New L(a)unches on the Block

After a beautiful yet extended festive season (that doesn’t seem to end), you might want to pause, unwind, and take stock with your friends when you get a minute. But are you confused with the new slew of places popping up in the city? While we’re sure they’re all worth a visit, we bring you the new cuisines and places topping our list. Whether it’s a quick coffee run with the girls, your next date night or the carefully planned family dinner, we know just the spot(s).

Nandan Coffee, Fort

To satisfy the coffee connoisseur in you

Nandan Coffee

From Kodaikanal, Nandan Coffee made its way to Mumbai and Delhi in small formats like pop-ups and coffee bars at retail spaces in the past. Now, a standalone in the city whose coffee culture is only growing by the minute, Nandan Coffee is an ‘experience centre’ that shines a spotlight on its hometown. You could walk in and order a flat white or a cortado as easily as you can choose your bean, and your brewing style and have a conversation with the barista about notes, flavour profiles and how to brew the perfect cup. With elements of Kodaikanal peppered across its minimalist menu, (think native Kodai avocado on Muhammara toast or a generous sprinkling of podi on your light-as-air scrambled eggs) Nandan Coffee also offers a “create your own coffee” experience, where, under the guidance of a barista, visitors can sample different brews and create their own blend based on their individual tastes.

Amaru, Bandra

For the perfect blend, that is Nikkei Cuisine

Amaru

The story of Nikkei cuisine goes back to the late 19th century when Japanese immigrants, mostly farmers displaced by the country’s industrial revolution, first set foot on Peruvian shores, drawn by opportunities in coastal plantations and silver mines. Blending Peruvian ingredients with Japanese flavours - the newest entrant in India’s growing Nikkei scene is Amaru in Bandra, occupying the ground floor of Bombay Art Society. Their menu showcases Nikkei staples designed by culinary director Chef Nicolas Madueño and head chef Shreyas Kadam. Highlights include Classico Ceviche with Hamachi, the inventive Causa Sushi with mashed potatoes, and Dos Colores Tiradito with hamachi slices. With its tropical interiors and intriguing dishes, Amaru promises a memorable dining experience right in the heart of Mumbai.

Bumipura, Lower Parel

For some Southeast Asian spices and a killer cocktail menu

Bumipura

Founder MingYang Chai visited Mumbai last May on holiday and by the end of his week-long visit, came away thinking the city’s cocktail culture was taking off. Now, ready to make his contribution to this scene, he’s opened the doors of our next go-to spot in the city - Bumipura at Kamala Mills in Lower Parel. Chai takes inspiration from the culinary heritage of Singapore and Malaysia to craft a technique-forward eight-drink menu. Think: a martini inspired by Hainanese chicken rice or nasi lemak, reimagined to have a warm layer of fluffy rice (cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf) foam that sits atop a pandan-infused spirit base. Snacking is encouraged here, and the CR Burger, which sees chicken and cucumber sandwiched between seared rice discs stands out. Want to try something truly different? We’d suggest the easy-to-pop nasi lemak balls (with a sambal surprise buried in the middle) or the soya chaap satay.

Waarsa, Nariman Point

For wholesome Awadhi food

Waarsa

Helmed by chefs Rahul Akerkar and Mukhtar Qureshi, Waarsa brings a lighter, fresher rendition of Awadhi khana, with plenty of vegetables, and no oil slick in sight. The 50-seater occupies what was previously Amadeus in the NCPA complex. Etymologically, Waarsa is tied to viraasat, the Urdu word for heritage. The thought behind the name is that food is a form of waarsa, or inheritance, acquired not only via regal kitchens, but also through the various delicious things cooked at home for families. At Waarsa, Lucknow-native Qureshi melds 30 years of restaurant experience with the joys of home-cooked food. The result? The meals here simply lean into comfort, without abstaining from tradition or nuance.