Bastian re-opens in Bandra

The bar programme at all Bastian Hospitality restaurants has always been designed to be innovative, ingredient-forward and pure fun. Photo Courtesy: Bastian Bandra

Bastian, the flagship restaurant of the Bastian Hospitality group that launched back in 2016, has now re-opened in Bandra. This casual, fun restaurant and bar, which received much fanfare seven years ago, quickly became a go-to hotspot for celebrities and foodies alike. After a brief shuttering of doors, Bastian is now back in Bandra.

Always blessed with an abundance of natural light, Bastian Bandra has preserved this element which lends to the overall cheeriness of the venue. An extensive use of wood adds warmth and a comforting, laid-back vibe, juxtaposed against neutral soft furnishings in shades of cream, an interplay of textures as seen in the decorative rope patterning the ceilings and the wicker of the furniture, and the statement chandeliers resplendent with feathers and fauna. In the evenings, strategic lighting lends an inviting glow, setting the stage for the epic evenings that Bastian was always known to serve up.

Diners will delight in a menu of old favourites, featuring the most popular dishes that Bastian became beloved for, when it first launched. Highlights include Lobster Roll; The Mac; Bastian Ceviche; Animal Prawns; Spicy Crab Thermidor; Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice; and Crispy Chicken Bao. Vegetarian diners will enjoy the Edamame Hummus; Tofu Bao; Korean Fried Paneer; and Malaysian Noodles. Guests visiting for lunch can opt for lighter dishes like the Bastian signature Kale Caesar Salad; and Watermelon Feta; and a series of Bowls including Vegan Green Curry Bowl; Chicken Bulgogi Bowl; and Pork Mazeman Bowl.

The Market section of the menu provides a touch of personalisation: guests are able to choose their main dish ingredient - either deshelled crab, lobster, snapper, salmon, chicken or prawn. The diner can also decide on the accompanying sauce that the dish is cooked in. Options include Szechuan Chili Butter Sauce; Moilee; Singapore Curry; and Black Pepper Sauce. A vegetable option is also available.

The dessert menu retains the hearty, rustic offerings that Bastian quickly became known for back when it launched. New offerings include a giant Fortune Cookie; and a Saffron Tres Leches. The best of Bastian returns in the form of Baked Alaska; and Molten Chocolate Cake. Cheesecakes like Lotus Kunafa and Smores are also on the well-curated list of desserts.

Brunch, which was an affair to remember when Bastian first launched it, is also back with a bang. Diners can indulge in cheat day dishes such as Smoked Pork Belly Benedict; Red Hot Chicken Waffles; Lobster Mac; and Baked Brie.

The bar programme at all Bastian Hospitality restaurants has always been designed to be innovative, ingredient-forward and pure fun. Bastian Bandra brings back this vibrancy with a cocktail menu that features an extensive list of perfectly honed libations. Aromatic bitters, pickled brine, infused gin, spiced foams, house-made popcorn syrup, and even salty air are just some of the garnishes and ingredients used to elevate drinks that are bold in flavor yet entirely balanced in taste.