A quick break from Bangalore 

Living in Bangalore, Ooty is always one of those easy weekend getaways. A long drive, cooler weather, and a break from the usual routine it’s a plan that almost makes itself. You don’t overthink it. You just pack up and head out. 

And like most trips, food ends up being a big part of the experience. You expect good meals, but every now and then, you come across something that feels a little more memorable. 

That’s how I ended up at Nilgiri Express at Sterling Ooty – Elk Hill. 

A place that feels easy and relaxed 

The first thing you notice is how relaxed everything feels. The setting, the weather, the silence—it all comes together. It’s not loud or overly styled. It’s just comfortable. 

After a long drive or a day out in Ooty, this is the kind of place where you can sit down and not feel rushed. You look outside, take in the view, and the meal becomes part of that moment. 

They have both buffet and à la carte, which works well if you’re travelling with family or friends. You don’t have to decide too much you can just try things as you go. 

Trying something local for a change 

Most of us from Bangalore are used to variety. So when travelling, it’s easy to just stick to familiar food. 

But this time, I wanted to try something local. 

That’s when I came across Badaga cuisine, which I hadn’t really explored before. It’s native to the Nilgiris, and honestly, that made it more interesting. 

So instead of playing safe, I went ahead with the Badaga Thali. 

The Badaga Thali – simple, but different 

The thali came with a mix of dishes, each one with its own flavour. Nothing felt overly rich or heavy. It was simple, balanced, and had that homemade feel. 

Along with it, I also tried a few additional dishes from the regional menu just out of curiosity. 

The Kappa Masala, made with tapioca and coconut, was something I didn’t expect to like as much as I did. It’s mild, slightly earthy, and different from anything you usually get in the city.  

Then there was the Karuvepalli Pookosu Varuval, a crispy cauliflower preparation with a bit of spice. It’s one of those dishes you keep picking at while talking.  

The dish that stood out 

If there’s one dish I would go back for, it has to be the Koi Udhaka, the traditional Badaga chicken curry. 

It doesn’t look like a heavy curry, and the flavours are not overpowering. But once you taste it, you notice how well balanced it is. Slightly earthy, mildly spiced, and something that works perfectly with rice. 

Another interesting one was the Elaneer Kozhi Kozhambu, a chicken preparation made with tender coconut. It has a lighter, slightly sweet touch to it, which is quite different from the usual gravies.  

Seafood options also bring in strong local flavours. The Ooty Poondu Meen Kulambu has that rustic garlic-heavy taste that stands out, especially if you enjoy traditional-style cooking.  

More than just one kind of food 

What I liked here is that even though the focus is on local cuisine, it doesn’t feel limiting. 

If someone in your group isn’t too keen on experimenting, there are enough familiar options to fall back on. So you can try something new, while others stick to what they like. It works both ways. 

The pace makes the difference 

What really stayed with me wasn’t just the dishes it was how relaxed everything felt. 

You’re not in a hurry. No one is pushing you to finish. You just sit, eat, and take in the surroundings. The slightly cold weather outside somehow makes the food taste better too. 

It’s one of those places where you lose track of time a little. 

Ending on a sweet note 

Desserts felt like a natural extension of the meal. The Avalanchi Chocolate Cake is an easy choice—especially in Ooty, where chocolates are almost a part of the experience.  

But if you want something more traditional, the Paal Kolukatti is worth trying. It’s simple, mildly sweet, and has that homemade feel that fits perfectly with the rest of the meal.  

Why this experience works 

Coming from a city like Bangalore, where food is often fast and options are endless, this felt different. 

It wasn’t about trying everything it was about experiencing something local, at a slower pace. 

And that’s what made it memorable. 

Would I come back? Definitely 

If you’re heading to Ooty for a quick break and staying around Elk Hill, Nilgiri Express is definitely worth trying. 

And if you’re someone who usually sticks to familiar food, this is a good place to step slightly out of your comfort zone. Start with the Badaga Thali and the Koi Udhaka—it’s an easy way to explore something new. 

You might come in expecting just another meal—but you’ll leave with a better sense of what the region actually tastes like