Zenzi Review: A Hip Mumbai Haven with an Unconventional Global Menu

This classy place is a true sign of Mumbai's emergence as a cosmopolitan city. But it's not just about looks. The restaurant's menu offers up culinary combinations that reveal refreshingly uninhibited inspiration and creativity. Zenzi is the perfect place for when you want a reprieve from the onslaught of everyday India. Unfortunately, Zenzi is now closed.

Zenzi is the collaboration of Indian, Israeli and Dutch partners and the world heritage of this stylish restaurant and bar can be felt throughout. Warm, earthy Balinese inspired decor sets the scene in the East and the menu carries it over into Europe and the West. At the tables, knives and forks are accompanied by chopsticks. In fact, the only reminder that you're in India is the intermittent honking of the outside traffic.

As one of Mumbai's most hip and happening places, it's reasonable to expect something a little different at Zenzi. The surprising thing is the uninhibited creativity reflected on its menu. It's distinctly Asian, but flavors are drawn from all over the world and combined into each dish. There's risotto, but its zest is intensified by mirin (a Japanese cooking wine).

With so many unconventional culinary combinations on the menu, it really makes choosing what to order difficult. Fortunately, the chef and owners show that they understand this predicament. On offer is a 10-course vegetarian or non-vegetarian tasting menu. You'll be treated to four entrees, a salad, four mains, a desert, and glass of wine. Each is equally appealing. Even a simple rocket salad is made exotic with a subtle dressing and almond shavings to complement the nutty flavor of the rocket.

In addition to mouthwatering food, Zenzi also serves up some delicious cocktails. It's also got an extensive international wine list. No wonder Zenzi also attracts the city's elite party crowd. It really gets rocking on Fridays and Saturdays when the crowd jostles for space.

Expect to pay 1,100 rupees for the vegetarian tasting menu and 1,350 rupees for the non-vegetarian tasting menu. Mains cost from 350 to 550 rupees, and deserts 200 to 250 rupees. Cocktails cost 250 to 450 rupees. A large Kingfisher beer is 170 rupees, while wine is 325 to 450 rupees per glass.