A Rendezvous With The Finest French Food In India

It isn’t everyday that you’re told French and Indian cuisine could be considered quite similar; much less by the manager of the reputed La Plage, in Goa. As one of the most successful (and longest standing) French restaurants in the country worth its salt, debating this would be futile. She laughs, explaining herself, “I meant both our cuisines are over-indulgent when it comes to the ingredients and the people share an amazing amount of love and passion for their food.” As we nodded in agreement, she went on to elaborate on how their cuisine relies on understated herbs to do the talking—a feat their kitchen has accomplished on multiple levels.

French cuisine in India is understandably not the most popular out there due to their subtle flavours as well as the abundance of red meat, but it is enjoying a small boom across multiple cities like Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. Goa with its influx of diverse nationalities was already marking its French territory, especially with La Plage setting itself up nearly two decades ago along the sunshine state’s flourishing coastline. Pondicherry, of course, offers an entire colony of French restaurants or restaurants offering French fare on the side—a directory we aim to cover on another compilation on another day.

Scroll on for a list of French restaurants around India - lots of buttery croissants and pastries await!

I. Cafe Noir, Bangalore

Where: 2nd Floor, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Lavelle Road

Initially, Cafe Noir started off as a popular spot for Parisian pastries like éclairs, tarts, macaroons and more. Soon enough, their food began to take off as well—for good reason! With vegetarian options that cater to the Indian palate, as well as chicken-based dishes, their menu comprises of traditional French cuisine recipes all curated by Thierry Jasserand, the owner. Open from breakfast till dinner time, you’re guaranteed fresh croissants and baguettes everyday too.

Cost: INR 1,500 for two.

II. La Plage, Goa

Where: Aswem Beach, Near Papa Jolly Hotel, Aswem Road, Morjim, Arambol

“The gratinated mussels come soaked in a buttery, garlick-y broth that you’ll be swabbing off with chunks of freshly baked bread; the carpaccio is perfectly seasoned, and never enough in portion no matter how much you order; the tuna’s sesame crust is so wonderfully well-suited, you’ll wonder how you ever turned your nose up at the fish in its canned form and that molten chocolate ganache or the strawberries with whipped cream?” - Homegrown Editor’s Ode to La Plage, cut somewhat shorter thanks to grumbling bellies. If there’s anything to add to the above, it would be to try their famed Chocolate Thali.

P.S. La Plage is open only through half the year, so you’d better make your reservations while Goa’s season lasts, stat.

Cost: INR 1000 for two people.

III. Le Bistro Du Parc, Delhi

Where: A-57-59, Moolchand Market, Near Defence Colony, New Delhi

A pioneering force behind the introduction of bonafide French food to the capital, Le Bistro Du Parc also sources all their ingredients from local organic farms. Known for their casual live music nights, intimate ambience and fine wines, the bistro changes up their menu through the year to keep things interesting. Evenings are the best time to visit, especially if you want to enjoy their outdoor terrace seating, along with a glass of their finest sangria, of course. While their Boeuf Steak & Frites may seem pricey, the price tag is worth every glorious bite of this succulent meal—if you’re planning on ordering from their fixed menu, over their daily specials.

Cost: INR 1,700 for two.

IV. Le Casse-Croute, Bangalore

Where: 1675, Ground Floor, 4th Cross, 9th Main, HAL 3rd Stage, Thippasandra

A food truck might seem like the last place one would look for great French cuisine, but hey, don’t knock it till you try it. Bangalore is experiencing quite the French revolution when it comes to food; and from what we hear, no one’s complaining. While part of their menu aims to appease an Indian’s craving for spice, the rest of it focuses on staying true to their more French flavours. Set up by 3 co-founders, the food truck is quickly becoming a crowd favourite, often selling over a 100 sandwiches a day. If you’re looking to ease yourself into their world of flavour, start off with the Monsieur Cesaire; a fusion of French sauces and Indian spices.

Cost: INR 450 for two.

V. Mustard, Goa

Where: 78, Mae de Deus Vaddo, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Penha de Franca

At first sight, their menu may seem like quite the conundrum — French and Bengali cuisine appear to be on either end of a spectrum! However, Mustard seamlessly fuses these two cuisines together to curate a menu like no other; a venture we thoroughly exploit on every trip to Goa. Their tender Filet de Boeuf and rich Kosha Mangsho are how you’ll sample the best of both, in one meal. Keep your eye on the prize though, their desserts are just as delectable and span over both cuisines; making choices...très difficult.

Cost: INR 1,800 for two.

VI. Slink & Bardot, Mumbai

Where: 329/A, Thadani House, Opposite Indian Coast Guard, Worli Village, Worli

This list wouldn’t be doing justice to French food in India without Nick Harrison’s delightful restaurant Slink & Bardot. While maintaining their culinary motto of ‘small plates’, French chef Alexis Gielbaum ensures that although their portions may be small, they’re big on flavour. Traditional French techniques smoothly make their way through every dish on their menu; establishing Slink & Bardot as a top spot for authentic French food in this city. Seared Scallops are a crowd favourite, with the Steamed Rose Snapper close behind—a dish you’re guaranteed to want more of. Though for us, it’s always about big groups and the littlest plates; multiple orders of the Brie en croute (brie bakedin flaky, thin filo pastry drizzled with lavender honey) steak tartare and the truffle fries, monsieur! (Oh and don’t forget to try their cocktails).

Cost: INR 3,000 for two.

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