Hey, So Glad To See You Here!
Welcome to Chai and Fondue!
Hi, I’m Emilie, a Swiss folk artist living in Mumbai. Come on in.
You found a cozy corner of the internet where, through my art journey, my everyday experiences in the city, and the food I cook, I share what it feels like to build a life between two cultures: India & Switzerland.
If you love art, travel, and honest opinions, you’re in the right place! Let’s go!
🎉 Celebrating 2500 Visitors Since The Blog's Launch! 🎉
THANK YOU!!! 🤎🤎🤎
Chai and Fondue's Popular Posts
It’s been 6 months living in Mumbai as a Swiss expat. I'd love to share my insights and takeaways for travelers! Some days I miss the quiet, but I’m continuously finding my own rhythm in this city.
For the past 6 months, I have been practicing my fundamentals and continuing to explore my different artistic interests, especially Madhubani art. Since many people often wonder how to start Madhubani art, I thought it would be nice to share a small update of my practice in between.
Through my artistic journey, I realized how ethnic art is inspiring me. If you check my Pinterest, this would be filled with those. I want to share a lot of them, but let's start with Madhubani Art.
Chai & Fondue's Latest Posts
I recently took part in a weekend workshop to learn Godna art, a sub-form of Madhubani art, and I wished to share it with you! I included a bit of history as well as tips to recognize a Godna painting. This art really interested me, and I'm sharing my take and what came out of this beautiful experience.
Is it just me, or did summer arrive in February this year? As a European living in Mumbai, surviving 37°C at midday has become an everyday struggle. But I know I’m not alone, so I’m sharing the honest tips that are keeping me sane (and hydrated!) during these hottest months. Grab your coconut and join me in my latest journal entry.
As an expat living in Mumbai, I’ve learned that working from home isn’t always ideal. Some days, I just need to step out, grab a good coffee, and work from somewhere with a bit more energy and light. Over time, I’ve found a few cozy cafés that I keep going back to. It's not just for the coffee, but for how easy they make it to settle in and get things done. If you’re looking for a change, these spots are worth trying.
Discover the meaning behind some of the most iconic Madhubani symbols and how they interact with each others. In this guide, I share 6 hand-drawn symbols along with their meanings and how they are used in Madhubani paintings. Whether you’re new to this art form or looking for inspiration, this post will help you better understand and use these traditional motifs.
One year in Mumbai has been enough to learn more about the world and myself. Living in Mumbai quickly became a constant process of adapting, questioning, and rebuilding. Some moments felt overwhelming, others unexpectedly grounding. These 12 truths are an honest reflection of that journey. Hope you enjoy this read!
Where to Next...?
Hey there!
Thanks for dropping by! I’m Emilie, a Swiss expat living in Mumbai, who has taken the time to explore her creative side. This blog, Chai and Fondue, is my little journal of stories, honest thoughts and my love for cooking as I build a new life in India.
You might be wondering… what a strange name for a website. And you’re right! It represents two worlds: The ultimate routine of an Indian: The cup of Chai, and the warming Fondue, the famous Swiss comfort food I grew up with. Together, they represent my life and what I’m building here, in Mumbai.
Always seeking for new challenges in my life, I strongly wanted to do something creative.
I don’t know where this journey will lead, but it is already bringing me so much fun and growth. Chai and Fondue is my space to slow down, share that raw process, and document as much as I can.
This blog was launched in June 2025 and I’m so happy to soon celebrate the first birthday of Chai and Fondue!
Thank you so much for your support !
