Phoenix Hotel

THE IRANIAN RESTAURANT - A PERMANENT POONA THING

by Siddha3th

Iranians are everywhere in Poona. A major part of this is due to the city's reputation as a young university town, which integrates thousands of students into the fabric of the place. But much further than that, ties between India and Iran have always been rich and interwoven in any event... the complex history of migrations leading to a very large presence of Iranians who've settled in this country permanently, together with the cultural flavour brought in by Indian Parsis (followers of Zooarastrianism).

A happy result of all this is that Poona has always been blessed by more Iranian restaurants than the mind cares to remember. In days gone by, almost every landord would lease the coveted corner shop of a large building over to an Iranian restauranteur, pleased that patrons and money flowing in would almost be a guarantee. And that remains the place to find many a fabled Iranian restaurant in this city... over at the corner :)

From the cheese omlettes and charming rickety old chairs over at Café Sunrise, to sublimely tasty sandwiches at Marz-o-Rin, from graceful afternoons doused in smoke at the Shisha Café, further on to the delicious mutton biryani over at Dorabjee's... these are emblems of Poona that may keep getting replaced from time to time.... but will remain a permanent tug at the city's heart for all time to come.

Pune, My Second Home

by stephtara

"Living in Pune for a Year"

I lived in Pune for a year as an exchange student. You can read my travel notes at http://climbtothestars.org/logbook

Pune is a really nice city. It's changing fast, though, and last time I went there was nearly 3 years ago now. Do have a thick coffee shake in Vaishali, and don't miss the thalis at Rutugandh. Lay your hands on a rickshaw tarif card (they're printed in the paper, I'm told) so you don't get overtaxed.