Mumbai food: Bandra eatery serves healthy and junk food in a garage-like setting

Calamari Masala with Malabar Paratha

‘A place that serves healthy and junk. One that's got a little funk. Made with stuff that most throw. Here it's a part of the show,' read the first page of a large menu at a new Bandra eatery. If you've been to C'est La Vie on Hill Road, and visited the erstwhile everyday bar, Santé, you will find its replacement to be a stark contrast. While the former had a fairy tale, wine date kind of vibe, Umang Tewari's The Junkyard Cafe draws inspiration from vintage garages and old industrial spaces.

Baida Roti with Rose Petal Ice Cream

The café that first opened in Delhi, uses tyres suspended on its walls, scooters as seats, parking graphics plastered across the space, images of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe for its Mumbai edition. It's quite clear that the interiors do justice to the name.

The interiors draw inspiration from vintage garages

Though we choose a seat in the outdoor section, perfect for this time of the year, the blaring music drowns our voices. Fifteen minutes into attempting to make conversation, we have to request the staff to lower the volume.

Fresh Fruit Pinacolada

The food menu features everything from pizzas, pastas and burgers to desi fare and Asian nibbles. The first section titled ‘Nutritious Food' has starters, salads and mains, all of which come with a calorie count, and percentage of other nutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates printed below the name of the dish.

The second half of the menu features what is categorised as ‘Indulgent Food.' We try both. We pick the Tofu Aniseed ('345). The silken tofu bites are melt-in-the-mouth and have a sweetish, mildly flavoured aniseed sauce. The Fattoush Salad with Rosewater Vinaigrette ('245) is simple and refreshing. Fresh vegetables like tomato, lettuce and onions are tossed in a simple citrus rosewater dressing. The mix is topped with crunchy lavaash. However, we wish the lettuce was balanced with more greens.

Of the many interesting mains featuring meats, eggs and veggies, we opt for seafood. The Calamari Masala with Malabar Paratha ('585) is spicy but delicious. The perfectly cooked squid has a spicy, semi-gravy sauce, which we mop up with flaky maida parathas. We wash down the meal with a Fresh Fruit Pinacolada ('495), which is too sweet.

For dessert, though there are multiple options listed, only two are available on the day. We pick the Baida Roti with Rose Petal Ice Cream ('325) over brownies. The Puran Poli-style Indian dessert of parathas stuffed with a jaggery filling is the highlight of our meal. It is not too sweet, the parathas are served with a fresh cream mix topped with rose petals instead of the ice cream mentioned.

If they promise to keep the volume of the music in check, we would love to do an encore, just for its eclectic, experimental menu.

On: 2 pm to 1 am
At: 164 Hill Road, Bandra (W).
Call: 9999641421