Zuka, Pondicherry

11111

"Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." - John Q. Tullius

Imagine being surrounded by Chocolates- in their true form, as mousse, cakes, pastries, drinks and much more? It would be heaven for those who love Chocolate. Now, even though I am not crazy about Chocolates, I don't mind indulging once in a while. 

When I was visiting Pondicherry last week, a friend of mine who lives there insisted on taking me to this new dessert place that she said was "awesome". So, we drove down towards Mission Street, almost to the end and there was "ZUKA". My friend mentioned they were earlier called Choco- la. 

We walked in and were greeted by Srinath Balachandar, the man behind Zuka. He also owns the cafe next door where they serve Sandwiches and quiche, soon they will be serving Coffee he told us. 

Simple interiors, a grand display counter and about 2-3 tables with chairs to sit and indulge in. The display showcases the variety of desserts made using chocolate, each one such a treat for the eyes. Srinath went on to tell me about his favorites and those that he recommends. He suggested I try the Hot chocolate and I took him up on it, while my friend went for the "awesome cake", it was a multi layer cake with hazelnut filling combined with chocolate layers. 

 My hot chocolate arrived within seconds, a small cup with the drink, served alongside two small square cups made of chocolate containing chocolate shavings [to be added to the drink], a normal spoon and a spoon made of chocolate [that melts as you stir] .. It was hot, rich, sinful and divine.

The Awesome cake did full justice to its name. Every layer was different and the flavours came together beautifully.  [the one on the right in the photograph below]

Art decor at ZUKA... 

A chocolate bouquet... 

Wait, am not done. You are in for a surprise. The next day, once again, just before bidding Pondy adieu we decided to visit Zuka. Yes, twice in 2 days.. :-) 

This time we decided to try something different. I once again turned to Srinath who recommended the Expresso mousse dessert, it came in a shot glass and with every spoonful there was a burst of coffee in my mouth. 

My friend ordered the Crunchy Caramel cake, a soft cake where the base had been soaked[rather sprayed] with caramel sauce and topped with crunchy caramel bits. Yumm... 

Started in 2009, "Choco- Là" by Srinath Balachandran is a place that does true justice to Chocolates. While chatting with him, came to know he went to France and worked in the master chocolate maker Mr. Jean Luc Klugesherz's chocolate kitchen. He imports all the raw materials from Belgium and makes each of the items here in Pondicherry.  

Choco Là gift boxes, T-shirts and mugs are also available! They even had a portrait of Thalaivar, Rajinikanth made from Chocolate up on display. 

Most items on the menu are priced between Rs50 and Rs80. Next time you are in Pondy, make a beeline for Mission Street, and you will find Zuka right there... It is also adjacent to Pasta Bar Veneto. 


Ambiance: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Price: 8/10
Overall: 9/10
 
Open daily from 9.30am to 10.30pm
# 319 Mission Street
Ph- (0413) 222 1191
Email: srinath@ebonyfoods.in
URL: http://www.ebonyfoods.in/

Disclaimer:
The reviews posted on this blog are based on my personal experience. Also remember that restaurants and eat outs sometimes change with time, so does their food and service. So, kindly consider these factors while visiting the places. Remember, no two palates are the same. Bon Appétit  :-)