You guys.
I think I’ve found my new favourite hangout in Bombay.
It’s a very Parisian-chic café in Colaba serving up an all-day menu, including some rather Instagrammable savoury parmesan waffles (#priorities), alongside the most exquisite desserts named after French women.
Did I mention that it’s helmed by the macaron Queen of India herself – Pooja Dhingra – in collaboration with half-Colombian half-Hungarian chef, Pablo Agular – a colleague from their days at Cordon Bleu, Paris?
Yes, there’s quite a lot to love about Le 15 Café – as the girls and I found when we popped in on a lazy Saturday afternoon…
With its trendy monochrome interiors juxtaposed against bright flowers and burst of pop colours against the upholstery (by designer, Masaba Gupta), the fashionable setting definitely lent much to our #LadiesWhoBrunch vibe.
Making ourselves at home right away, we wasted no time in scanning through the elegant leather-bound menus. Customised by Delhi-based accessories brand Nappa Dori, I have to admit that these were quite a fashionable affair in themselves!
Under Michelin-experienced Chef Pablo’s direction, the menu reads off an eclectic, globally-inspired mix of comfort-food dishes – suitable for any time of the day…
We loved the burrata here – soft and smooth, peppered with almonds and sitting pertly on a fresh tomato sauce that we scrupulously mopped up with the crusty bread served alongside (supplied by Bakers Dozen).
A combination of five types of beans and roasted seeds with pickled onions and radish, generously laced in a honey dressing turned out to be a lively dish too, featuring a cacophony of vivid textures.
But it was the veggie sandwich was our favourite of the lot – stuffed with marinated eggplant and pickled vegetables, sour cream and mint, this humble plate is one that we’ll come back for time and time again.
The only real let down came with the savoury parmesan waffles, which we found more soggy than crisp, while the poached eggs on top were much too runny.
If I’m being honest, I found that the cappuccinos were a tad too milky as well – a shame as the strength of the single estate coffee (supplied by Delhi-based Blue Tokai) was a bit lost in the process.
But I’m told that that the apple and cinnamon tea is the one to try next try time. Sounds like it would go down a real treat with Pooja’s famous macarons not to mention her stunning dessert creations…
We met with Lucie – a perfect blend of rich chocolate and salted caramel.
And with Amélie – Pooja’s delicate take on a Mexican Tre Leche. A drizzle of raspberry coulis, a scattering of pepper crumbs and a handful of fresh mint added a rich lift to the moist, buttery milk cake.
Of course, we couldn’t resist boxing up a few goodies from the bakery counter, to take away with us…
… And can think of far too many reasons to visit again soon, from Chef Pablo’s new menu additions to the high tea that Pooja plans to introduce. And of course, we still need to make our acquaintance with Carla, Sophie and Audrey – they sound really quite sweet!
Le 15 café, Lansdowne House Building, MB Marg, near Regal Cinema, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai.
The caramel cake looks dreamy!
So divine Angie! Xx
I love the decor and the sound of the savoury waffle!
It’s such a charming cafe! Can’t wait to revisit 🙂
looks like a great place. all those dishes look delicious!
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We had a lovely time!