I’ve been hearing a lot about Pilgrim Specialty Coffee in Nashik, and after a few visits, I thought I’d pen down an honest take. Pilgrim is one of those places that clearly wants to do more than just serve coffee; they’re trying to educate the city about what good coffee is and how it should be experienced. That in itself makes them stand out. Nashik isn’t a place where specialty coffee culture has been mainstream, so their effort to raise the bar is something I genuinely appreciate.

Let me start with the coffee, because that’s where Pilgrim shines brightest. I tried the Yuzu Tonic Cold Brew, and honestly, it was one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve had in the city. The citrusy brightness of yuzu sits beautifully over the mellow bitterness of cold brew, and together it creates a drink that feels playful, layered, and perfect for afternoons when you don’t want something heavy. The Ginger Ale Cold Brew is another bold one it’s sharp, fizzy, and the warmth of ginger ale cuts into the coffee in a way that feels unusual at first sip but grows on you quickly. It’s one of those drinks you keep sipping because each taste feels slightly different. On the other hand, the Macchiato was more straightforward but equally satisfying. The balance of espresso to milk was just right the espresso wasn’t drowned out, nor was the milk too heavy-handed. It was exactly what a macchiato should be: bold, with a gentle finish.

Now onto the food, which for me was a bit more mixed. Don’t get me wrong the food is good, and in some cases really good, but I often felt like it had all the right components in theory but lacked that extra touch that makes you pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.”

Take the Sloppy Chicken Sandwich, for instance. True to its name, it was messy, saucy, and indulgent, the kind of thing you want when you’re really hungry and don’t care about keeping your shirt clean. The flavours worked, the bread was fresh, and it was satisfying in that comfort food kind of way. Similarly, the Fried Chicken Pita Bread had a lot going for it. The chicken was crisp and well-fried, the pita soft and pillowy, and the fillings worked well together. It felt hearty and filling, though I did feel like it could have used a sharper sauce or seasoning to lift it a little higher.

The Bánh Mì Sandwich with tofu and pickled vegetables was probably their most ambitious dish and one I really enjoyed. The tofu was handled well soft but not bland and the pickled vegetables brought brightness and acidity that cut through everything else. Still, I thought it could have been pushed a notch further; a little more crunch or heat would have made it unforgettable. The Pasta Arrabiata was a safer choice, but they did it justice. The pasta was cooked right firm without being underdone and the sauce had a decent garlic and chilli kick. It wasn’t extraordinary, but it was solid and dependable, the kind of plate that hits the spot when you just want something familiar.

The Golden Crust Chicken Burger, on the other hand, left me less impressed. The chicken itself was well-fried with a nice crisp outer shell, and the bun held up fine, but overall it didn’t really stand out. It was good, yes, but not memorable. It felt more like they had executed the recipe exactly as written, without adding that extra flourish that would give it character.

That’s something I noticed across a few dishes here: while they look good and taste good, there are times when they feel almost too by-the-book. Like the chef has all the theory right, but hasn’t always added that spark of instinct or boldness to make it truly exceptional.

Service has been a bit of a mixed bag too. The coffee usually comes out fairly quickly, but the food tends to take longer. It’s not terrible, but if you’re hungry and waiting, it can feel slow. The café itself is warm and nicely done up, but the space is on the smaller side, so when it gets busy, it does feel cramped.

All that said, Pilgrim is doing something important in Nashik. They’re not just serving coffee; they’re starting a conversation about what coffee can be. They’re introducing people to drinks and flavour profiles that are new to the city. And even if every dish or drink isn’t perfect, the effort is genuine, and the direction they’re moving in is the right one.

So my verdict? Go for the coffee it’s some of the best you’ll find in Nashik, hands down. Try the cold brews if you’re adventurous, or the macchiato if you want something classic. The food is definitely worth trying too, just go with the mindset that while it’s good, it may not always blow you away. Pilgrim isn’t perfect yet, but it’s already an important part of Nashik’s café culture, and I think it’s only going to get better with time.