Pondicheri Bake Lab + Shop

This place really did impress me. I am typically wary of café-​type baked goods, but the fusion of flavors here is incredible. Tried the chocolate chili, chocolate hazelnut, lemon square, and ginger cloud cookie for the 4 for $ 10 deal. Each cookie is thick but soft, and not too sweet, which I really appreciate. The chocolate hazelnut is surprisingly (and impressively) gluten free. The deep chocolate taste is balanced by the chunks of hazelnut, just detectable grains of salt, and balance of other spices. Likewise, the chocolate chili did a great job tempering the sweet chocolate with the chili. The lemon squares were a refreshing take on the fairly cliché flavor. The lemon didn’t come off as an astringent sour masked by sweetness. Rather, the cookie has clear lemony flavor complemented by spices but no sour afternotes, maybe reminiscent of a candied lemon rind. The ginger cloud cookie was well seasoned with what tasted to be finely grated fresh ginger, but it was not as impressive due to an almost gummy mouthfeel. But that’s getting more nitpicky.
Baked goods aside, the bournvita ice cream sandwiches are a must ($ 6.50 for 2!). Bournvita is a chocolate malt powder used to flavor the ice cream, sandwiched between two soft biscuit crackers. The flavors are subtle, not too sweet, and the ice cream texture is pleasantly smooth.
My only regret this visit was not getting to try a drink here – but will certainly do so next time! That trying more fusion ingenuity. Maybe in the process some will rub off on me too. Either way, any reason would suffice to keep me coming back.

Nice little spot upstairs on corner. Quiet bake shop with a few cozy seats scattered about. Lots of vegan and gluten-​free treats. I had the lemon square, Which is more of a scone than a bar. Delicious!
I went back a week later and spoke to a baker who said they blend their own gluten-​free flour blends and do not use gums. Yay!

this place represents the natural evolution of american sweets: indian spices meet good olé western indulgence. upon walking in, i was greeted with pleasure for all senses: fragrance of cardamom and cinnamon in the air, cheerfully bright and whimsical décor, and… ok, i mostly heard myself saying «yes, i want to try everything!»
unfortunately, i only had room for three bites of the chai pie which is like a pumpkin pie mutated into a higher, more intelligent life form. it’s a feast in a wedge.
i did buy a few things to go. the donut was a bit anticlimactic as i found it rather dry. and although i appreciated the 3 for $ 6 cookie deal, it was still difficult to accept that a cookie should cost $ 2. but after tasting the chocolate chili cookie, i’m afraid i’ll fall for it every time.

What a pleasant surprise to find the perfect French pastry at this bake lab! I didn’t expect much since I don’t eat/​like Indian cuisine in general due to the spices. But I’m so glad that I decided to give this place a try after my spinning class right across. I highly, highly recommend getting the Bostock — very fresh with perfect delicacy! Absolutely love the simplicity of this pastry. Will be returning just for this! :)

I visit this place for their chickpea fudge. However, on my last visit I was disappointed to find that they only had the chocolate fudge version.
Why take something so great & spoil it with chocolate, this is what happens when a restaurant tries too hard to please too many palettes (I.e. appeal to the masses).
I may be mistaken but they used to sell them in a square shape, but now sell them as triangles at the same $ 7 price. It has become too expensive to buy & will start making these at home going forward.
Will be keeping an eye on this establishment to see if it does remain more Indian influenced or steers away from that. As Houston has great dessert options, but not necessarily unique ones.

In love. #1 cookie of Houston everyone: the coconut mint.
I absolutely love Pondicherri’s bake shop for the innovation that they come up with in their foods, baked goods, and even drinks! The pairings and fusion of flavors is mindblowing to me, and SO delicious!
I have come here countless times just for their cookies, they have a 3 for $ 6 deal that I can rarely pass up, so I always come, buy the 3, eat maybe 1 or 2 and then give one to a friend! You can never go wrong there.
Their other baked goods are fantastic as well, though I think the cookies are the best deal and just too great. Had their madras coffee last time with my cookie, and it was absolutely delicious. Great flavors, subtle, and not too sweet, that was a great afternoon pick-​me-​up.
They also have a wide array of small bites that you can have. It looked like the grilled cheese was a popular item, some salads, thalis, and so on. it’s great.
The décor inside is also to die for — bright, industrial, but homey all at the same time. They have great wifi, outlets throughout the shop, that it is definitely becoming my new study spot! A mix of huge family tables, counter tops, benches, couches, you name it, they have it.
Looking forward to go back and study, try a juice, another baked good, and maybe even a savory snack food in the future. IMO, better than Pondicherri’s restaurant itself.

as much as i love pondi, the bake lab is even better. i work a few doors down and never let people that are visiting houston leave without checking it out! icecream sandwiches, regular sandwiches, breakfast toasters, juices… everything is SO GOOD.

LOVE the BEET ROTI!
The Bake Lab + Shop is so hard to pass up! I tend to cave and swing by here after a sweaty spin class with my wife at Revolution across the plaza.
There are awesome pastries to try. The juices are solid. I’ve never really eaten lunch here though so i can’t speak to the quality of that. One of my favorite delights is the Hot Madras Coffee. It is a delightful coffee with some wonderful spices inside of it. Super tasty.
Keep doing you Pondicheri Bake Lab + Shop! You are delightful and unique. Prices are a bit high, but thats the only real reason for 4 stars instead of 5.

Surprised this place existed because I didn’t see any signs previously when I visited Pondicheri downstairs. You have to go up the stairs around the corner to find it. When you walk in the bake lab you are hooked by the heavenly smell and it is definitely mesmerizing to see all the baked goods on display along with all the traditional look and set up of the retail items — kitchen supplies, spices, etc.
I would give 4+stars for service, the ladies at the counter were very nice and helpful when asking about food for a nut allergy.
Madras Coffee-​Delicious! Perfect blend of spices and while still sweet enough to enjoy in either hot or cold weather.
Iced Chai-​Disappointing. Was very watered down when I received it and only had a faint taste of chai. Maybe a bad batch that day.
Pista scone– I am not a blueberry fan but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a large scone and you start to notice the dryness halfway through, so definitely split it or enjoy with a beverage.
Cardamom cookie-​Not as much cardamom flavor as I would hope but still yummy since half was dipped in chocolate.
Bostock– I am coming back just for this!!! It’s like french toast with raspberry jam and almonds on top. Amazing. I debated not revealing this because I want to make sure there’s enough for me to get next time when I go.
Chai pie-​lots of chai flavor but gritty texture that made it hard to eat after a few bites.
Overall great shop but items were hit or miss, plan to come back to give it another shot when it’s less busy. Prices are a little high for the retail items compared to smaller Indian shops in Hillcroft. But I understand the demand from people in the area.

Ridiculously sloooooowwwwwwww service. I think the same guy takes your order, processes the payment, gets the drink, serves the food, answers the phone, cleans the bathroom, does the dishes, answers emails, valets your car, and drops off your dry cleaning. All at a very leisurely pace.
At least the dessert was decent, but nothing remarkable.

I don’t think I’ve been in the restaurant in a half year. I’m a die-​hard (shout out to Alan Rickman) Pondicheri fan, but for dosas and chaat, I’m over on Hillcroft. Healthy versions at Pondi notwithstanding. Also, if I am presented with a choice of baked items, curated teas, and juice and a big-​ass thali, frankie, or dosa, I’m going with the bakery/​tea. In the case of Pondi, I’m heading upstairs to the bake lab.
They have a more varied offering on Weekends, but don’t think you’ll be missing out if it’s a Monday and you want a perfectly flavor fusioned cookie and spot of tea. Although, if your heart is set on a gulab jamun donut and a saffron water, then you’ll have to get here earlyish on a weekend. They also have a good selection of gluten free pastries that don’t taste gluten free. Their GF Madelines are very lovely.
I like their sandwiches. They usually offer two per day and the ingredients vary day to day. Have them warm it for you. They also have a few salads, mixed greens or mixed grains. Not many options, but everything is very well curated. Imagine you’re heading to the Menil or one of the better galleries in Chelsea, NYC. Very limited, but all excellent quality.
There’s also a refrigerated counter dedicated to desserts such as the mentioned in almost every review chai pie, as well as seasonal tarts (yes I know mom, we should have gotten the fig and mango one, I know), and crack balls.
Oh yes, this is also a gift shop. Not much, but everything again is very awesome. A few salad dressings, oil (scented with spices, for your body and hands), dabbas, t-​shirts, spices, tea set-​ups, etc.

5 stars for ambience, concept, and décor. 2.5 for the baked goods. I had the chai pie. I thought it was good. I mean good chai flavor, nice smooth consistency against the crust (which was a bit too hard) but it wasn’t anything spectacular or anything I would crave. I also bought a few cookies to take home. The flavors were good, but they weren’t as soft as I like my cookies. Maybe their goods just aren’t my preferred flavor profile. I would definitely come back and try out some of their other things.

Great concept, but the desserts are mediocre. Everything looked good. My sister and I decided to get the chai pie and some cookies to go. The pie crust was awesome! It tasted like a Heath bar, but it was real hard. The chai filling not so good. I had the mesquite cookie, and it just tasted like an orange peel. It was quite hard as well. Just my opinion, maybe I like too classic of desserts.

I came back again for their cookie deal (3 for $ 6 or 4 for $ 10 based on the cookies you buy) and this time got the oatmeal date, mesquite pecan, and ginger cloud.
Mesquite pecan ($ 3): My favorite out of these three is the mesquite pecan which has chocolate chips as well. It’s not your simple pecan and chocolate chips — as with all their cookies, there are hints of other spices as well. It’s slightly similar to the chili chocolate chip.
Oatmeal date ($ 2.50) — this is a hearty oatmeal cookie that is FILLED with chopped dates. It’s thick and the flour used here is a bit more rugged lending to an interesting and satisfying texture.
Ginger cloud ($ 3) — this one would be the simplest of any of their cookies I’ve tried but still very good nonetheless. It’s a soft baked yet firm ginger molasses cookie that’s not too sweet and would be perfect with a glass of milk or their milky chai tea.
Chai pie slice: OMG this was amazing. The pie is so smooth and has the most perfect amount of chai and is not heavy on nutmeg to remind someone of pumpkin pie. It’s served with whipped cream and candied cashews. The pie itself is almost mousse like, but a little bit more dense, yet not as dense as a pie, smoother than pumpkin. The crust is very rich and addictive. It’s pretty thick for all you crust lovers out there (me!). And buttery too. Like a browned butter brown sugar crust. It’s got a nuttiness to it with caramel notes.
Like all of their bakery items I’ve tried, nothing has been too sweet nor has any of it been greasy. All of their cookies are pretty hearty but not heavy.
I’m on my way to trying every baked good they offer.

A friend and I explored the bake shop. We joked that it smelled like a potpourri shop when we entered because of all the fragrant spices sold and used in all their items. The desserts were to die for! I had the berry in a jar dessert (forget the name) it was very tasty! Loved the pistachios and freshness of everything. My friend went on and on about the wedding cookie. The staff was very attentive and polite. Awesome, creative spot! Can’t wait to come back to try other things.

This place definitely doesn’t get as much publicity as it should. I had no idea it even existed until a friend told me about it and I had to ask our waiter. The main restaurant (downstairs) does serve dessert as well but don’t waste your time there; GO UPSAIRS! The atmosphere is great and the Parle G ice cream sandwich was super delicious. They even sell different spices and oils at the Bake Lab.
Great find! I can’t wait until I get to chance to try their breakfast!

No matter how many times I visit this shopping complex, I always get lost. I looked at the store directory map, but still had to stop at a random nail salon to ask where Bake Lab was. They directed me next door. Embarrassing.
Can you guys construct a connecting staircase from the Pondicheri restaurant? I’m speaking from a practical standpoint, not laziness. It makes no sense to leave the restaurant, circle all the way around, and then end up exactly above where you just were.
Bake Lab + Shop is a genius idea. The baked goods and beverages from Pondicheri are so popular, why not open a café dedicated to just that? The setup is exactly what my ideal apartment would look like– cool zen contrasted with warm colors. Seating is limited, so we had to borrow a few chairs for our party of 5. It’s more suited for casual dates or loners.
Keeping in line with the modern, fusion theme, the offerings are all classic desserts with an Indian twist. Chai pie, chocolate chili cookies, citrus cake. I was practically drooling at everything in the display case; it was really hard not to order all of it. I selected the pistachio sticky toffee pudding, a special of the day. I couldn’t resist getting a crack ball too (some kind of chocolate truffle). My friends ordered the masala chai tea, Parsi eggs, citrus cake, and chickpea fudge.
The sticky toffee pudding is splendid. If it’s available when you’re there, I highly recommend it. The fudge was delicious, without even needing «for a gluten-​free dessert» as a qualifier. Good, these people have suffered enough. They deserve to have mind-​blowing desserts just like everyone else. I was slightly disappointed with the crack ball, because when you give something a name like that, it’d better be AS ADDICTIVE AS CRACK.
There are samples of various snacks around the shop. Spend some time looking around before you leave. You won’t find a plain chocolate chip cookie here, but that’s what makes Pondicheri unique.
P. S. I was given a frequent buyer card for their cookies. Challenge accepted.

If Pondicheri was missing anything before… it was THIS Bake Lab! I came in to purchase a box of sweets as a gift and had a lovely experience. I told the young lady behind the counter my budget for the gift and she helped me put together a beautiful box of pastries and sweets, complete with a ribbon and gift bag.
While I waited, I strolled around the very large space and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the chefs at work in the open view kitchen. I enjoyed samples at the counter and noticed not only a delicious variety of spiced nuts, savory souffles, and endless rows of spices for sale, but there are so many things an adventurous foodie would love to buy– cloth bags that read «Keep Calm & Curry On», spice containers, knick-​knacks for the kitchen, etc. There is also seating if you decide to grab a snack or a fresh juice from the juice bar. If you like Pondicheri, you will LOVE the Bake Lab and definitely won’t leave empty handed!

Both the shop and food are gorgeous. I just wanted to sit and take it all in for a few hours. My friend and I shared a beautiful orange tea cake that was constructed to perfection – it was the right amount of sweet and the orange rind added a great contrasting flavor.
Had I known that the shop offered more than desserts, I wouldn’t have eaten before coming. I’m excited to try the other offerings which all look very innovative.

I could live in this shop, that’s how much I love it. First, the décor. I love all the «dabbas» (stainless steel tiffin boxes) and the «dhelas» (roadside food carts) they have on display here. Love the marigold flowers they have in here too. Takes me back home!
Second, the food – be it the myriad deserts or the snacks, sauces, spices, sandwiches or soups – everything is just so, so good. The staff is very friendly. The gulab jamun donut is so inventive and delish. Not too sweet like traditional gulab jamuns, but still very satisfying. The chocolate chili and chocolate basil cookies have just the right hint of spices to enhance the chocolate-​y deliciousness of the cookies. It’s hard to stop at one. The last time I went, they had a special on khichdi and some kind of squash curry which was hearty and filling yet light. A lot of the stuff here might look decadent but they aren’t cloying or heavy or greasy the way a lot of other desi sweet shops are. Sure, they are three to four times the price than sweet shops in Hillcroft – but they are absolutely worth it in the taste, quality and ambiance.