Coimbatore Race Course Road food guide: Best places to eat

Race Course Road has transformed from a racetrack to Coimbatore’s top food hub. From local messes to chic cafés, here’s where to eat and what to try.

It was not always a food hub. Race Course Road, one of Coimbatore’s most prominent stretches, has had many lives.

Originally, it was exactly what its name suggests: a racecourse where thoroughbred horses once thundered down the track. As the races faded into history, the land gave way to quiet, tree-lined residential streets. Bungalows with sprawling gardens and driveways defined the area, housing the city’s elite.

In the late 1990s, Race Course began evolving once again. Wide pavements made it a favourite among morning walkers and joggers, a reputation that still holds strong. But as foot traffic increased, so did the food activity. Eateries began to spring up — first a few bakeries and juice shops, then restaurants, cafés, and food stalls. Today, Race Course is more than just a fitness circuit. It has transformed into Coimbatore’s most vibrant food hub, offering everything from traditional Kongu delicacies to experimental street food.

We set out to explore this culinary track. (We gained more calories than we burned during our walk around Race Course.)

Our first stop is Yes Yes Bakes, a modest bakery that has stood the test of time. Nestled opposite the Horse and Jockey statue, it has been serving customers since 1999. Owner CR Sornam recalls the early days:

“When we started, Race Course was quiet. There were only a few walkers, and most people came here for exercise, not food. Our menu was simple — just tea, coffee, and a few snacks. But over time, as more people gathered here, we expanded.”

Today, their menu is extensive, featuring everything from egg bonda, cutlets, paniyaram, and Maggi noodles to unique beverages like hibiscus tea. Intrigued, we order a cup. It arrives steaming hot, a delicate floral aroma wafting from the deep red brew, with an actual hibiscus flower floating inside. The first sip is soothing, though a little less sugar would have made it perfect.