In Brazil, pão de queijo is part of everyday life — picked up on the way to school, between errands, or shared over afternoon coffee. In Berlin, these fluffy, cheesy bites are relatively unknown. Carolina Paoletti wanted to change that. In the summer of 2023, she founded Pondji after years of living and working in Berlin as a project manager and architect. In 2019, she had already launched The Onion Project, a supper club that later evolved into a catering business. Pondji, though, came from a more personal craving: a familiar place in a big city, where you can get a freshly made, warm dish at three in the afternoon prepared right in front of you. With Pondji, she created a space and a team that feels like home, serving Brazilian comfort food at its best. The focus is on pão de queijo, sometimes classic, sometimes filled, sometimes savory, and sometimes sweet. Think pulled pork with grilled pineapple, caramelized onions with cheese, or warm guava jam. Incidentally, the entire menu is gluten-free (pão de queijo is made with cassava flour, a naturally gluten-free by-product).
Also on offer is Prato Feito, a traditional Brazilian concept similar to a daily plate. It might be cauliflower stroganoff with crispy potatoes, rice, salad, and something sweet on the side. Or moqueca, a fish stew (also available vegan), or feijoada with pork or plant-based variations. Always seasonal, always comforting. The space itself is small and full of warmth with bright walls, high ceilings, bold colors, and a team that always greets you with a smile. Carolina and her team come from Brazil, France, Germany, Canada, and the UK, bringing a variety of perspectives to the shared kitchen. Their interpretations of Brazilian classics honor tradition while introducing subtle, personal twists. Sometimes guests say the food tastes like something their grandmother would have made. That always brings a small smile to Carolina’s face. Pondji is an invitation to good food, shared stories, and the feeling of home. Even if that home happens to be far away.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Angelo Dal Bó & Robyn Steffen
Pondji, Mainzer Str.23, 12053 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@pondjiberlin
