Bombay Duck Pickle Cafe

An oasis of exciting ethnic flavors amidst a desert of monotonous American fare. Don't let the name fool you. This restaurant offers far more than just curry and naan. The special of the day was a Turkish appetizer spread, the likes of which I have not experienced since my travels abroad (see picture). All the food is made in-house and the care and attention to detail is reflected in the flavor and quality of the food. Bombay Duck Pickle Cafe offers customers an escape from the humdrum of pizza, burgers, mac n cheese, and Chinese takeout that dominates the restaurant scene in the local area. How expensive is a plate of this culinary escapism? The pictured and aforementioned Turkish appetizer spread special cost the writer just under $15; a small price to pay to experience authentic foreign flavors and be transported to distant lands by way of food. The restaurant is cash only, so be sure to stop by an ATM. Lunch service begins at 11:30 and takeout orders can be placed by phone. I cannot wait to return to Bombay Duck Pickle Cafe and see what taste travels they will take me on next.

Consistently amazing food, even years apart!
We lived in Carthage for 4 years and loved visiting Allison and Ralph for their incredible soups and rolls. Since moving away 2 years ago, our tastebuds have been sad and missing BDP. Today’s lunch of OUTSTANDING SOUPS was just what we needed. 😍 Thank you for the amazing lunch and for keeping our kids entertained while we drooled over our food.

Excellent food! The bread is fantastic, warm soft and buttery! Also the red curry coconut bisque hit the spot!

The menu changes with the season so all the food is fresh and made to order. No matter what you like or your diet is you can find an amazing meal here. The owners make everything fresh in the open kitchen, they are very hospitable and welcoming to all. This restaurant is well worth the trip from near and far.

Loved this place, owner is delightful to talk to and the food was wonderful. Menu changes daily so it's a pleasant surprise each time you walk in the door

It was everything I dreamt it would be. The lemongrass soup with mung bean noodles and shrimp was so mouthwatering I was craving it again before we even left the place. The owners are very friendly and doing a great job just the two of them sending out amazing rolls and I can't wait to go back.

INCREDIBLE. They give out a yeast roll to start that’s sooo yummy and warm. I had the lemongrass shrimp soup and raspberry pie. The soup was hot and filling and a good coconut lemongrass flavor. Honestly the best soup I’ve had in a long time. The pie was perfectly sweet, not too sugary and full of raspberries. I definitely recommend it. The owners were fun and kind and the atmosphere was like a cozy tea shop. Come check it out!

The food from this restaurant is amazing. Truly some of the best food I have ever eaten. This is a small cafe with 11 seats and nice decor. The owners are very nice and Allison is happy to explain any questions you may have about the diverse menu. To be completely honest, you don't need any explanation, just order something, it is all great!!! The rotating menu usually consists of 2 lunch specials, that generally come with sides and salad. The menu also has 5 or 6 different incredible soups. They bring fresh bread to the table, and have homemade deserts as well. The best part is that they feature flavors from around the world. The food is fresh, local, and all prepared in the restaurant. Eat in or take out. You will be kicking yourself for not trying it earlier.

I ate two vegetarian plates of food and I don't know what any of it was. All I know is it was delicious DEEE Licious

The lovely couple who created this fantastic dining experience are artists and visionaries! The soups are all amazing experiences and the special is always something that dazzles! We live in Iowa and spend summers in Lowville on a lake and this restaurant is worth our 18 hour drive each year. The lake is nice too!

If you live in the area, you MUST eat here. The owners are kind, passionate, and truly committed to making the meal wonderful.

If you are a clam chowder fan, I have to say that the chowder here was hands down the best I've ever had.

The menu here is always changing and you get to eat food inspired from global cuisine. The baked goods ate phenomenal and the presentation is too. The atmosphere in the restaurant is cozy and inviting because it is eclectically decorated and the owners have collected treasures from the customers they value so much, and to me I think that is rare nowadays.

This place isn't for you if you just like chicken strips and french fries (though I'm sure if they make it here it would be to die for). If you are open to Thai, Indian, or just about any style of food, make this a regular destination.

What an amazing experience! There were 6 or 7 soups to choose from, all of which sounded incredible. We chose the lemongrass Thai noodle soup (the only constant on an ever-changing menu) and the clam chowder. Both were fantastic, but the clam chowder was the best I've ever had. We also ordered 2 of the day's special, a chicken schwarma dish with rice and salad. Flavor was amazing and nothing you can find on any menu!

I read a few of the 1 star reviews just to see what the outliers had to say. I have to speak on the limited seating/and "kid friendly" criticisms a few people have said... We (2 adults, two young kids, and a baby) were greeted very warmly by the owners. They were very sweet to my girls, asking their names and personalized the experience for them. I held the baby while we ate which was fine seeing as they have very limited seating. Honestly, if they're busy, just get your food to-go. The coup-de-grace was when they gave our kids some complimentary chocolates and a fairy doll they were eyeballing. Will definitely come back regardless if I have to do a carryout order. Thank you for the warm welcome to Carthage, folks!

Delicious, well thought-out menu. Lots of care put into everything they do here. Quaint setting. A variety of wonderful soups to pick from for someone who likes the classics and for those with more exotic tastes such as myself. The homemade breads and desserts change up everytime I'm there and it's so fun to try what they had made fresh that day. Very unique to the area and a hidden gem.

There are no words to describe our experience at Bombay Duck Pickle! Amazing sells it short! From the moment we walked in and were greeted by the owners, to the atmosphere, friendly service, insanely wonderful soup, lunch, deserts galore...all just spectacular!! These folks are terrific!

The idyllic mom-and-pop restaurant! If you want great food, this is the place. Never had a bad experience or a less-than-delicious meal.
They have their own way of doing things, so don't come in expecting to order them around and bend to your every whim. And don't expect fast service either. If you are looking for those things, go to McDonalds. People who give this place bad reviews are entitled.

First, let me start by saying I'm THAT guy who depends on online reviews for nearly everything but never actually writes one; I've read thousands and written maybe 3. I would be a terrible human being if I didn't recommend this gem (97% on UrbanSpoon!) This place is tiny, 10 seats at 3 tables, with a great view of a REAL kitchen. It's like your grandmother's kitchen on steroids. There is not a single processed ingredient and most is locally sourced and organic. Everything I had was made that day. The proprietress was extremely friendly and clearly loves what she does, which is make amazing food. The menu is dynamic based on what's fresh and whatever inspires her. If this was a restaurant in a major city, she would be wealthy, but since that's clearly not what's important to her, PLEASE patronize her business to ensure she's comfortable (and keeps making this food!!!). And ask her about the restaurant name -- it has nothing to do with Bombay, ducks, or pickles but rather a fish, a hedgehog, and the bravery to be different in a world dominated by fast food. Go, you will NOT regret it.

They work very hard to make you feel welcome at this cafe. The food was delicious. I had tea, which I got to pick from a wide selection they kept right beside the counter along with a collection of tea cups that were very charming. It was a great start to exploring the area, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious lunch while traveling through Carthage.

What an interesting place! So many stories held within these walls... The knick knacks and curios lining the space speak to life's experience this amazing couple are willing to share with each one seated in their cozy cafe. The food they prepare and the atmosphere they cultivate make Bombay Duck Pickle a choice destination for any who enjoy an eclectic menu!

An awesome small cafe that seems very out of place in the small town of Carthage, NY. The food is prepared on site, often with local produce. This is not your typical burger and fries establishment, the food is amazing - a small menu that changes daily based on whatever the chef decided to prepare. If you live nearby you must try this place at least once!

My favorite restaurant in upstate NY. A hidden little gem with big city flavors. One tip though, don't go here if you are in a hurry. Service is slow since everything is fresh made but it is more than worth the wait.