Bandra’s new vegan-friendly café combines an experimental menu and good coffee with a laidback vibe
Baja black bean nachos
Vegan cafes and restaurants seem like an almost natural pairing by this point — in that, whenever a new eatery sets up shop in the hipster suburb, the words organic and gluten-free are almost inevitable suffixes. So, when we hear of an all-new vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe opening up in the heart of Pali Hill, we’re excited and apprehensive in equal parts, considering the profusion of similarly themed diners that serve up the now cliched smoothie bowl-wrap-salad fare.
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The cafe in question is named Greenr, a name that is already popular in the conscious dining community in the nation’s capital. At Bandra, lodged in Drego House in the same space that was formerly occupied by the indie boutique, The Shop, the brand seems to have found an apt second home.
Saigon rice paper rolls
The neat white exterior and signage make the cafe easy to locate, despite the narrow, traffic-heavy lane it is located on. Once you enter, however, the bustle of the outside fades away into a chill, tropical vibe. They’ve retained much of the exposed concrete and art-deco windows of the original structure, adding clever little artsy touches with their choice of decor and hand-thrown crockery. On first impression, the cafe seems imminently Instagram-able, but what makes us stay longer is their playlist that steers clear of the Top 50 English hits to include more lounge-appropriate tracks.
Tres mushroom risotto
We kick off our meal with the chef’s recommended Baja black bean nachos (Rs 335) and the black bean and avocado Saigon rice paper rolls (Rs 225). The ragi and corn chips are light and crisp and pair beautifully with the guacamole, vegan cheese and salsa toppings. The rice paper rolls are fresh and crunchy, although the portion size is strictly for one. The cafe has an impressive coffee bar and a special menu dedicated to drinks. We try out the date syrup-sweetened peanut butter latte (Rs 195) and the cafe bombon (Rs 245) that combines espresso and bittersweet chocolate — both warrant repeats, as does the Greenr cola (Rs 185), which contains activated charcoal.
The cafe’s interiors
For our mains, we try the pumpkin and sage gigli (Rs 550) and the tres mushrooms and truffle oil black rice risotto (Rs 595). While the flavour is on point, we would have enjoyed the pasta a little more al-dente and the risotto a little less salted. To end our meal on a sweet note, we pick the kaffir lime pie with mango coulis (Rs 295) and the tiramisu (Rs 370). Those familiar with vegan, sattvic desserts served at establishments like Yoga House will instantly recognise the nutty, unbaked crust and the cashew-coconut cream-based fillings.
A selection of coffee-based beverages
Both were well received by our dining party and were a highlight of our experience. With their experimental menu, chill vibes, friendly and attentive service, and affordable pricing, Greenr understands their clientele and caters to their needs quite well. That it is also pet-friendly and aesthetically pleasing also makes it a venue we’d return to, for encores.
Time: 12 noon to 10 pm
At: Pali Naka, Bandra West.
Call: 8591138613
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