Stroll down Chapel Highway, from the Mount Carmel finish, and you’ll be able to be met with a vibrant two-storey construction. The facade is stuffed with hues of crimson, blue and white. An indication encouraged through 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 might be status on the location of the neighbourhood’s latest addition to the F&B scene, Mokai. You might imagine, what is yet one more new eating place in Bandra? However it is a position that, since its inception, has proudly declared that that is now not simply every other Bandra cafe. Does it are living as much as its guarantees? We visited to determine.
As we stroll in opposition to the doorway, we discern echoes of Bandra bungalows within the roof and picket accents. Inside of, the format keeps hints of that old-world appeal. However there’s no doubting the transformation it has passed through – that is an undeniably fashionable, 21st-century house. The decor is in large part encouraged through Eastern motifs. There are minimalist design parts that commemorate imperfections – a nod to the wabi-sabi aesthetic – from the deconstructed espresso counter to the tough brushstrokes of the work of art. As for the color palette, Mokai’s founder, Karreena Bulchandani, issues out the ube. It is the color popularly related to taro, which is a broadly used aspect in Asian cuisines and in addition options at the menu right here.
However what is the purpose in the back of those South East Asian aesthetics? It isn’t only a transfer to capitalise on a development. Karreena has spent her early life residing in China and travelling round South East Asia. She tells us how her studies fuelled a zeal for the unique cafe cultures of the puts she visited. At Mokai, she objectives to offer Mumbaikars a style of her adventures throughout the ones areas. Accordingly, the menu options Asian-inspired snacks, mains, truffles 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 guarantees it digs deeper than standard to provide you with alternatives past dim sums and noodles. Whether or not you are in an experimental temper or now not, they have were given you lined. We started our meal with Togarashi Roasted Potatoes, served with a truffle aioli dip. Formed like wedges, this appetiser was once warming and healthy. We performed relatively secure with the following selection too, choosing the Hong Kong Side road-Taste Steamed Wontons. This apparently easy starter inspired us with its understated deliciousness. The flavours of the stuffing (we attempted the rooster), the feel of the masking and the beneficiant quantity of sauce have been balanced in pleasant team spirit.
Some other convenience meals we will be able to see ourselves returning for is the Katsu Hen Sando. The shokupan bread is calmly toasted on one facet (which holds the filling), leaving the opposite to thrill you with its softness to your first chew. Between the slices, the panko fried rooster crowned with katsu sauce supplies without equal indulgence. Need one thing much less loaded? You can’t move flawed with the Crispy Shrooms. The juicy, soy-drenched lettuce, onions, and shiitake, is a medley we are nonetheless dreaming of.
We take a spoil from the binge and wander round, noting the unique taste of the environment. Outdoor, there is a espresso window with tempting bakes on show. That is bustling Bandra in the end, and there are lots of who can handiest have enough money to grasp and move. The primary ground has seating (and a specifically curated playlist) for individuals who can spare a couple of extra mins. There may be additionally a counter with a couple of plug issues if you want to paintings whilst you consume. If an extended, leisurely meal is to your thoughts, head to the primary ground (and word how the tune adjustments).
Mokai has a number of all-day breakfast choices, from recognisable ones like acai bowls to area of interest choices like Chawanmushi (a Eastern egg custard delicacy). We have been received over through the Congee crowned with miso butter and mushrooms. It had a fantastic umami flavour that increased the dish to one thing greater than only a rice porridge. For the ones staying clear of decadence but searching for a filling choice, it is a dish price ordering.
For the espresso program, Mokai has collaborated with Not unusual Guy Espresso Roasters, bringing part of Singapore’s espresso tradition to Bandra. Aside from globally sourced and in the neighborhood grown coffees, there are lots of distinctiveness brews to discover right here. There are smoothies, juices, well being photographs and different concoctions if you wish to skip the caffeine. Do not omit the Traveller’s menu that channels wanderlust right into a number of iconic beverages from throughout Asia.
Boba lovers would really like the Taro Boba from Taiwan, enhanced with blueberry flavour. You’ll additionally 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 every other measurement to the revel in. We additionally appreciatedĀ Kyoto Chilly Brew, the place the condensed milk offered us to another means of playing our common espresso. If you do not want milk-based beverages, we advise the sunshine and rejuvenating Pandan Cooler, made with coconut water and malai (coconut meat).
We weren’t executed with our Asian dinner party. Our final savoury prevent was once the Dan Dan noodles, which we slurped with tempeh spiced with Sichuan pepper and chilli oil. There is no gravy or curry, however the powerful flavours of the tempeh make it an entire dish. For dessert, there are vintage choices like Honey Butter Toast and Coconut Sticky Rice. (It’s possible you’ll most likely recognise those from viral movies on social media). The candy deal with that left us speechless was once MOKA-misu, a tiramisu-adjacent satisfaction. Dare we are saying it? We most popular this one to lots of the contemporary ‘originals’ we attempted.
We felt that Mokai lived as much as its promise – this isn’t “but every other Bandra cafe”. We have been enthusiastic about its considerate design and the delicious cuisine. The following time you talk over with Bandra, drop through for this breath of thrilling and contemporary (Asian) air within the town!
The place: Mokai, Newton Area – 54, Chapel Highway, Bandra West, Mumbai.
When: 7 am to 7 pm | Open all days of the week
Photograph credit score for all photographs: Mokai