A gastronomical adventure which is just a 2 hour plane ride away from Delhi. Besides the food, the people, and the electric atmosphere, Mumbai is a city that offers all of that and more. Just a weekend away and one comes back feeling rejuvenated. Or in other cases, devoid of a liver and 48 hours of sleep!
Nevertheless, when you get a whiff of that distinct fishy smell in the air, you know you have arrived in Mumbai. I for one welcome it. It takes me back to my childhood days when most of my summers were spent at the Bombay Gymkhana or the US club, and outdated nightclubs like Enigma. Maybe that’s why going back to Bombay makes me feel alive.
One thing is for certain- the city never sleeps. One can order in food, cigarettes, booze and even condoms apparently at wee hours of the morning. It’s like New York City in a slum. Of course, ‘town-side’ is more swanky and pretentious now. But even then, I find the average Bombay-wala more down to earth, easy going and less agro than our own Dilli-walas. No tension; they just go with the flow. I’m sure this may be a tourist’s point of view and others may beg to differ.
On this particular visit, I had the opportunity to visit some popular eateries around Bandra. It is like a city by itself! Each restaurant is 5 minute driving distance from one another. I started my trip with an indulgent meal at Sanchos. One can’t discount the fact that their Margaritas are the best in town! Over the next few days, I managed to cover a few other places. The patent visit to Indigo Deli of course, and I got the chance to visit the new one, with its stylish and innovative interiors. Next was Yauatcha, all the way from London, serving fabulous dim sums in all sorts of flavours and textures! Feast your eyes. Now that is some classic presentation!
I visited the 6-month-old ‘Big Nasty’ known for its extra large lamb burgers, and good old Olive of course. Café Zoe in Lower Parel proved to be a bit overrated, probably because we arrived at the tail end of the night. The brunches there, especially when sitting on the top floor, are meant to be a divine experience. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to sample the pizzas at Café Mangi, since there was a 45 minute wait. Skipped Pali Café also this time. Keeping it for the next anticipated visit!
I am trying to remember the last time I had such a vast choice of eateries in Delhi, not counting the phenomenally expensive hotels. Now Haus Khas Village seems to be the new eating hub, but they really need to improve on their food quality! Quaint and out of the ordinary eating places is what people are looking for today, and Bombay has that to offer and more.
Looking forward to my next visit!
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