One cannot help but #getcrabby at Chef Kelvin Cheung's new offering

Chef Kelvin Cheung is no stranger to the discerning food enthusiasts of Mumbai. Since the day he shifted to Mumbai in 2012, the chef has been showing us the best that the city has wanted and deserves. After Ellipsis and One street over, Bastian is the latest joint that would be recognized by the talented and brilliant cook.

Singapore Chilli Crab

Bastian opened about a couple of months back on the busy Bandra linking road, and since then we have been wanting to give this new seafood place a visit. Deemed as one of the best things to happen to the food scene of Mumbai in recent times, it comes as a breath of fresh air, with its modern take on seafood somewhat missing from Mumbai's Mangalorean and Malvani roots. The interiors are modern and relaxed. Large mirrors don the walls, creating a feel of an expanse. Waiters are always on their feet, which bring a certain energy to the restaurant. Chef Kelvin Cheung himself keeps moving between tables, chatting up the guests and explaining his food. Food that has had Mumbai hooked for a few years now.

Animal Prawns and Not Veg Sushi

The appetizers menu called "little ones", is bit of a misnomer with big portions. ‘Animal prawns' is six plump jumbo prawns in a delectable animal sauce, made famous by In-N-Out burgers in the US, placed aesthetically on a dish, and is definitely meant to be shared. Other two fish appetizers suggested by the Maitre d'hotel, were the lobster roll and the not sushis - shrimp or salmon. Not a sushi, is a sushi inspired dish which retains its essence, but is given a twist with textures and additional ingredients. We tried the vegetarian, not veg sushi, which is sushi rice topped with miso glazed spiced eggplant. Rice crispy and herbs for added texture and freshness. The cleverness is evident in the way, two Japanese classics have been brought together in this one dish. Several other vegetarian options in the menu will make people with all diet preferences appreciate it.

Bar cocktails

There is definitely enough for everyone at this place. And yet, the restaurant screams loud and clear for what it essentially is. A concept seafood place which does its crustaceans the best. A separate menu offers the choice of seafood in six different sauces. Sauces which represent classic hits and leave you spoilt for choice. Internet has been buzzing about the crabs at bastian, and we tend to agree. Singapore chilli crab, which has been featured in the BBC's list of 50 things to eat before you die, also finds a place in this menu sharing space with other flavors like Carolina bbq from the west, schezuan from far-east, and other SEA classics. This section alone warrants at least 6 visits to the restaurant. The Bastian boil is a daunting set with a kilo of crabs, six prawns, corn, potatoes and sausages with their own bay seasoning. If only they could also provide the only bit missing, a sunny afternoon at the beach, and this would have been a perfect meal.

Bastian entrance and insignia

And when we talk about sunny afternoons, how can bright punchy concoctions be far behind. Bastian also boasts of an elaborate cocktails list. The drinks pack a punch and would leave happy memories for anyone who enjoys a good mix. And with the delightful weekday happy hours, the bar begs you to be visited after a long day at work. We tried the teriyaki broccoli, gochujang cauliflower and baby potatoes in kimchi butter from the charred list of items. There's many more such small plates to choose from to accompany these drinks.

Overall, Bastian is a restaurant which definitely demands a visit from all seafood lovers in the city. However, even if you are not into seafood, there is enough to keep you busy at this place. So, don't let anyone hold you back. The prices are competitive with some of the other established seafood places. If visited in a group of four a bill of 8-9K should be expected, which includes drinks and taxes. For lower number of people expect doggy bags to be carried home. I know we did.