Canteen 18 — Restaurant in Puducherry

When I first visited Canteen 18, it was a corner shop with minimal seating (circa 2015). They were probably one of the first places in Pondicherry to have gourmet sandwiches, burgers (beef burgers were available only at one other place - Boston Cafe), and hot dogs. They also had sourdough bread (amazing!!). I vividly remember trying their Caprese Sandwich and complimenting the chef, who was eager to point out that all the ingredients were locally sourced, the Buffalo Mozzarella cheese in particular.

I recently had the opportunity to visit them again (almost 9 years later), only to be pleasantly surprised by the new location, which is just next to the old one (now a ramen shop owned by the same people). The vibes were old timey, with impressively curated artifacts, furniture, and even detailing on the ceiling as if the paint was peeling off. It was pretty great with music to suit the 'still-alive retro western diner' theme. From what I overheard, everything was done by the owners themselves, and remarkably so (most people would say quaint, but this a whole new level of thematic restaurant interior design).

Coming to the food, while I was disappointed that the sourdough and sandwiches were discontinued (sniffle), we ordered an 1880 Classic Beef Burger each (mine with Bacon), Chilli fries and a Very Berry Soda. It is really commendable that the quality of the food is still top-notch. Thick, juicy burgers, flavorful aioli, crispy bacon, spicy seasoned thick cut fries, and an adequately sweet soda. It's just brilliant. If a place does the basics well, you just know that the specials would be top-notch as well.

I look forward to my next visit, and this time, it won't take me 9 years for sure.

Keep up the amazing work, and please consider bringing back the sandwiches. Even limited...

A tad bit of a disappointing experience. I am someone who has a thing for burgers and have explored diverse tastes and combinations. After a few recommendations, I decided to try their Nothing burger, and in a very sad way, it stood up to it's name

The meat itself was very well done. Smashed over a girdle, I had no complains whatsoever. And that's where the good parts about the food stop.

The sausages - well cooked, but they really seemed like they were off the shelf frozen meet reheated. I'd like to be corrected if I'm wrong.

The bread - disintegrated even before I could finish the burger. Definitely off the shelf ready made ones - which I am OK with i guess? But these were just bad quality ones and they were dry! Not heated or cooked

The sauces were decent. I don't think they were terrible.

The nachos - I got 4 measly pieces of cornitos nachos.

Very berry sofa - dead on arrival. No fizz. Taste was decent. The ambience - jazz and blues inspired. Absolutely 5 stars for this part. One of the stand out restaurant themes in pondi.

I won't be coming again for the burger though. Way too overpriced for what they offer. Unjustified pricing and below...

I am really disappointed with what happened today. It is absolutely my favourite place for burgers. But their negligence towards allergies is outrageous. I specifically mentioned about my friends egg allergy and told them to not even use utensils that has touched egg. When she placed the order over the phone to the kitchen upstairs she didn’t mention it, so I specifically told again and she said the workers do not understand properly so she will go convey it. They either used the same utensils or there was egg in my friends burger, he had an allergic reaction. Firstly if you don’t have workers who can understand the severity of allergies why hire them and as a restaurant if you don’t understand how fatal an allergy can be why run a restaurant ? This sort of negligence is absolutely egregious. Had we lived in another country, suing would’ve been an option but here it’s a lost cause and it’s pathetic how certain restaurants like Canteen 18 use it to their gain. If you have any sort of allergies please do not even bother going there because they do not take...