The Garden Cafe

It's been quite a few years since we started running The Garden Cafe over here in Udyogam. We are located pretty close to Assana Guest House in Auroville, which makes it easy for people staying around there to find us. The space is mostly about trees and being outdoors, which is why we named it the way we did. We mostly focus on serving food that feels right for the heat in Pondicherry. It isn't a fancy place with waiters in suits or anything like that. Most days, you’ll just see us moving tables around or checking on the plants. The weather can be a bit much sometimes, but the shade helps. People come in, sit for a while, and just watch the day go by. We keep the menu simple because it’s easier to manage that way. Being in Auroville, things move at a different pace, and we try to keep up with that rhythm without rushing too much. Sometimes we run out of things or the kitchen gets a bit backed up when it’s busy, but that’s just how it goes in a small place. We like the neighborhood and the people who stop by. If you’re walking near the guest house, you’ll probably see the sign. It’s a quiet spot for the most part, unless the weekend crowds show up. We just do our work and try to keep the garden looking decent for whoever decides to drop in for a bite or a coffee, and we hope they enjoy the quiet.