ONdA, the first revisited Tapiocas counter – the indulging Brazilian pancakes

Do you like Brazilian cuisine or discover new flavors? Head to ONdA, the latest street-food counter in the Marais, that opened on the famous lively rue des Ecouffes, in the 4^th arrondissement, within walking distance from the Saint-Paul metro station.

Within walking distance from the As du Falafel – that is always crowded – and the latest Cookidiction serving scrumptious creations, discover ONdA, the eye-catching Brazilian counter enjoying a bright yellow façade taking us straight to Brazil. And ONdA, it is all about sun and good mood!

A counter to place an order and eat on-the-go or on site, as a few seats are available by the counter, inside, and on the 4 tables outside. Let us go for lunch through the week, excluding on Mondays, and all the afternoon at weekends, until dinnertime. 

The menu is short. Let us discover two choices of tapioca, a chicken one and a vegetarian one, two bowls, a few sides, and a fruity dessert and exotic drinks.

For your information, the spot was opened by Elsa Taillet. As she traveled to Brazil, she discovered this local pancake at the corner of a street and she fell in love with it. Convinced it could be a hit in France and especially Paris, she created this street-food spot with her brother, Sacha. After meeting a great success at the POD aka BHV Marais’ street-food counter, she eventually opens her own counter in this lively district. 

So, perhaps are you wondering what tapiocas are. Also known as Beiju in some regions, these are Brazilian cassava flour-based pancakes. If you have never heard about cassava, you have to look it up. But cassava is the root that created the very base of the country’s native diet. These crispy, gluten-free, lactose-free pancakes have an unparalleled texture. 

The pancake is made with very high-quality tapioca flour directly imported from Brazil. The texture is like a cloud, light and chewy, but a bit thicker than in the streets of Salvador. But the place is working on the texture to make it thinner and more solid, especially with adding grated cheese on the outside to make it super crunchy. With this very nice cheesy crust, the tapioca becomes the “tapioca rendada”, a specialty from the North-Eastern part of the country.

At OndA, you are encouraged to discover several original recipes. As a matter of fact, the siblings have decided to revisit traditional recipes their own way to delight your taste buds. On one hand, the Carlinhos based on beef, guacamole, cheddar, tomato, red onion, cilantro, mango, pineapple, and homemade cilantro sauce. And on the other hand, the Duda based on pulled chicken, tomato sauce, and spicy bell peppers, cheddar, tomato, onion, cilantro and corn.

Tapioca Carlinhos

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Tapioca Duda

The place also serves bowls of vinegar rice with stewed chicken or shrimps, wholeheartedly covered in vegetables and pickles. Portions are hearty but foodies can also add some lovely sides. We loved the Pão de queijo, fluffy little breads based on cassava flour and stuffed with cheese, and the Coxinhas, the spicy pulled chicken fritters based on wheat flour and chicken stock, served with two sauces.

Pão de queijo

Coxinhas

Allow between €10 and €12 per tapioca, €15 and €17 for menus, and €13 and €15 for bowls with or without drinks. Speaking of which, OndA serves Guaranã, the drink of reference in Brazil. Get some homemade cold-squeezed juice with seasonal fruits, beer or some delightful Caïpirhina.

Caïpirhina

Wrap up your meal with a very fresh dessert: Açai na tigela, a Brazilian dessert based on mixed frozen fruits served in an indulging smoothie with fresh seasonal fruits, granola and banana.

Açaï na tigela

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.