If you’ve followed me on my food-fuelled adventures long enough, you’ll know that I’m nothing if not serious about Sunday brunch.
It’s a weekend ritual sacredly adhered to whichever part of the world I’m in – I’ve long since established my London go-to’s, although it’s a blowout brunch extravaganza in Dubai which still holds the top spot.
That #BrunchLife is oh-so-blissfully rewarding in Bombay too, inevitably always resulting in a bellyful of satisfaction. Here’s rounding up a few of my favourite haunts, ideal for whiling away the good part of a balmy Sunday afternoon….
Bastian, Bandra
The predominant seafood-based focus has never deterred this staunch vegetarian (not to mention South Bombay stalwart) from trekking across the Sea Link to Bastian. Helmed by the Grandmaster of Bombay Brunches, Chef Kelvin Cheung, this easy-going eatery serves up some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. Tall statement, I know. The chocolate-chip variety is *always* a good idea, as are the seasonal specials, such as Kel’s fluffy take on a strawberry cheesecake more recently… Full review, here.
B/1, New Kamal Building, Linking Road, Next to Burger King, Opposite National College, (W), Mumbai
The Table, Colaba
Speaking of a creative spin on brunch-time classics, the tiramisu pancakes at the Table in Colaba (my favourite restaurant in this city, period) are as dreamy as you’d expect. Chef Alex Sanchez’ Californian-inspired menu also includes black truffle-scrambled eggs on sourdough toast and Eggs Benedict dished up with lashings of chipotle-hollandaise on top… Full review, here.
Ground Floor, Kalapesi Trust Building, Opposite Dhanraj Mahal, Below Hotel Suba Palace, Apollo Bunder Marg, Colaba, Mumbai
Kala Ghoda Cafe, Kala Ghoda
I can never get past the dark chocolate waffles at the Kala Ghoda Cafe either. I’m clearly not alone in my cravings, as the overwhelming popularity of this cosy and once-tiny hideaway has recently led to a larger but equally endearing extension at the back. In case you’re treading on a healthier track, their organic and gluten-free desi-style waffles come highly-recommended too – made with whole-grains (amaranth, millet and brown rice flour), and served with fresh fruits, honey & granola. Just don’t forget to order a side of the chilli cheese toast while you’re at it! More on my favourite cafes of Bombay, here.
Bharthania Building A Block, 10, Ropewalk Lane, Opp Trishna Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Konkan Cafe, Cuffe Parade
Of course if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, how about a culinary tour of Coastal India, trailing from Mumbai to Goa, Mangalore to Kerala… And all from within the elegant Nallu Kettu-inspired interiors (the single courtyard homes typical of Kerala) of Konkan Cafe at the President hotel.
The signature thaalis are the way to go here. Changing almost daily, they offer a generous taste of all the key elements of Konkani cuisine – coconut, fish, curries and rice with heaps of pillowy appams and crisp – yet wonderfully flaky – Malabar parathas to mop it up with! Full review, here.
Vivanta by Taj, President 90, Mumbai
Mysore Cafe, Matunga
The lazy pace of life on a Sunday morning also sets the perfect tone for venturing out to Matunga. Otherwise known as the Mylapore of Mumbai, the reputation of this district’s South Indian establishments certainly precede it!
Famously churning out as many as 60 fluffy idlis in 8 minutes flat, Cafe Mysore is my top pick of where to eat here. My friends and I always go for the full works (from devilishly deep-fried medu vadas to paper-thin dosas and more) finishing off with a round of filter kaapi – traditional golden-coffee, balancing an intensely rich sweetness with more nuanced nutty undertones! It’s inevitably back home and under the covers afterwards.
Shop No. 1/461-C, Durlabh Niwas, Bhaudaji Road, Matunga East, Mumbai
Where are your favourite weekend spots in Mumbai?
All superb pics for brunch! Konkan Cafe is an old fav 🙂
Thanks Roxanne! Let’s catch up when I’m bombay next time 🙂 x