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 create, I share what it feels like to build a life between two cultures.
If you love art, travel, and slow storytelling, you’re in the right place! Let’s go!
🎉 Celebrating 2000 Visitors Since The Blog's Launch! 🎉
THANK YOU!!! 🤎🤎🤎
Chai and Fondue's Recent Posts
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!
Living in Mumbai as an expat has introduced me to many local dishes, and the chicken junglee sandwich quickly became one of my favorite quick lunches. This creamy shredded chicken sandwich is simple to prepare and perfect when you want something delicious in less than 30 minutes. In this article, I share the recipe and a bit of the story behind it.
This is one of the most interesting articles I find to write about when living in another country: what I eat there, and how much it costs. I’m a Swiss expat living in Mumbai for a year now, and I’d like to share what I eat in a week in Mumbai, including my grocery shopping and the total cost for that week.
Practicing Madhubani art has taught me far more than technique. Through repetition, precision, and patience, it has slowly reshaped the way I create and think. What began as an attraction to detailed linework and traditional patterns became a deeper exploration of discipline, intuition, and personal expression.
This was my first Christmas in India. I made a lot of food, strolled past street decorations, and set up my own Christmas tree. I missed home, but I had a wonderful time with my family, creating memories to carry into 2026.
The Alpine ibex is the third artwork in my Switzerland x Madhubani series, blending Swiss mountain wildlife with traditional Indian Madhubani art. Created using alcohol markers and fineliners, I explain my technique, and the difference between a chamois and a bouquetin.
The Edelweiss is my second drawing of my Switzerland x Madhubani series and it had to be like that! This flower is the traditional symbol of Switzerland, just as the lotus is in India. It couldn’t be left out. Learn more about it!
The Fribourg Cow marks the beginning of my Switzerland x Madhubani series, where I blend Swiss motifs and culture with the intricate patterns of Indian folk art.
Have you ordered Indian food so many times that you’d like to start cooking it yourself? Or maybe you want to try a different cuisine tonight? With a few simple tips, you can discover easy Indian cooking and make things much easier for yourself!
As a Swiss expat living in Mumbai, I had the chance to celebrate my very first Diwali in India this year. So, here’s my personal guide on what Diwali truly felt like and how you can celebrate it, whether you’re in India or anywhere else in the world.
Hey there!
Thanks for dropping by! I’m Emilie, a Swiss expat living in Mumbai, and this blog—Chai and Fondue—is where I share my journey, stories, and creative adventures 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 of life, I strongly wanted to do something creative.
Maybe you’ve felt it too… that desire for a slower, more intentional life, where your passions have room to breathe.
Here, it is all about taking the time to do exactly that!
Actually, this blog is just starting out! So, thank you so much for being part of these first steps!
Would You Like To Give It a Try?
Here, be careful, the Chai is hot.
