Mumbai for me was all about holidays especially in the summer break as I had family there. It’s a city I have visited all my life and food was always the highlight of all my visits. When I heard that there is a new restaurant in town and it’s called Mumbai Local I was quite intrigued. This delightful venture has been bought to us by the team behind Gabbar’s, so expect all the little Molecular Quirks and Fantastic beverages that have now become synonymous with dining at Gabbar’s .

I had the privilege of being invited to Mumbai Local by Harsh Sonthalia for a preview and set off a couple of evenings back quite excited. The interiors are wonderful …. the murals on the walls make it an all-out Selfie Zone and the attention to detail really stands out. All the iconic images we associate with Mumbai are beautifully depicted. This place also has a semi-alfresco feel as it has part of the roof made with transparent glass so you have the best of both worlds… air-conditioned comfort but under the skies. Even the Menu is worth a second glance, I loved the Mumbai themed drawings and all the quirky names the dishes have been given.

As a food enthusiast it’s always the food that is the highlight for me and I confess I had kept my opinion on this in reserve because Mumbai Local serves Vegetarian fare only. As the evening unfolded I loved my meal so much that even a hardcore non-vegetarian like me did not feel I was missing out. I was too busy stuffing myself with all the yummy food being served.

The presentation and taste of the beverages were excellent. We tasted a whole lot of them, the opening act called Bawaji ka Thullu was served up in a miniature hand cart and reminded me of the “Icy Pepsi”(not the bottled soft drink) …. It delighted me to the core and took me right back to my childhood when this was such a forbidden pleasure. Rapchik Raspberry their tribute to Mumbai Parsi’s and Ganga Jamuna both of which were served up in quaint old fashioned “banta bottles” had a citrus touch. Chowpatty Gola , Lights ,Camera , Action and Bachelor’s Milkshake followed and they were great to taste. The photography buff in me loved that “Lights,Camera,Action” was served in a glass shaped like a camera lens.

The food followed shortly thereafter and our first focus was the Mumbai Specials referred to as “Faadu Items” in their Menu. We began with everyone’s favorite Chowpatty Pani Puri which also has the option of Sharaabi Pani Puri which was Vodka infused, next came the MumBaicha Vada Pav again with a twist the Pav was a charcoal flavor looked striking and tasted great …. Loved them both. The Pav Bhaji Mastani which comes in a “DIY Style” was yummy and fun to assemble and eat. Mamaji’s Grill Sandwis ( it has been intentionally spelt that way in their Menu) took me right back to Aamchi Mumbai …. and I already want more of it. But the show stealer for me was the Dhobi Ghat Channa Bhatura …. fantastic plating and great taste I am  going to order this one again on future visits.

We were also served from their Dosa Section that they called Khao Galli Dosas … the Mysore Masala was lovely and the Schezwan Chow Chow with a filling of Spicy Noodles and Veggies packed a punch. The chutneys that accompanied the dosas were well prepared.

By now as you can imagine I was stuffed but we still had a few things coming our way. The special mains have some unusual and delicious dishes and as full as I was the Parsi in me was excited at the thought of Rustom’s Favorite Dhansak and Berry nu Pulao. The berry pulao had lovely fragrant rice with a hint of sweetness from the berries. The Dhansak totally got the Bawa in me into overdrive … really good Dhansak perhaps one of the nicest I have had in Kolkata served up in a cute tiffin dabba with lovely Caramelized Rice and absolutely delicious Crispy Okra. For all my friends who keep asking me where they can get good Dhansak in Kolkata I finally have an answer … at Mumbai Local! We also tasted a Multi Grain Khichdi (in case you’re looking for a healthy option), now I am not a Khichdi fan but I really enjoyed it more so because I loved the box of Condiments that came with it which helped bring out many different flavors from the Khichdi , great for a rainy day.

Finally just when I was about to go into food coma the desserts came out and there went my resolve to eat nothing more. First came the beautiful, elegant Aam Mille Fuile which was delicate and delicious. This was followed up by Happy Birthday …. totally lives up to its name and believe me even if it’s not your birthday you will feel like it is when you get your hands on this one. I will just add that it has cake and chocolate but I am not going to give away the twist behind this one … please go and order it and let yourself be surprised. Lastly came the beautiful and stunning Madh Island …. Chocolate lovers be warned this one will thrill you … such a pretty dessert and delicious, the perfect way to end dinner. But wait there was one more lovely little surprise …. Pan flavored Candy Floss which was really nice and was presented to our table on a little tree that you can pluck it from and pop into your mouth.

The rest of the menu has all the usual Indian and Chinese options so no one is left wanting. An ideal place to visit with family and friends for lunch or dinner. If it’s the perfect balance of fun dining on fine food that you’re looking for then this place deserves a visit.

Mumbai Local has reached its destination. Go and board it so your Gastronomic Journey can begin!

Address: 19 Ballygunge Park Road, Kolkata.

Telephone: 033-40670123

 

PICTURE CREDITS :  Suneha Saha

DISCLAIMER: The author was invited as a guest of the Management.