The soaring temperature in the plains is driving people up to the hills and Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri in the Nilgiris are popular destinations to unwind on a weekend. There is something about the mountain air that makes us hungry all the time. The Nilgiris offers quite a few pitstops for a quick boost in energy and to keep the hunger pangs at bay in-between the meals.
High Hill Tea, near Doddabetta
High Hill Tea, Doddabetta
Aptly situated on a mountain slope growing tea, this is an ideal stop for a late morning or evening cup of tea. There is ample space to park on the roadside and hot tea is served right at the vehicle. For those who want to get out and stretch their legs, there is a small seating area beside the store. Although there is chocolate tea on the menu, just the regular tea and masala tea are sufficient for a quick pick-me-up before you head to the next destination.
Golden Bakery, Kotagiri
This tiny bakery in Johnson Square, situated between the Kotagiri bus stand and the Kodanad turn-off, has been around for decades. It is a hole-in-the-wall sort of establishment with an in-house bakery behind the retail storefront. The store opens at 8.00 am but its best sellers — ginger cookies and salt biscuits — tend run out by mid-day during the peak season. The ginger cookies are crisp with a heavy dose of ginger while the salt biscuits are soft and crumbly with a hint of sweet. These cookies and biscuits travel well and are good gifts to take back for family and friends.
Moddy’s, Ooty
Moddy’s in Ooty
The Modern Stores on Garden Road in Ooty has its own line of chocolate goods. The creamy rich hot chocolate served piping hot in front of the store is not to be missed. Moddy’s chocolate-covered raisins and honeycombs come in handy resealable bags and can be stashed away in the car to snack on later.
Mud Pie, Coonoor
Situated in the busy Bedford Circle, not far from Sim’s park, is this small eatery on the first floor. It is a cosy space filled with a range of baked goodies on display. A warm caramel custard or a mud pie with ice cream takes care of sweet needs. If you are in the mood for something savoury, try the butter chicken roll. Chaats are also available after 4.00 pm.
Prabha Sweets, Ooty
Prabha Sweets, Ooty
An evening stroll down Commercial road to people-watch is a favourite activity. Stop for a plateful of samosas with a cup of steaming hot badam milk at Prabha Sweets on the same road while you are at it. The samosas are made fresh to order and are served piping hot with a green mint chutney and ketchup. The spicy potato filling with the crisp yet non-greasy shell is delicious and it is hard to stop with just a couple. Hot samosas are available between 4.00 and 8.00 pm daily.
