Street style soup and samosas in Pondicherry

While doing my research on Pondicherry, I came across this website. It’s a simple but extensive article on where to eat what for different budgets. And was I glad I found it.

On it was a list of Pondi’s street eats – the tallu vandis (push carts in Tamil) including this street cart selling aatu kaal soup (mutton leg) and mutton samosas, for which the author rightfully adds the disclaimer – “Miss them at your own risk!”

Luckily for us, we asked a passer-by about the tallu vandi and learnt that they only set up shop at 5-6 pm. And that the food sells out pretty fast! So it’s best to get there on time.

I’m glad to report that the author was right. I liked the soup more than the samosas but both are unmissable. That hearty bowl of spicy broth with the juicy leg of mutton still makes my mouth water. It must taste even better on a chilly winter evening.

You’ll find it opposite the Pondicherry Railway Station, selling piping the soup and samosas for the low, low price of Rs 20 and Rs 15 each.

Aatu kaal aka mutton leg soup

Mutton samosas in the making

The food is fresh and served in steel bowls and plates. Even the people are pleasant and friendly, like most of them are in Pondicherry. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, it’s as hygienic as it can be for a street food cart. We went back with only happy tummies.

FYI, we also tried the tallu vandi on Rangapillai street that’s mentioned on the same website. He turned out to be right again.