Pondy Eat Series - Part 1

Few weekends back, I was pretty much bored at home, so I decided to head down to Pondicherry which is a union territory for 2 days for a food run.

Took my girlfriend along as well and decided to spend some quality time together. The last time before this, I was in Pondicherry, I had done my basic scuba-diving course, which was absolutely exhilarating.

Pondicherry is about 2 Hours 20 Minutes away from where I live and it’s easy to book a early morning bus online. Also it’s now called Puducherry BTW which is charming coastal town where French colonial heritage meets South Indian vibrancy. It’s pleasantly old fashioned streets are dotted with pastel coloured villas, bougainvillea-laden courtyards, and vibrant cafes. The town exudes cultural diversity, blending Tamil traditions with European influences, evident in its cuisine (The Food In Some Of The Places Here Are To Die For 🤌🏼), art, and festivals.

Another fun fact about Pondicherry is that it is also known for its affordable alcohol, thanks to lower state excise duties alcohol is here dirt cheap 😂 the sad part though is you cannot take the liquor out if the state or else they’ll seize it at the border where the randomly stop vehicles and do a check. I got caught twice (Two Separate Occasions) trying to take back two bottle home unfortunately 😪

Now our first stop for the day was Crepè In Touch, Tucked away in a serene lane of Pondicherry, is a hidden gem that transforms simplicity into charm. Set in a tastefully decorated old house, the house spans two stories, with seating available only downstairs. The house features tongue-and-groove ceilings, large fans, and cozy seating with colourful floor cushions and mats, which retains a rustic, welcoming vibe. Their signature crêpes, made with authentic buckwheat flour, are a testament to their French culinary roots. Adding to the charm, the café sits adjacent to a primary school, where the cheerful sounds of children reciting lessons often fill the air. With warm service, a peaceful atmosphere, and rustic appeal, This Creperie a must-visit for those seeking a tranquil yet memorable breakfast in Pondicherry

Here’s What We Had

Shantanec Rs 390 ($ 4.52)

This had shredded pieces of Bacon, potatoes with a special Mâitre d'hôtel butter, caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, fresh cream and a generous amount of cheese. Well this certainly was heavenly and i'm 100% that i'd order this again when i'm back. It had the perfect combination of flavours and the sweetness of the caramelised onions perfectly balances everything out.

Ouessant Rs 340 ($ 3.94)

Since my partner is a vegetarian, this is something that she picked out from the menu which was equally as delicious as the Crepe that I picked (Maybe Not Equally, But It Was Delicious 🫣) This one consisted of Sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, fresh cream, parmesan cheese.

Far Breton Rs 190 ($ 2.20)

Now this one here is something that i'm trying out for the first time, It's basically a Traditional French Cake, Served with salted butter caramel that has a dried prune in between. This was a certainly a perfect dessert to end our breakfast. This was a delight to have, especially that salted caramel that was to die for.

We came down to Chez Artizan in the late afternoon for lunch, now this is a place that I have been meaning to visit for quite some time and I had quite a few dishes noted down that I wanted to try and sadly some of them were removed from the menu some months back 🥲 it was just the Pork Belly & Ramen that was still on the menu.

Established in October 2022 by Chef Kathiron and his partner Ms. Bijayalaxmi Mishra, is a cozy gem tucked away on Mission Street in Pondicherry. The restaurant is driven by a passion for sustainable ingredients, bringing a fresh, thoughtful and modern approach to comfort food. It's one of those spots that feels slightly underrated and unexplored, perfect for those who enjoy discovering hidden treasures.

The open kitchen adds a unique touch, letting diners watch the chefs work their magic and truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each dish. The seating area is intimate, with just 4-5 tables, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed meal away from the usual crowds. The ambiance is warm and inviting, though it leans toward the higher end in pricing.

As for the food, it's an experience that can sometimes be a hit or miss, but when it’s a hit, it’s really worth it. The menu offers a mix of Euro-Asian delights, with highlights like their wild mushroom soup, pork belly, and decadent Chocolate Pot de Crème (Which Happened To Be Sold Out That Day). Pair it with their fresh fruit presses or garden salads for a well-rounded meal. If you’re in the mood for a quiet, curated dining experience, Chez Artizan is a lovely spot to explore in Pondicherry.

Here’s What We Had

Batered Fish Fritters Rs 400 ($ 4.64)

This was an absolute treat! Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, the fish inside was tender and flaky, just how I like it. What really pulled it all together was the side salad for a fresh crunch and that sweet chili sauce—sticky, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat. Trust me, every bite was a flavour bomb!

Fried Burrata With Garlic Baguette Rs 450 ($ 5.22)

The burrata was creamy as expected, but the crispy coating lacked that wow factor. While the garlic baguette was well-toasted and flavourful, it didn’t elevate the dish beyond being just alright. It’s not something I’d go back for.

Che'z Artizan's Ice Tea Rs 170 ($ 1.97)

Their in-house iced tea was an absolute winner! Refreshingly cold with just the right balance of sweetness and a subtle hint of citrus, it was the perfect thirst-quencher. Light, flavorful, and perfectly brewed, it’s one of those drinks you’d happily keep sipping on all day.

Miso Shoyu Chicken Ramen Rs 450 ($ 5.22)

Not the most authentic bowl of Ramen but it was definitely a bowl of comfort done right! The broth was beautifully flavorful yet light on spices, making it easy to savor every spoonful. The slightly crisp fried chicken pieces added a delightful texture and were packed with flavor. Overall, it’s a dish I’d definitely recommend for anyone craving a satisfying, well-balanced ramen experience.

Belgium Pork Belly Rs 650 ($ 7.54)

The Belgium Pork Belly was a letdown, especially since I had such high expectations for it. Sadly, the meat was overcooked and ended up being unpleasantly chewy, which completely overshadowed the dish. For the price, it was disappointing, though the sauce and salad on the side did manage to shine with their flavors. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the experience I had hoped for.

Tiramisu Rs 350 ($ 4.06)

The classic tiramisu was a nice way to end the meal! It was a bit on the sweeter side, but the rich layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers still made it enjoyable. Despite the sweetness, it had that comforting, familiar taste that’s hard to resist—definitely a treat for tiramisu lovers.

Writing this post in the middle of the night is just making me hungry 😂 So i'm going to call it a day and get some sleep so that's about it for this one folk's. See you guys in part two of the Pondy eat series ❤️

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