Pooja Dhingra is the founder of Le15 Patisserie and Studio Fifteen Culinary Centre in Mumbai. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, she brought a flaky, buttery, perfect piece of that pie to India through her delectable desserts and now iconic dessert cafe, which seems to be increasing its outlets everyday.
She has been featured in national dailies and is a regular favourite for fashion and lifestyle glossies not just for her abilities in the kitchen, but also as a dynamic businesswoman and inspiration to women everywhere. She was even selected by Forbes India for their 30 under 30 achievers list for 2014.
Scroll on for a personalised guide like none other.
I. Vanilla Panna Cotta with a passion fruit reduction @ Pali Village Cafe
Surprisingly, this is one of my favourite desserts in the city. I usually only choose chocolate in a menu, but the consistency and texture of this dessert are spot on.
II. Falooda @ Badshah
I always make a quick stop here when I'm shopping for baking supplies in Crawford market. My favourite is the Royal Falooda served with vanilla ice cream.
III. Sitaphal Cream @ Haji Ali Juice Center
This one is full of nostalgia and pure indulgence. It's made with custard apple pulp and heavy cream—you cannot go wrong with this one!
IV. Gulab Jamun @ Jhama Sweets
Any festival at home is incomplete without my dad bringing us Gulab Jamun from Jhama.
V. Salted Caramel Ice Cream @ Sucre des Terres
Pastry chef Kunali works her magic with her artisnal ice cream brand in Worli. You need to pre-order and they will home deliver. The Ice cream is rich, creamy and has the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
VI. Hazelnut Crunch @ Le15 Patisserie
I'm sorry, but I had to. The Hazelnut crunch cake is my weakness. It's layered with crispy french biscuit, dark chocolate ganache and toasted hazelnuts.
VII. Banoffee Pie @ Salt Water Cafe
Flaky short crust pastry, topped with caramel and sliced bananas.
VIII. Nutella Crepe @ Suzette
Nutella. I don't need to write more!
IX. Coconut Ice Cream @ Naturals
A classic favourite, never disappoints!
X.Warm Chocolate Tart, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Morello Cherry Sauce @ The Table
This one is for chocolate lovers.