Veganism is more than the Cali-export fad that it used to be and people are slowly accepting it as a beneficial way of life rather than a trend. But sometimes for restaurants, the concept is often reduced to a few salads and raw starters for the sake of flaunting the vegan tag. Thankfully, that isn’t the case at Plural.
This Southeast Asian-inspired hideaway in Jai Hind building has infused a modern, sustainable and local ethos across its menu. Conceptualised by owner Vedant K. Shah, this restaurant and bar was his attempt to bring fresh Vietnamese flavours to a vegetable-forward, vegan-friendly Mumbai menu. Inspired by his travels around the world, the menu often reimagines familiar dishes with a vegetarian spin.
With high ceilings, a neutral beachy palette, greenery and cane accents, natural is definitely the vibe at work here. It feels more spacious than it probably is and has a quiet, calming atmosphere. The simple decor echoes their commitment to sustainability, minimising waste and reappropriating ingredients that would have otherwise been discarded.
My first brush with this promise is in the Guava Nice Day cocktail; a gin-based number made with Thai chilli-infused coconut water and garnished with a guava saccharum made from dehydrated guava pulp, which would otherwise have been discarded. For anyone tired of the constant pairing of gin and citrus, this is an innovative way to keep it light and refreshing without relying on tired flavours.
They have a selection of nibbles including Bruschetta, Crunchy Lotus Crisps and Sambal Corn which are perfect accompaniments if you’re there for cocktail hour. But for slightly more substantial bites the small plates section has some more options to explore. The Summer Rolls are perfectly crispy and the contrast of peppery arugula and fresh seasonal vegetables is a treat, especially after a drizzle of the nước chấm dipping sauce. The Asian BBQ sauce on the Grilled Artichoke Heart Bao is a little tomato-forward but is well evened out by the fresh bao, herbs and crunchy garlic crisps.
One hidden gem is the Black Rice Cake which perfectly showcases what they do best with the slight bitterness of the kale and salvaged carrot top pesto working in harmony with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh alfalfa sprouts, a vegan pate on a cake of slightly crisped black rice, a clever use of an indigenous grain.
Among the large plates, there are some stunners to choose from including the whole Roasted Cauliflower, their signature Pho and a selection of different curries, each with a unique flavour profile. Their dessert menu will be of special interest to those with dietary restrictions with a range of gluten-free and vegan options like the Peanut Fudge Cake with Vegan Coconut Ice Cream and the Chocolate Mousse. Another must-have (though not vegan) is the Miso Caramel Tart along with Black Sesame Ice Cream which is perfect for anyone who prefers a dessert that goes light on sweetness but bold on flavour.
Sometimes, small and well-considered touches often amount to more than grand gestures. Here at Plural, the intent that has gone into conceptualising their menu, space and ethos is backed up at every turn. They have managed to create something unique in Mumbai’s crowded culinary space and with a forward-thinking concept and a menu that changes with the seasons, they’re bringing a touch of reinvented South East Asian dining to the city.