A Luxurious Brunch At The Westin Mumbai
New Yorkers recently confessed that brunches were one of the primary reasons they were robbed of their salaries every month. But admit it — anyone who has been to brunch yearns to go back the next Sunday.
I have a soft spot for Westin Mumbai and Delhi, but I detest the idea of travelling in Mumbai. Fellow Mumbaikars, I know you agree with me. But if your father decides to drive you all the way to Goregaon for a culinary extravaganza at Seasonal Tastes at the Westin Mumbai, then things are different.
The View
Offering a beautiful view of Sanjay Gandhi National park and the Western Express Highway, the Westin is one of the few places in Mumbai that lets you dine with a view. The location on the 18th floor also makes for a brightly lit brunch. Make sure you book a window table.
The Food
At a spread larger than many wedding buffets, the cuisines ranged from simple Indian with varieties like chaat, pindi chhole, and dahi bhalla to more elaborate tepinyaki and tempura stations. The mezze counters, cheese selections, and Oriental stations were where I spent most of my time, while my father was happy at their Indian outpost, Kangan.
Live stations of every cuisine cater to the bespoke choices of their discerning clientele, be it getting the pasta as al dente as per you prefer or adding an extra dash of hari chutney to the humble sev puri.
I was bowled over by their dahi poori as much as I loved their made-to-order Oriental soup and pasta topped with sauces and toppings of my choice.
Drinks
A range of delectable wines, spirits, and beers accompany the food. I had my hands full with a lovely cheese platter and a finely paired Grover Zampa red wine while my father sipped his beer and binged on some kebabs.
Desserts
Do save room for desserts, as there is a counter dedicated strictly to some wonderful sweet choices (including eggless, gluten-free, and sugar-free varieties). A dish that especially stood out was the malpua with rabdi, and I particularly loved their tiramisù and chocolate truffle.
Why Westin Mumbai Sunday Brunch?
The best part about the brunch is that the food is varied, yet highlights simple varieties that every cuisine is known for. No North Indian counter is complete without humble black dal, here known as Dal Kangan, and it is the USP of their Indian restaurant. You hear Mexican and you think tacos, or dahi bhalla the minute someone says Delhi. The cuisines are varied enough to entice you, but not so mind-boggling as to confuse you. Also, they have a large kids' area, with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.
For townies, here's a word of motivation: Instead of going out of Bombay for a day-long picnic, why not take a 45-minute drive to Goregaon? You will get some delicious food and wine with excellent hospitality, and four hours of pampering with a stunning view of the Western ghats. Sounds like a picnic to me!
Where: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Goregaon
Cost: Rs 2,400 plus taxes with alcohol and Rs 2,000 plus taxes without alcohol
Foodie tales from the modern Indian. Lettuce Review is a weekly capsule of food fables from the Indian subcontinent, our culture and hospitality. Join us as we give insights into our country, break myths about our cuisine, while welcoming you this colourful land of diversity! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.