Straight Outta Pondi: Created by the same team behind Blacksalt and BRUT!, Pondi is a casual eatery that specializes in the unique Creole cuisine made in the Indian city of Pondicherry, a former French colony.

Look & Feel: Occupying the space that was once Blacksalt, Pondi is intimate, cozy, and features a slightly rustic aesthetic – but with a touch of Pondicherry flair. Think bespoke wooden tables and chairs, warm, candlelit lighting, eclectic decorative objects, and the odd potted plant.

On the Menu: The menu here mixes Indian culinary traditions with a dash of French flair (and cooking techniques). It’s also short and sweet, so you’d assume that what they serve, they do well. It also means the indecisive will have an easy time deciding what to order. Kick things off with nibbles like Hung Yoghurt Croquettes and Gougères with goat cheese with anchovy sambal; then move onto signatures like Butter Chicken Liver Terrine and Air-Dried Lamb Loin. If you’re hungry, you can tuck into Wild Hereford Bevette Steak or an Étouffée. Of course, the French influence demands that you begin your visit with a good apéritif, and luckily, the short-but-sweet drinks menu here includes a good range of sherries, signature cocktails, and wines.

Great For: Casual date nights or small groups.

FYI: The upstairs dining room can be booked for private dining and events.

Check out Hong Kong’s newest restaurants and bars here.

This writeup is a news piece and was not based on a restaurant visit. The Loop HK will update this post once we’ve visited in person.