastry served with chocolate sauce, ice cream and toasted almond is worth dying for.
Olive Bar and Kitchen
Where: Pune Club Ground
What: Beetroot salad and woodfire pizza
A new find in Pune at the Pune Club Grounds, Olive Bar and Kitchen is as beautiful to look at as it is to sample their eclectic menu. I have been to Olive in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi and this latest edition to the Olive family is by far the most scrumptious and indulgent. At Olive, I always start with their thin crust woodfire pizza. Salmon and capers is one of my favorites along with the beetroot salad. There aren’t that many places where you can get an authentic woodfire pizza here in India and Olive hits the hammer on the nail with their authentic creations.
Rahul Restaurant and Bar
Where: Ganesh Khind Road
What: Patrani Macchi
If I were to be marooned on an island and was allowed to eat only one thing, I’d pick seafood. That is how much I love it. When it comes to fish in Pune, you cannot afford to go past this old-fashioned and very quaint joint called Rahul Restaurant. I love almost everything on their menu but my favorite dish is definitely their Patrani Macchi. The fish is wrapped in leaves and steamed with spices creating a very tender yet flavorful dish that can set any palate on fire.
Vaishali
Where: Fergusson College Road
What: Sev Dahi Batata Puri after 5 pm
A favorite amongst the locals, this place is an institution in Pune and a must-eat-in for South Indian food. I’ve often eaten breakfast here on my way back to Mumbai with its incredible dosas and uttapams. However, my all-time favorite at Vaishali’s would have to be the SDBP- Sev Dahi Batata Puri served after 5 pm. The flavors are intense, but the feeling is ‘home-like’.
