Stroll down Chapel Highway, from the Mount Carmel finish, and you will be met with a vibrant two-storey construction. The facade is full of hues of pink, blue and white. An illustration impressed by Hokusai’s iconic ‘The Nice Wave Off Kanagawa’ is merged with that of a moka pot. All of the hints are there: Bandra, Asian, espresso, reinvention. You are standing on the location of the neighbourhood’s latest addition to the F&B scene, Mokai. It’s possible you’ll suppose, what’s another new restaurant in Bandra? However this can be a place that, since its inception, has proudly declared that that is not simply one other Bandra cafe. Does it stay as much as its guarantees? We visited to seek out out.
As we stroll in direction of the doorway, we discern echoes of Bandra bungalows within the roof and wood accents. Inside, the format retains hints of that old-world allure. However there isn’t a doubting the transformation it has undergone – that is an undeniably trendy, Twenty first-century area. The decor is essentially impressed by Japanese motifs. There are minimalist design components that commemorate imperfections – a nod to the wabi-sabi aesthetic – from the deconstructed espresso counter to the tough brushstrokes of the murals. As for the color palette, Mokai’s founder, Karreena Bulchandani, factors out the ube. It is the color popularly related to taro, which is a broadly used ingredient in Asian cuisines and in addition options on the menu right here.
However what is the goal behind these South East Asian aesthetics? It isn’t only a transfer to capitalise on a pattern. Karreena has spent her youth dwelling in China and travelling round South East Asia. She tells us how her experiences fuelled a ardour for the distinctive cafe cultures of the locations she visited. At Mokai, she goals to offer Mumbaikars a style of her adventures throughout these areas. Accordingly, the menu options Asian-inspired snacks, mains, desserts and baked treats, paired with an in depth vary of espresso, matcha and different beverage choices.
The thoughtfulness of design is mirrored within the curation of the menu. Mokai ensures it digs deeper than normal to give you selections past dim sums and noodles. Whether or not you are in an experimental temper or not, they have you coated. We started our meal with Togarashi Roasted Potatoes, served with a truffle aioli dip. Formed like wedges, this appetiser was warming and healthful. We performed moderately protected with the subsequent alternative too, choosing the Hong Kong Avenue-Fashion Steamed Wontons. This seemingly easy starter impressed us with its understated deliciousness. The flavours of the stuffing (we tried the hen), the feel of the masking and the beneficiant quantity of sauce have been balanced in satisfying concord.
One other consolation meals we are able to see ourselves returning for is the Katsu Rooster Sando. The shokupan bread is calmly toasted on one facet (which holds the filling), leaving the opposite to thrill you with its softness in your first chew. Between the slices, the panko fried hen topped with katsu sauce gives the final word indulgence. Need one thing much less loaded? You can’t go flawed with the Crispy Shrooms. The juicy, soy-drenched lettuce, onions, and shiitake, is a medley we’re nonetheless dreaming of.
We take a break from the binge and wander round, noting the distinctive model of our environment. Outdoors, there is a espresso window with tempting bakes on show. That is bustling Bandra in any case, and there are lots of who can solely afford to seize and go. The primary flooring has seating (and a specifically curated playlist) for many who can spare a number of extra minutes. There’s additionally a counter with a number of plug factors if it is advisable work whilst you eat. If an extended, leisurely meal is in your thoughts, head to the primary flooring (and observe how the music adjustments).
Mokai has a number of all-day breakfast choices, from recognisable ones like acai bowls to area of interest choices like Chawanmushi (a Japanese egg custard delicacy). We have been gained over by the Congee topped with miso butter and mushrooms. It had an beautiful umami flavour that elevated the dish to one thing greater than only a rice porridge. For these staying away from decadence but searching for a filling possibility, this can be a dish price ordering.
For the espresso program, Mokai has collaborated with Widespread Man Espresso Roasters, bringing part of Singapore’s espresso tradition to Bandra. Aside from globally sourced and regionally grown coffees, there are lots of specialty brews to discover right here. There are smoothies, juices, well being pictures and different concoctions if you wish to skip the caffeine. Do not miss the Traveller’s menu that channels wanderlust right into a number of iconic drinks from throughout Asia.
Boba lovers would love the Taro Boba from Taiwan, enhanced with blueberry flavour. It’s also possible to savour the goodness of this berry within the type of Mokai’s delicious Blueberry Matcha, made with ceremonial grade matcha. I had it customised with oat milk, and it added one other dimension to the expertise. We additionally appreciated Kyoto Chilly Brew, the place the condensed milk launched us to a special method of having fun with our common espresso. If you do not need milk-based drinks, we suggest the sunshine and rejuvenating Pandan Cooler, made with coconut water and malai (coconut meat).
We weren’t completed with our Asian feast. Our final savoury cease was the Dan Dan noodles, which we slurped with tempeh spiced with Sichuan pepper and chilli oil. There is not any gravy or curry, however the strong flavours of the tempeh make it an entire dish. For dessert, there are traditional choices like Honey Butter Toast and Coconut Sticky Rice. (It’s possible you’ll maybe recognise these from viral movies on social media). The candy deal with that left us speechless was MOKA-misu, a tiramisu-adjacent delight. Dare we are saying it? We most popular this one to many of the latest ‘originals’ we tried.
We felt that Mokai lived as much as its promise – this isn’t “yet one more Bandra cafe”. We have been fascinated with its considerate design and the delicious delicacies. The following time you go to Bandra, drop by for this breath of thrilling and recent (Asian) air within the metropolis!
The place: Mokai, Newton Home – 54, Chapel Highway, Bandra West, Mumbai.
When: 7 am to 7 pm | Open all days of the week
Picture credit score for all pictures: Mokai
