It had been a while since I'd been to Bonobo, one of Mumbai's most popular bars, so I was rapt to try the yummy new food menu there earlier this week. Recently introduced because the owner thought it was time for a change, it keeps the staples (such as pastas, risottos, and mini burgers) but adds some enticing new dishes.
So, what's on offer? Appealingly, there's cuisine from all around the world, including Mexican, Arabian, French, and Italian. Yet, in creating the dishes, the owner has made it a point to use local ingredients as much as possible.
It can be hard to get a good salad in India, but the Double Melon with Greek feta cheese, rocket, and pinenut (on the left in the above photo, 225 rupees) really had my mouth watering. I loved the combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Of course, comfort food in the form of hearty tomato and basil soup (180 rupees) shouldn't be overlooked either.
There's a fantastic variety of appetizers on the menu. They range from the common (a Mezze of falafel, hummus, and other accompaniments, 350 rupees) to the creative (the Angry Birds, 300 rupees). As you may guess, the Angry Birds are hot and spicy! They're BBQ chicken balls with a smokey flavor.
The signature mains are simple but delicious. Below is the Vietnamese Basa fish, with cherry tomato concasse and lemon herb linguine (4oo rupees). I also loved the Kasundi Honey BBQ Chicken with mashed sweet potato and feta scallions (375 rupees). It came with a delicious mustard sauce baked onto it.
For dessert, I was thrilled to find fondue! Kahlua dark chocolate, with marshmallows, fruit, bread, and sponge fingers for dipping. What a treat.
If you're craving food that's not Indian, you'll really appreciate the new menu at Bonobo. While you're there, you'll be able to enjoy eclectic entertainment. This year, there are plans to host more live music. Stand-up comedy events are already being held. And, in the indoor lounge area, indie music, as well as house and techno, will likely be added to the current dubstep and drum 'n' base.
Bonobo is located just behind KFC, on Linking Road, Bandra.
Photos: Copyright, Sharell Cook.