For those who grew up in Bandra, a suburb in Mumbai that is considered a hotspot for diners shopping and nightlife enthusiasts, the fact that new restaurants open and close here almost every day comes as no surprise. Most foodies and industry specialists will agree that to create a mark in this crowded market, a restaurant needs to be very special. When the news that one of Bandra’s most popular eateries Salt Water Cafe was to shut down broke, it made the city’s foodies sad. Not much later though, Bandra Born took its place.
The Nostalgia Factor
Gresham Fernandes, Chef-Partner at Bandra Born, draws upon a rich culinary heritage rooted in his upbringing in a Catholic family in Bandra. His journey began with childhood experiences of tending to livestock and sourcing fresh ingredients with his granny, sparking his lifelong passion for cooking. Sitting in the heart of Bandra, Bandra Born manages to reflect the eclectic energy of the suburb through bold flavours, daring cocktails, and dollops of nostalgia. What began as a short-lived 12-week pop-up has now become a permanent fixture, beloved by all but made for Bandra.
What Makes Bandra Born Special
At the recently held Condé Nast Traveller x Zomato Top Restaurant Awards, Bandra Born bagged the ninth spot among the top 50 restaurants in India. Spread across two levels, the venue has distinct areas. On the ground floor, you’ll find a high-top dining area and a sunken lounge, both with views of the open bar where your cocktails are crafted live. Upstairs, the intimate bar area, seating 22 guests. The neon signs saying Bandra things makes it a fun space. There’s turntable DJ, playful artwork and a bunch of great things to eat and drink.
What To Order At Bandra Born
Bandra Born has India’s first dedicated Mahua bar, where the indigenous heritage spirit takes center stage in a series of cocktails. You’ll find Bandra in almost everything in the menu. There’s a nod to Elco’s sugarcane juice in the Juice And Booze cocktail with sugarcane juice, rum and ginger; The East Indian Crab Curry with the most exceptional, warm, soft croissant pao The Posh Puff, a fitting tribute to the Hearsch bakery puff but doused in a delectable truffle and wine sauce, the prawn custard with East Indian bottle masala and the pork belly with the most delicious crisp skin on top, a carrot glaze and ginger jam. If you like your cocktails spicy get the Buzz Bazaar with gin, guava saccharum, and coriander. Don’t miss Beets’ Meet, poached Beetroot and dehydrated beetroots cooked in their own juice and served with crispy chilli oil. With the Venus Jam Cake, a childhood favourite for everyone who grew up in Mumbai in the 90s, came a berry sorbet and whipped salted caramel.
For vegans, there’s a Watermelon Ceviche made with jalapeño, seed leche de tigre, and a fresh seed salad or even a Roasted Red Pumpkin Dumpling in a rich coconut curry. If you’re feeling experimental pick the Paneer Pineapple Curry served with fragrant pandan rice. Other favourites include the Mutton Panroll, featuring agri-style mutton and beet hot sauce, the Kheema Gotala’ish, and the Anglo-Indian Coorgi Pork.