Pondicheri: Your Go-To for Modern Indian Cuisine in Houston, TX

Pondicheri Introduce

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Houston, Texas, where diverse flavors converge, Pondicheri stands out as a true original. This modern Indian and fusion restaurant, located in the heart of the city, offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in tradition. For Texans looking to explore Indian cuisine beyond the familiar, Pondicheri provides an exciting and innovative journey for the taste buds. It's a place where classic Indian dishes are reimagined with a contemporary twist, creating a menu that is as intriguing as it is delicious.

Stepping into Pondicheri is an experience in itself. The aroma of spices fills the air, and the atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual comfort and upscale trendiness. It’s a space that feels welcoming to everyone, whether you’re a college student grabbing a quick bite, a family looking for a friendly meal, or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. The restaurant is a true community hub, known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, fostering an inclusive and positive environment for all.

Pondicheri's menu is a testament to its creativity, offering a wide array of dishes from different regions of India, all prepared with a modern sensibility. From traditional curries and dosas to inventive street foods and unique desserts, there's always something new to discover. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for its fast service and an impressive selection of coffee, tea, and cocktails, making it a popular destination for any meal of the day. This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes Pondicheri a must-visit dining spot for locals and visitors in Texas. We’ll cover everything from its convenient location and accessibility to its diverse menu, special features, and contact information, helping you plan the perfect visit to this culinary hotspot.

Location and Accessibility

Pondicheri is perfectly positioned at 2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098, USA, in a bustling part of the city. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the Houston area. Parking is made simple with a free parking lot available in the adjoining garage, so you can dine without the stress of searching for a spot.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all its guests. It offers full wheelchair accessibility, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This dedication to accessibility makes it a welcoming and convenient choice for everyone in the community.

Services Offered

Pondicheri provides a variety of service options to cater to all types of diners and occasions.

Dine-in: Guests can enjoy a meal within the restaurant's cozy and trendy setting, with options for seating both indoors and outdoors. The atmosphere is upscale yet casual, making it suitable for a wide range of social gatherings. Reservations are accepted, which is a great option for planning your visit.
Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or on the go, Pondicheri offers convenient takeout services. Their menu, which includes pantry and freezer items, also makes it easy to bring the flavors of the restaurant home to cook later.
Catering: With a diverse menu and a reputation for excellent food, Pondicheri is an ideal choice for catering. The wide range of dishes, from curries to street foods, can make any event special and memorable. You can inquire about their catering services by contacting the restaurant directly.
Onsite Services: Pondicheri also provides onsite services, allowing you to enjoy their food and drinks within the restaurant's stylish environment. This includes their full bar and coffee station, which are great for a quick visit or a longer stay.

Features and Highlights

Pondicheri is celebrated for several key features that contribute to its unique appeal and popularity in the Houston food scene.

Exceptional Beverages: The restaurant is a haven for drink lovers. It's highly praised for its great coffee and tea selection, including the popular Masala Chai and Iced Almond Masala Chai. In addition, the bar offers great cocktails, a notable wine list, and a range of free-spirited (non-alcoholic) drinks, making it a great spot for happy hour or a casual drink.
Diverse and Innovative Menu: Pondicheri specializes in modern Indian and fusion cuisine, which means their menu is packed with creative and exciting options. From well-known dishes like Butter Chicken to unique items like Cauliflower Manchurian, Pea Artichoke Momo, and various Dosas, the offerings cater to a wide range of palates. They also have a great kids' menu, with options like Naan Pizza and Butter Chicken, making it a family-friendly destination.
Health-Conscious and Diverse Offerings: The menu includes plenty of healthy options, organic dishes, and a variety of choices for those with dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian options. This commitment to variety and health makes it a great choice for all diners.
Fast and Friendly Service: The staff is known for their fast service and attentiveness. Customers have noted the professional and helpful nature of the servers, who are knowledgeable about the menu and willing to assist with dietary needs and substitutions, ensuring a positive dining experience.
Unique Atmosphere: With its casual yet upscale vibe, Pondicheri creates a comfortable and trendy atmosphere. The beautifully arranged patisseries and the great playlist noted by a customer add to the overall appealing ambiance. It's a place that feels good to be in, whether you're dining alone or with a group.

Contact Information

To make a reservation or learn more about their offerings, you can contact Pondicheri at the following:

Address: 2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Phone: (713) 522-2022

What is Worth Choosing at Pondicheri

When you visit Pondicheri, you’re presented with a menu full of enticing choices, making it hard to decide. Here’s a breakdown of what makes a great choice.

First, for those seeking to explore the breadth of the menu, the Texan Thali is an excellent option. As a customer review notes, it allows you to sample several dishes in reasonable portions, giving you a comprehensive taste of what Pondicheri has to offer. This is especially useful for first-time visitors who want to get a sense of the unique flavors and cooking styles.

The street foods are another must-try. The Lamb Chops and Lamb Puff have received high praise from diners for their exceptional quality and flavor. The Cauliflower Manchurian is a popular choice for those looking for a flavorful, vegetable-forward dish. For a classic, the Meena Bazaar Samosa or the unique Black Sesame Chicken Samosa are great appetizers to start your meal.

Pondicheri’s dosas are also highly recommended. The Ghee Masala Dosa and the Coconut Crab Dosa offer a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine, prepared with the restaurant’s signature modern touch. These are perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

For dessert, don't miss the patisseries and cakes. The Chai Pie and Mango Mousse Cake are noted for their interesting and contemporary flavors, making a perfect end to your meal. You can also pick up items from their pantry and freezer section, such as the Frozen Naan Pack or various masala jars, allowing you to recreate a bit of the Pondicheri magic at home.

Ultimately, Pondicheri is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary experience that blends tradition and innovation. Its welcoming atmosphere, diverse menu, and commitment to quality make it a standout destination for anyone in Houston looking for great Indian food. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit here promises to be a memorable journey for your senses.

Pondicheri Menu

PONDICHERI - HOT BEVERAGES
CAPPUCCINO $3.50
Amaya espresso with foamed milk.
MASALA CHAI $5.00
Hot masala chai made with whole milk.
PONDI LATTE $4.50
Amaya espresso latte with house made pondi (mace & cardamom) syrup.
AMERICANO $3.00
Amaya espresso with hot water.
COFFEE DRIP $3.00
Drip Amaya coffe.
EXTRA SHOT $2.00
Amaya espresso shot.
LATTE $4.00
Amaya espresso with steamed milk.
ICED TODDY $5.00
Iced Amaya coffee.
MACCHIATO $4.00
Amaya espresso with foamed milk.
ESPRESSO $3.00
Amaya espresso.
CORTADO $3.50
Amaya espresso & steamed milk.

PONDICHERI - STREET FOODS
MANGO PANI POORI (16) $22.00
Semolina puffs, mango cumin water with lentil potato filling. 16 pieces. Vegan.
MEENA BAZAAR SAMOSA $6.00
Potato & pea samosas served with tamarind chutney. Vegan.
CREAM CHICKEN KEBABS $18.00
Chicken breast marinated in a creamy cashew masala with cardamom & mace. Served with mango fennel salad. Gluten-free.
LAMB PUFF $16.00
Pastries from our Bake Lab stuffed with lamb sayel masala, mango chutney.
LAMB CHOPS (3) $32.00
Marinated in bbq masala served with beet pecan raita & eggplant pickle. 3 chops. Gluten-free.
MANGO PANI POORI (8) $14.00
Semolina puffs, mango cumin water with lentil potato filling. 8 pieces. Vegan.
LAMB CHOPS (2) $25.00
Marinated in bbq masala served with beet pecan raita & eggplant pickle. 2 chops. Gluten-free.
CAULIFLOWER MANCHURIAN $16.00
Indo-Chinese roasted cauliflower fritters with chickpea batter, soy chile sauce.
SESAME CHICKEN SAMOSA $6.00
Black sesame chicken samosa served with cilantro chutney & cumin yogurt.
PEA ARTICHOKE MOMO $16.00
Pea and artichoke dumpling served with a ginger chutney, herb oil & sesame crumble
POTATO CAKES $9.00
Three potato cakes served with fig chutney. Gluten-free & vegan.

PONDICHERI - PANTRY & FREEZER
EGGPLANT MASALA JAR (16 Oz) $12.00
Eggplant pickle. Gluten-free & vegan.
KIT ROTI $9.00
DIY Roti kit. Gluten-free & vegan.
SNACK MIX KOLKATA $8.00
India-inspired trail mix. Lotus seeds, cashews, chakri & blueberries. Gluten-free & vegan.
KIT KHICHRI $9.00
DIY Khichri kit. Gluten-free & vegan.
GHEE JAR 16oz $10.00
Clarified butter. Gluten-free.
KIT DOSA $10.00
DIY Dosa kit. Gluten-free & vegan.
APPLE PICKLE 8oz $8.00
House made apple pickle. Gluten-free & vegan.
TURMERIC HONEY 8oz $8.00
Local honey with fresh turmeric. Gluten-free.
EMPIRE MASALA JAR (16 Oz) $10.00
Tomato coconut masala sauce scented with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg, simmer to make a ‘butter chicken’ like curry with chicken, seafood or vegetables. Gluten-free & vegan.
SNACK MIX BOMBAY $8.00
India-inspired trail mix. Rice poha, peanuts, sev & rose petals. Gluten-free & vegan.
KIT TURMERIC RICE $9.00
DIY Turmeric Rice kit. Gluten-free & vegan.
FROZEN CHICKPEA TOFU $7.00
House made chickpea tofu. Gluten-free & vegan.
FROZEN PARANTHA PACK $5.00
House made parathas.
MASALA CASHEWS $12.00
Spiced masala cashews. Gluten-free & vegan.
KIT CHOLE $9.00
DIY Chole kit. Gluten-free & vegan.
SNACK MIX DELHI $8.00
India-inspired trail mix. Corn poha, garbanzo, almonds & figs. Gluten-free & vegan.
KIT DAL $9.00
MASALA PECANS $12.00
Spiced masala pecans. Gluten-free & vegan.
FROZEN NAAN PACK $6.00
House made naan. Vegan.
BBQ MASALA JAR 16oz $14.00
House made BBQ sauce. Gluten-free & vegan.

PONDICHERI - LION KING
LK BUTTER CHICKEN $14.00
Kids Menu! Mild aromatic creamy chicken curry with rice. Gluten-free.
LK NAAN PIZZA $9.00
Kid's menu! Makhni sauce & Amul cheese naan pizza.
LK NAAN PIZZA CHICKEN $14.00
Kid's menu! Makhni sauce, grilled chicken & Amul cheese naan pizza.
LK MUMBAI TOASTER $10.00
Kid's menu! Our take on a grilled cheese.
LK BUTTER SAAG & NAAN $10.00
Kid's menu! Buttery spinach, touch of cumin & cardamom served with naan.

PONDICHERI - CURRIES
BUTTER CHICKEN $22.00
Braised chicken in creamy fenugreek, tomato & garam masala, rice. Gluten-free.
CHICKPEA TOFU CURRY $16.00
Chickpea tofu & seasonal vegetables, empire masala, rice. Gluten-free & vegan.
AVIYAL $18.00
South Indian coconut vegetable stew with lemongrass, ginger & turmeric rice. Gluten-free & vegan.
PORK XACUTI $22.00
Coastal pork stew with coconut, chiles, ginger & aromatic spices. Served with turmeric rice. Gluten-free.
GRILLED SNAPPER $32.00
Grilled local snapper with saag tomato masala, crispy okra. Served with a naan.
AVIYAL SEAFOOD $28.00
South Indian coconut vegetable stew with lemongrass, ginger served with shrimps & scallops. Turmeric rice. Gluten-free.
SAAG $18.00
Slow-cooked fresh spinach & greens served with a garlic naan. Cooked with cream & ghee OR sesame cashew cream topped with paneer OR chickpea tofu.
AVIYAL CHICKEN $22.00
South Indian coconut vegetable stew with lemongrass, ginger, chicken & turmeric rice. Gluten-free.

PONDICHERI - EGGS & DOSAS
GHEE MASALA DOSA $16.00
Savory fermented rice & lentil crepe stuffed with potato & greens. Served with lentil soup. Gluten-free & vegan.
GREEN DOSA $18.00
Savory fermented rice & lentil crepe stuffed with sautéed greens, pumpkin seed chutney, avocado masala. Served with choice of soup. Gluten-free & vegan.
COCONUT CRAB $24.00
Crab coconut masala with tomatoes, almonds & ginger, sesame dosa. Gluten-free.
RAILWAY OMELET NON-VEG $21.00
Hearty omelet with “everything but the kitchen sink,” cheese & goat keema (minced goat) with your choice of side.
BREAKFAST FRANKIE $10.00
Scrambled egg wrap cooked with vegetable masala and cilantro chutney. Choice of roti or dosa wrap (gluten-free) and add ons.
DWAFFLE SWEET $14.00
Dosa waffle with strawberries & caramel. Gluten-free.
RAILWAY OMELET VEG $16.00
Hearty omelet with “everything but the kitchen sink" and cheese. Served with your choice of side.
DWAFFLE MUSHROOMS $16.00
FRENCH TOAST $14.00
Egg washed milk bread, chocolate & strawberries.
DWAFFLE SOLO $5.00
Dosa waffle with choice of olive oil (vegan & gf) or ghee (gf).
KERALA EGG STEW $16.00
With soft boiled eggs, malabar paratha. Choice to add lamb keema.
EGG DOSA $14.00
open face, eggs*, sesame seeds, veer masala, cheese. Gluten-free.
3 EGGS $7.00
Three eggs done your way.

PONDICHERI - COLD BEVERAGES
JARDIN N/A $7.00
Spicy green juice with moringa & soda water.
MANGO LASSI $4.00
THUMS UP $3.00
Indian version of Pepsi.
ICED ALMOND MASALA CHAI $6.00
Home made almond milk with chai spices. Only served iced. Vegan & gluten-free.
RASPBERRY FIZZ $6.00
Raspberry & lime house made soda!
SAPPHIRE SIP N/A $7.00
Blue Majik spirulina & lychee house made soda.
DIET COKE $3.00
Diet coke.
TOPO CHICO $3.50
Topo Chico.
ORANGE JUICE $7.00
Fresh squeezed orange juice.
HONEY LIME SODA $4.00
Honey & fresh lime soda.
BLUEBERRY SPARKLE N/A $6.00
Blueberry & rosemary house made soda.
ICED TEA $3.00
Iced black assam tea & cinnamon.
GOLDEN LEMONADE $4.00
House made golden & turmeric soda.
HONEY BLUES N/A $6.00
Butterfly pea flower & lavender honey house made soda.
LE NATURAL ZERO GLASS $10.00
Zero alcohol white wine.
MEXICAN COKE $4.00
Mexican Coke (using cane sugar).
LE NATURAL ZERO BOTTLE $34.00
Zero alcohol white wine.
SPRITE LG $4.50
Sprite.

Free-Spirited Drinks
Raspberry Fizz $7.00
Raspberry & lime house made soda.
Jardin Mocktail $8.00
Spicy green juice house made soda.
Sapphire Sip Mocktail $8.00
Lychee & blue majik house made soda.
Iced Tea $3.00
Iced black assam & cinnamon tea.
Golden Soda $4.50
Turmeric & ginger house made soda.
Honey Lime Soda $4.50
Honey & fresh lime soda.
Blueberry Sparkle Mocktail $7.00
Blueberry & rosemary house made soda.
Fresh Orange Juice $8.00
Orange juice squeezed to order.
Honey Blues Mocktail $7.00
Butterfly pea & lavender honey lemonade.
Mango Lassi $4.50
Yogurt, mango & cardamom refreshing drink.

Dosas
Dwaffle - Solo $6.00
Dosa (fermented rice & lentils) in the shape of a waffle. Gluten-free & can be vegan.
Dwaffle - Sweet $15.00
Dosa (fermented rice & lentils) in the shape of a waffle served with strawberries & caramel. Gluten-free.
Ghee Masala Dosa $17.00
Ghee mashed potatoes, greens, rasam. Gluten-free.
Coconut Crab $25.00
Non-vegetarian. Lump crab, ginger, tomato masala, sesame dosa. Gluten-free.
Egg Dosa $15.00
Open face crêpe, herbs, egg, cheese and sesame seeds. Gluten-free.
Green Dosa $19.00
Plant-exclusive. Sautéed greens, pumpkin seed chutney, avocado masala. Choice of rasam or beet soup. Gluten-free & vegan.

Chutneys
Cilantro Chutney $3.50
Cilantro chutney. 4oz. Gluten-free.
Tamarind Chutney $3.50
Tamarind Chutney. 4oz. Gluten-free & vegan.
Cumin Yogurt $3.50
Cumin yogurt. 4oz. Gluten-free.
Mango Chutney $4.00
Mango chutney, 4oz. Gluten-free & vegan.

Salads & Sandwiches
Chicken Frankie $19.00
A classic Mumbai street wrap with cilantro, fenugreek, tomato & garam masala in egg-washed wrap with chicken. Choice of wrap carrot roti & dosa wrap. Side choice of desi fries, pondi salad, rasam or beet soup.
Chickpea Tofu Frankie $17.00
A classic Mumbai street wrap with cilantro, fenugreek, tomato & garam masala in egg-washed wrap with chickpea tofu. Choice of wrap carrot roti & dosa wrap. Side choice of desi fries, pondi salad, rasam or beet soup. Vegan.
Butter Chicken Salad $19.00
Non-vegetarian. Greens, black garbanzo, chèvre, almonds, roasted beets. Gluten-free.
Mango Fennel Avocado Salad $19.00
Mango, musk melon, avocado, roasted fennel & beets topped with pine nuts. Gluten-free & vegan.
Pondi Salad $15.00
Plant-exclusive. Sprouted moong, greens, pickled carrots, pumpkin seeds, raisins, jaggery lime dressing. Gluten-free & vegan.

Street Foods
Lamb Chops (2pc) $25.00
BBQ masala, smoked eggplant raita and pickles. 2 Lamb Chops. Gluten-free.
Mango Pani Poori, 16pc $23.00
Plant-exclusive, contains gluten. Semolina puffs, mango cumin water with warm dal and herbs . Plant exclusive and contains gluten. 16 pieces. Vegan.
Chicken Cream Kebabs $19.00
Chicken breast marinated in a creamy cashew masala with cardamom & mace, mango fennel salad. Gluten-free.
Beet Soup $11.00
Beet soup topped with chevre. Gluten-free.
Potato Cakes $10.00
Three potato cakes served with mango chutney. Gluten-free & vegan.
Cauliflower Manchurian $17.00
Indo-Chinese roasted cauliflower fritters with chickpea batter, soy chile sauce.
Mango Dal Poori, 8pc $15.00
Plant-exclusive, contains gluten. Semolina puffs, mango cumin water with warm dal and herbs . Plant exclusive and contains gluten. 8 pieces. Vegan.
Black Sesame Chicken Samosa $7.00
Black Sesame Chicken samosa served with seasonal chutney.
Meena Bazaar Samosa $7.00
Potato & vegetable samosa served with tamarind chutney. Vegan.
Lamb Chops (3pc) $33.00
BBQ masala, smoked eggplant raita and pickles. 3 pieces. Gluten-free.

PONDICHERI - SIDES
TURMERIC RICE LG $8.00
Turmeric Basmati rice. Gluten-free & vegan. Large.
GARLIC HERB NAAN $6.00
Garlic herb naan. Vegan.
OKRA MASALA $8.00
Sliced okra fried and dusted with masala. Gluten-free & vegan.
GRILLED PANEER $10.00
House made paneer with ocean masala. Gluten-free.
DAILY DAL $8.00
Sindhi dal. Gluten-free & vegan.
NAAN $5.00
Naan. Vegan.
SESAME DOSA $8.00
Savory fermented rice & lentil crepe topped with sesame seeds. Gluten-free & vegan.
TURMERIC RICE SMALL $5.00
Turmeric Basmati rice. Gluten-free & vegan. Small.
GHEE MASHED POTATOES $8.00
Mashed sweet & regular potatoes with ghee & masala. Gluten-free.
DESI FRIES $8.00
Sweet potato curly masala fries. Gluten-free & vegan.
CARROT PARATHA $4.00
Paratha with carrots in the dough.
GRILLED CHICKEN $12.00
Grilled chicken breast with ocean masala. Gluten-free.
SIMPLE DOSA $8.00
Savory fermented rice & lentil crepe. Gluten-free & vegan.

Eggs
Railway Omelet $17.00
"Everything but the kitchen sink." Choice of dosa or carrot roti (contains gluten). Add lamb (non-vegetarian) for an additional price. Consuming undercooked meats, eggs & seafood may increase risk of foodborne illness.
French Toast $14.00
Egg washed milk bread, chocolate and berries.
Breakfast Frankie $11.00
Masala eggs wrap. Choice of dosa or carrot roti (contains gluten). Add lamb (non-vegetarian) for an additional price. Consuming undercooked meats, eggs & seafood may increase risk of foodborne illness.

PONDICHERI - PIE & CAKE SLICES
CHAI PIE SLICE $10.00
Chai pie with whipped cream & masala cashew (contains all nuts).
MANGO MOUSSE CAKE SLICE $10.00
CHOC ALMOND CAKE SLICE $10.00
Olive oil & almond flour cake with chocolate ganache. Gluten-free.

Entrees
Aviyal With Chicken $23.00
South Indian coconut vegetable stew with lemongrass, ginger & chicken. Served with turmeric rice. Gluten-free.
Chickpea Tofu Curry $17.00
Chickpea tofu smothered in empire masala & marekt vegetables. Served with turmeric rice. Gluten-free & vegan.
Grilled Snapper $33.00
Grilled local snapper with saag tomato masala, crispy okra & naan.
Aviyal With Seafood $29.00
South Indian coconut vegetable stew with lemongrass, ginger, shrimp & scallops. Served with turmeric rice. Gluten-free.
Pork Xacuti $23.00
Coastal pork stew with coconut, chiles, ginger & aromatic spices. Served with turmeric rice. Gluten-free.
Butter Chicken $23.00
Butter chicken braised chicken in creamy fenugreek, tomato & garam masala, raita, rice. Gluten-free.
Saag $19.00
Slow-cooked fresh spinach & greens served with garlic naan. Choice of sesame cashew cream (vegan) or cream/ghee. Choice of topping: chickpea tofu (vegan) or paneer.
Aviyal $19.00
South Indian coconut vegetable stew with lemongrass & ginger. Turmeric Rice. Vegan & Gluten-free.

Small Bites
Chai Pie Bite $4.00
Contains gluten. Chai pie dipped in chocolate topped with masala cashews.
Crack Ball $2.00
Contains gluten. House-made crunchy almond milk fudge, topped with dark chocolate.
Rose Laddu $3.00
Coconut, cashew & rose bring vibrance to the traditional laddu. Gluten-free & vegan.
Sindhi Laddu $3.00
Contains gluten. The classic sindhi laddu that was born in Karachi, Pakistan during pre-partition.
Mithai $4.00
Chickpea fudge-like mithai made with ghee, cardamom, topped with sesame, pumpkin & poppy seeds. Gluten-free.

Desserts
Chocolate Chili Cookie Dough Ice Cream Pint $9.00
Chocolate Chili Cookie Dough ice cream pint!
Bournvita Icecream Pint $9.00
Malted chocolate ice cream.
Chocolate Almond Cake $11.00
Olive oil cake with chocolate ganache. Gluten-free.
Chai Pie $11.00
Contains gluten. "Best pie in texas" chai custard pie, cookie crust, toasted spiced cashews.
Malai Icecream Pint $9.00
The Indian version of a simple clotted cream ice cream.
Mango Ice Cream Pint $9.00
Mango ice cream.
Mango Mousse Cake $11.00
Cardamom sponge cake with layers of mango mousse & pistachios.

Lion King Kid's Menu
Lion King Pizza With Chicken $15.00
Naan pizza with makhni sauce, Amul cheese & grilled chicken.
Lion King Butter Saag & Naan $11.00
Buttery spinach, touch of cumin & cardamom served with a naan.
Lion King Naan Pizza (Veg) $10.00
Naan pizza with Makhni sauce & Amul cheese.
Lion King Butter Chicken $15.00
Mild aromatic creamy chicken curry with rice. Gluten-free.
Lion King Mumbai Toaster $11.00
Our take on grilled cheese.

Coffee, Chai & More
Adrak Tisane $3.50
Cardamom, mace, ginger and lemon steeped in hot water.
Golden Masala Milk $5.50
Ssaffron, turmeric, cardamom, ashwagandha,triphala, orange blossom golden syrup with your choice of milk. Non-caffeinated.
Pondi Latte $5.50
Latte with Pondi Syrup (cardamom & mace syrup). Made with your choice of milk.
Masala Chai $5.50
Masala chai made with chai spices, hint of ginger, mint & whole milk. Served hot & unsweetened.
Iced Almond Chai $6.50
House made almond milk with chai spices. Served cold. Not sweetened.
Cappuccino $4.00
Amaya Espresso with foamed milk. With your choice of milk.
Shakti Tisane $3.50
Almond, cumin, coriander and orange peel steeped in hot water.
Latte $5.00
Amaya Espresso with steamed milk of your choice.
Jiva Tisane $3.50
Fresh turmeric, cinnamon and mint steeped in hot water.

PONDICHERI - SALADS & WRAPS
BUTTER CHICKEN SALAD $18.00
Greens, garbanzo beans, chèvre, blueberries, almonds & butter chicken. Gluten-free.
CHICKEN FRANKIE $18.00
A classic Mumbai street wrap with an egg wash & chicken.
BEET SOUP $10.00
Beet soup with pumpkin seed crumble & goat cheese. Gluten-free.
MANGO FENNEL SALAD $18.00
Mango, avocado, roasted fennel & beets, pine nuts. Gluten-free & vegan.
CHICKPEA TOFU FRANKIE $16.00
A classic Mumbai street wrap with chickpea tofu, green masala & marinated cabbage.
PONDICHERI SALAD $14.00
Sprouted moong, greens, pickled carrots, sunflower/pumpkin seeds, currants, jaggery lime dressing. Gluten-free & vegan.

Sides
Simple Dosa $9.00
Plant exclusive. Seasonal chutney. Add cheese for an additional price.
Carrot Paratha $5.00
Contains gluten. Whole-wheat spiced layered flatbread (ghee).
Grilled Paneer $11.00
House paneer, black cumin, mace, yogurt masala. Gluten-free.
Lamb Keema $16.00
Ground goat, tomato, onion, yogurt masala. Gluten-free.
Carrot Roti $5.00
Plant exclusive and contains gluten. Whole-wheat spiced flatbread (olive oil).
Sesame Dosa $9.00
Tomato masala. Add cheese for an additional price. Gluten-free & vegan.
Desi Fries $9.00
Crispy, seasoned fries with a hint of spice. Gluten-free & vegan.
Grilled Chicken $13.00
Grilled chicken breast, yogurt black pepper masala. Gluten-free.
Garlic-Herb Naan $7.00
Topped with minced garlic and fresh herbs, this soft naan offers a savory complement to any breakfast. Vegan.
Naan $6.00
Plant exclusive and contains gluten.

PONDICHERI - CHUTNEYS
DICED ONIONS $1.00
Diced onions. Gluten-free & vegan.
CHAAT SAUCE $3.00
Mix of tamarind chutney, cilantro chutney & cumin yogurt. Gluten-free. 4oz.
BUTTER CHIC SAUCE QUART $18.00
Butter chicken sauce. Contains chicken stock. Gluten-free.
PLAIN YOGURT $2.00
Plain yogurt. Gluten-free. 4oz.
BUTTER CHIC SAUCE 4 Oz $4.00
Butter chicken sauce. Contains chicken stock. Gluten-free.
SEASONAL RAITA $2.00
Cucumber Apple Raita. 4oz. Gluten-free.
CHILI OIL $2.00
Housemade chili oil. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
CILANTRO CHUTNEY $2.00
Cilantro chutney (made with sesame). Gluten-free. 4oz.
CHERI TOMATO $2.00
Housemade ketchup. Gluten-free & vegan.
DICED SERRANO $1.00
Diced serrano. Gluten-free & vegan.
AVOCADO MASALA $4.00
Avocado mash with masalas. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
TOMATO MASALA $2.00
Tomato masala. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
TAMARIND CHUTNEY $3.00
Tamarind chutney. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
EGGPLANT PICKLE $3.00
Housemade eggplant pickle. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
EMPIRE SAUCE $3.00
Tomato & coconut sauce. Vegan version of butter chicken sauce. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
CUMIN YOGURT $2.00
Housemade yogurt with cumin. Gluten-free. 4oz.
PICKLED ONIONS $2.00
Pickled onions. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
MANGO CHUTNEY $3.00
Housemade mango chutney. 4oz.
OLIVE OIL $1.00
Entimio olive oil. 2oz.
PICKLED CARROTS $2.00
House picked carrots. Gluten-free & vegan. 4oz.
GHEE $1.00
Clarified butter. Gluten-free. 2oz.

Pondicheri Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Pondicheri Photos

Pondicheri Location

Pondicheri

Texas Harris County Houston Greenway / Upper Kirby Area Kirby Drive

2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098, USA

Pondicheri Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 2252 user reviews.

fusionbakerybrunchpieavocadolamb keemainnovativemeatless mondayvishnuegg dosa

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Overall, a good option to try something new in the Indian food space! While the ambience and service were excellent, the food is quite dependent on the dish you order. It could be hit or miss. For example, the lamb dishes were very good (lamb puff, lamb chops). But the Butter Chicken was a miss for me (it tasted more like a Chicken Curry). Maybe ordering a North Indian dish in a restaurant named "Pondicheri" wasn't the best idea! The Texan Thali was a good option to try several dishes in reasonable portions. I appreciated that I was able to substitute the pork product for another item - and kudos to our server for paying particular attention to the dietary restrictions! The chicken kebabs were decent but perhaps getting a crab dish or dosa would have been better. I'd say, paired with good service and ambience, the place and its offerings intrigued me enough to warrant a return visit to try more of the menu! Parking is available in the adjoining garage.
June 11 · Sim M
Smells amazing from the moment you walk in! Beautiful array of patisseries with interesting modern flavors. I disagree with the other reviews that it can be "over priced"... that being said, so many fresh options it was hard to decide! Super glad we found this option for lunch for our day trip to Houston. MUST try if you like contemporary Indian food. (p.s randomly really good playlist too😅)
August 10 · Kayla Garman
Food was very delicious especially if you want to try something new from Indian cuisine... I liked thali since it has multiple little dishes which gives opportunity to multiple flavors in one meal. Each was distinctly delicious. Mango lassi was worth to have. the decoration of the seating area is very casual and airy with full of colors. İt was self service ordering during lunch hours. The only thing that was distracting this great experience was personnel carrying huge boxes full of dirty dishes or other equipments from front to back kitchen in the middle of the tables while people were dining. Other than that little detail, I loved dining there and looking forward to try for dinner.
August 11 · Deniz Ugurlu Cimen
I was recommended this place by a friend & it was delish! The restaurant is clean & beautiful inside & the food did not disappoint. I’ll definitely be back!Butter chicken - 10/10 (didn’t like the rice but the chicken was great)Garlic Naan - 10/10Potato Cakes - 7/10Black sesame chicken samosa 10/10Grilled snapper - 10/10If you’re open to trying Modern Indian cuisine, check it out!
June 26 · Camie B
Unique experience!My spouse and I went to this modern Indian restaurant for dinner. The ambiance was warm and welcoming. The restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including both indoor and outdoor spaces. The staff was attentive and friendly. The meal serving time was not excessively long. We ordered the following food-Beverage- Black TeaAppetizer- Meena Bazar Samosa (One is filled with chicken, while the other is filled with potatoes)Main course- Texan Thali, Green DosaEverything we ordered was amazing. However, the Green Dosa was the standout. We never imagined the dosa could be prepared in such a unique manner. The healthful taste created by the combination of greens, avocado masala, and pumpkin seed chutney was astounding. We were so stuffed from the main course that we were unable to taste their dessert. We would love to return specifically to taste their desserts and other experimental foods.
July 27 · Debashri Manna