Are you searching for the perfect monsoon treat? Indulge in a warm cocktail, a cheesy fondue or a hearty main course dish off the new menus we love at restaurants across the city, says Rhea Dhanbhoora
GET A DRINK AT AKA
Why we love it If you thought monsoon was all about soups and fondue, this July special could change everything. If you’ve got time to unwind, do it at AKA. With warm ingredients in their mixes along with some mint and cucumber to add a refreshing hint to the specials, you can enjoy a lazy evening that will lift your spirits. They’ve also recently launched a whole new menu, so you can spend a rainy monsoon evening trying out special cocktails with great food here.
Where Ground Floor, Lotus Cinema Building, Hornby Vellard Estate, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli
TRY The rum and cinnamon-infused Drawing Room, gin, curry leaf and pear-infused Stealing Beauty and the range of molecular cocktails
GREAT PAIRINGS AT OLD WILD WEST
Why we love it There’s so much to love about Old Wild West and they’re adding to it with cocktails that have the quirkiest names — all suited for the season. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a warm, cheesy melt with a cocktail, this is the place at which to do it. With Sea Shore, Stormy Water and Heavy Rain only some of the interesting names in the mix, you’re going to be smiling through every order you place here as the rain lashes down outside.
Where First Floor, Trade View Building Oasis Complex, Kamala Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Lower Parel
TRY A surprisingly good mix of old monk and banana syrup in the Rainy Rita, a delicious warm Coffee Toddy, spicy Korean Style Chilly Potato, Spicy Garlic Prawns and the indulgent Onion & Mushroom Melt
SIP & READ AT THE PANTRY
Why we love it If you haven’t spent a monsoon at The Pantry yet, you should head over. They’ve been one of our favourite places for an evening cup of tea with, as they so rightly put it, ‘a side of the rain’. Take a book with you and enjoy the Stone Fruits and Drupes desserts, beverages and cosy interiors. And, if you’re worried about staying healthy this season, the fact that the menu has been crafted with fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients will help convince you to visit.
Where The Pantry, Yashwant Chambers, Military Square Lane, Near Trishna, Kalaghoda, Fort
TRY The Organic Honey Haldi Doodh for a hot treat, the Jackfruit Cumin Pudding for a warming dessert and the delicious Ricotta Cannoli
SOUP FOR THE SEASON AT ROYAL CHINA
Why we love it Craving for a little soul food during the monsoon? When we’re looking to satisfy our monsoon cravings nothing usually beats a warm soup, so this pick shouldn’t surprise you. Hot broths, fried treats, steamed dim sum — Royal China has it all, and it’s better than ever because they’ve introduced a special menu to celebrate the season! There’s new twists on old favourites, new flavours to get hooked on to and the same, luxurious ambiance we’re so used to at this renowned restaurant.
Where Royal China Bandra, 192 Turner Road, Bandra (w) and Royal China Fort, Hazarimal Somani Marg, Fort
TRY Crispy Aromatic Duck, the Steamed Wantons in Soy Chilli Broth, Sesame Prawn Toast and Tenderloin Gyoza for those with a craving for fried food as well as picks from the new range of soups for the season that includes a delicious Duck Noodle Soup
CHAAT IT UP AT DESIKLUB
Why we love it So, we’ve been told to stay away from street food during the monsoon, but let’s face it, this is when we want it the most! Enter DesiKlub’s new menu, here to satiate all your street food cravings with a sprinkling of hearty mains for the season. There’s cheese, chaat and main course dishes — what’s not to love?
Where DesiKlub, Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Nariman Point
TRY Papad Bhel, the delicious Indian Focaccia and a Delhi Belly for when you want tava pulao
FONDUE TIME AT GRANDMAMA’S CAFÉ
Why we love it One word — fondue. We can’t resist a good fondue any time of the year and while it’s usually a winter treat on our lists, we’re adding monsoon to the mix with the specials at this café. Their hot treats include meaty dishes, cheesy goodness and the option of spinach fritters for a little energy on a gloomy day!
Where Grandmama’s Café, Dadar and Lower Parel
TRY Cheese lovers will love the Four Cheese Fondue, while the Jalapeno fondue is a spicy treat. Our favourite though, is the indulgent Bacon Fondue!