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With carols, lights, Santa-inspired decorations and general merriment in the air this holiday season, there’s one important element that ties all the cheery Christmas spirit together — food. From a traditional Pork Roast lining your dinner table, to those small bits of marzipan sweets you swipe away from the kitchen, this season brings with it a variety of mouth-watering goodies that are exceptions to all your dietary plans, because they’re just too hard to resist.
While a lucky few in Mumbai might have the good fortune of a home-cooked Christmas feast, some are left craving that special holiday season meal to no avail. But don’t fret if you belong to the latter half of that equation, because this year, we’ve got you covered.
These 16 Mumbai-based restaurants mirror your Christmas spirit, empathise with your culinary cravings and deliver your desired feast alongside a large helping of merriment. From traditional plum cake with a twist of whiskey, to braised oxtail and roasted duck, these holiday season-special menus and dishes are gifts from the food Gods to satisfy your December dining desires. Santa Claus himself couldn’t have concocted a better list of festive feasts, so scroll on for your Christmas meal options, and chalk out your weekend plans this holiday season. Happy holidays, stomachs!
[Note to readers: These Christmas menus might look a little different now, so do give them a call or just pay them a visit to find out.]
I. Brie Cheese Tart, Roast Chicken and more at Mia Cucina
Picture beautiful golden-brown freshly-roasted chicken, accompanied by holiday stuffing and a side of vegetables — now that’s what we call a wholesome holiday meal. If you’d like something to start you off before you carve out that chicken, slurp away at Mia Cucina’s Brie Cheese and Pears Soup, served piping hot with sage crouton.
To top off your meal, Mia Cucina offers you a savoury baked tart filled with brie cheese, walnuts, and grape, complete with gorgeous flavours, fresh from the oven for your holiday dining.
II. Eternal Ginger Tarts, Christmas Macaroons and more at Toshin Chocolatier Patissier
Established by Chef Toshin, this former student at Le Cordon Bleu’s brainchild and namesake patisserie is every sugar lover’s dream come true. And since sweets and December seem to go hand-in-hand, the Toshin Chocolatier Patissier has a variety of special treats this holiday season. Berries, sultanas, apricots, and pecan nuts are infused with spices, and gently folded in golden caramel to form the delicious Eternal Ginger Tarts. And that sugary delight comes wrapped in holiday cheer as well.
Shaped like Christmas trees, this patisserie’s ‘It’s Christmas’ macaroon dessert is filled with pecan nuts, cranberries, raspberries, apricots, sultanas and a variety of spices. And since December brings with it fresh, juicy strawberries, Chef Toshin couldn’t resist a fruity sweet treasure. ‘I Surrender’ is a luscious fusion of fresh strawberries and a rich, thick strawberry jam. Mascarpone cheese enters this gorgeous union, layered with a smooth vanilla decquoise.
Cost: Chef Toshin’s special Christmas treats will flood your stomach with holiday cheer and sugary goodness for Rs. 240 each.
III. Home style Classico Ratatouille, Cotto Frutta Torta Di Formaggio and more at Serafina
Thick roasted bell peppers are used to craft Serafina’s flavoursome and equally festive Arrostita Peperone Soup, served with goat cheese croutons. As this thick, delicious soup warms up your holiday palate though, the ride has just begun with Serafina’s special Italian-style menu for your Christmas feast plans. Musk melon fingers are wrapped with thin parma ham, served on arugula, forming the next course of this perfect meal.
Next, treat yourself to a home-style Classico Ratatouille, which, despite its intricate flavours, tastes homely and simply leaves you with a lovely warm feeling. You really can’t end a Christmas meal without dessert, so grab a spoon for Serafina’s Cotto Frutta Torta Di Formaggio — a baked cheese cake garnished with wine-soaked fruits.
Cost: That gorgeous, thick soup will start you off at Rs. 325, and the musk melon-parma ham treat is yours at Rs. 525. Homeliness in the form of their special Ratatouille comes for Rs. 595, and the perfect end to your meal is Rs. 395 for that delicious, fruity cheese cake. And even if you stop by for just one quick festive delight, any one of these four comes with an extra helping of holiday cheer.
IV. Joojeh Kebabs and Beam & Pop Cocktails at Monkey Bar
In the heart of the beautifully lit Bandra sits the vibrant bar Monkey Bar, and their menu is all dressed up for the holiday season. Succulent pieces of chicken are soaked in a Persian-style marinate, served steaming hot on skewers. Accompanied by a smoky-flavoured dip crafted from roasted tomatoes, this Christmas special is a must-have. And that’s not all.
Pair it with a special concoction prepared to enhance that cheery holiday spirit. Jim Beam and Butter Vodka come together to revel in the sweetness of brown sugar and nutmeg, topped with golden caramel popcorn and rich butterscotch ice-cream. Yes, we just confirmed how amazingly decadent the holiday season can be, and we’re loving every minute of it.
Cost: Those beautiful chicken skewers are a steal at Rs. 240, and the sugary goodness of that Beam & Pop Cocktail will cost you Rs. 350 and calorie-guilt. But hey, ‘tis the season to be jolly.
V. Lawrence’s Pork Sambari, Cardoz’s Braised Oxtail and more at Bombay Canteen
If you’re searching for a traditional Christmas feast to enjoy this holiday season, look no further. Bombay Canteen has compiled a beautiful set of three authentic festive dishes that will leave you wishing every day was Christmas. For starters, Lawrence’s Pork Sambari comprises of a customary rich curry with succulent pieces of pork accompanied by light fugias (a type of bread) which is a staple at every East Indian feast.
Cardoz’s braised oxtail is served in a hot and sticky jus, with rice pilau and carrots on the side. Ending your meal on a sweet note is Silgardo’s traditional Goan bebinca — a layered coconut milk custard drenched in sugary delight.
Cost: Traditional East Indian pork curry and braised oxtail will cost you Rs. 600 each for the authentic feast experience. And if a trip to Goa isn’t on your calendar, this bebinca is the next best thing at Rs. 250.
VI. Nigiris and Sashimis at Pa Pa Ya
Lower Parel’s Pa Pa Ya has dressed up their menu all ready for Christmas, and it’s one for the books. Beautiful flavours are infused with the finest ingredients to create the perfect festive feast for your holiday cravings. And they’re even spoiling you for choice.
VII. Pork Belly, Shepherd’s Pie and more at Smoke House Deli
Smoke House Deli’s meaty delights are fit for any occasion, and with December festivities in the air, they’re putting on a special culinary show that you really don’t want to miss. Marinated in house spice, orange and cumin, their pork belly is braised for about five hours, served with roasted root vegetables and pork gravy.
Two beautiful cuts of lamb are stewed with mushroom, kidney beans and red wine to craft Smoke House Deli’s holiday special Shepherd’s Pie, topped with mascarpone wiped mash potatoes, served with fennel salad. And to add to the list of festive delights, they even serve Chorizo and Pork Croquettes--a traditional Christmas treat served with braised cabbage and cheese fondue.
VIII. Pork Wurstel With Spiced Mustard Crème Sauce, Whiskey Plum Pudding and more at Social
Finely roasted succulent chicken adorns your table, accompanied by vegetables, as one of Social’s holiday special dishes crafted solely for December. As gifts and merriment flood the air, this festive menu truly stands for Christmas culinary traditions at their best.
Freshly grilled pork sausages with cumin and curry leaf tossed cabbage are served with a thick, flavoursome mustard cream sauce to answer all your holiday season meat wishes. For dessert, enjoy their Whiskey Plum Pudding that is so rich, you will never miss another Social holiday meal again. And if you’re feeling especially festive, bite into the Drunken Dates Pancake topped with a handsome helping of whipped cream, maple syrup and cherry.
IX. Pumpkin And Shallot Filo Tart at White Owl Brewery
While White Owl is usually reserved for throngs of beer-lovers lining up to taste their micro-brewed, delicious mugs of golden goodness, topped with a light, white froth, this December they have something special planned. Stop by White Owl, and alongside your brew order their holiday-season special Tart.
Flavoured with Pumpkin and Shallot Filo, this gorgeous, light tart is served with fresh, aromatic thyme and drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Now that’s what we call a Christmas special.
Cost: Rs. 395 is truly a steal for this gorgeous holiday delight.
X. Quesadilla (Malabari Parantha With Roast Vegetable Khurma and Molgai Podi) at Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra
Gather around all ye adventurous foodies, because Masala Library’s Christmas special menu infuses traditional Indian food with a touch of holiday spirit, and it’s truly delicious.
Malabari parantha encased with South Indian-styled vegetable khurma crafted with beans, carrots and baby corn is flavoured with gruerve cheese, served along with a rich curry leaf and tomato chutney adorns your Christmas plate, bringing you wild and creative flavours.
XI. Roasted Shanghai Duck, Poached Pear Christmas Rum Cake and more at Joss
With traditional Christmas-styled dishes adorning your table, Joss welcomes you for a specially crafted holiday season feast. Chive Dumpling complete with lotus root and chestnuts start you off, followed by wildly flavoursome Spinach Filo Cigar.
A beautifully roasted golden-brown Shanghai duck is your next course, with each juicy bite melting in your mouth. No Christmas meal is truly complete without a rum cake, and Joss’ comes topped with gorgeously poached slices of pear on top.
Cost: Vegetarians will have to shell out Rs. 1750 for Joss’ special Christmas meal, and meat-eaters are charged Rs. 2050--totally worth it for that holiday cheeriness.
XII. Roasted Whole Chicken, Dirty Hot Chocolate With Marshmallows and more at Salt Water Cafe
Stuffing along with a thick, wildly flavoursome gravy accompany Salt Water Cafe’s special roasted whole chicken, golden-brown and crispy from the outside, soft and succulent from within. Bringing that must-have holiday sweetness is their traditional Christmas Pudding French Toast, served with home-made Irish Cream on the side.
Pair it with Salt Water Cafe’s thick and equally decadent Dirty Hot Chocolate, topped off with light, fluffy marshmallows. Close your eyes and picture yourself warm and cosy under a thick blanket, and this hot chocolate will be everything you’ve ever wanted from Christmas.
XIII. Stollen and Panettone at The Table
December brings with it beautiful lights, a bubble of happiness, and special holiday-themed sweets. Adding to that tradition is The Table, with their delicious Christmas delights. Stollen, a fluffy, light bread made from a special house-made dough and marzipan, is soaked in rum. Topped with candied orange peel and dried fruits, one slice of this gorgeous treat is enough to bring you that cheery holiday spirit.
Christmas tradition meets innovation with The Table’s special take on the classic Panettone. Lighter-than-air, it’s packed with festive flavours, garnished with candied orange peel and dried fruits, and it truly tastes like Christmas.
Cost: Rum-soaked sweet bread for Rs. 850 is worth every rupee, and that Panettone is so beautifully light, it melts in your mouth for Rs. 750. Both these Christmas specials are crafted with utmost attention and passion, so their chefs need 48 hours to let the magic happen. [Call on +91 9833948363 to place an order.]
XIV. Strawberry And Cream Pizza Cookie at The Playlist Pizzeria
Step into Christmas season decadence with The Playlist Pizzeria’s strawberry and cream pizza cookie, crafted to fulfill your holiday sweetness cravings. A five-inch double chocolate chip pizza cookie is filled with fresh, gooey cream and strawberries, along with a house-special syrup.
XV. Sushi X’mas Tree at Fatty Bao
Asian food like no other floods the tables at Bandra’s Fatty Bao with culinary innovation and wild flavours infused in every bite. And this holiday season, that innovation has been taken to a whole new level. Specially crafted Christmas-style sushi awaits your December dining, and there’s two different options too.
For vegetarians, Fatty Bao has reserved the Avocado and Cream Cheese Sushi X’mas Tree, and for the meat-inclined folk, there’s the Norwegian Salmon and Spicy Carrot Sushi X’mas Tree. Everyone loves Christmas themed food, and everyone really really loves sushi, so Fatty Bao’s combination is all you need this holiday season to complete your festive feast.
Cost: Merriment married with innovation for Rs. 300 each.
XVI. Under The Mistletoe, Christmas Dundee Cake and more at Woodside Inn
Sparkling wine, Frogloi liqueur, fresh strawberries and fresh kiwi come together to form Woodside Inn’s special holiday cocktail, and it’s aptly named to bring you all the joys of Christmas--Under The Mistletoe. Alongside your delicious drink, try the soft and rich Christmas Dundee Cake, topped with saffron and cinnamon custard.
If you’re craving a snowy Christmas but you happen to live in Mumbai, Woodside Inn’s Snow Melon Martini will give you that icy cool feeling you crave, and it’s delicious too. Vodka, fresh watermelon, green apple, and grated coconut come together, topped with ginger lime and fresh crème served in a cold martini glass is another must-try Woodside Inn special holiday cocktail.
Cost: Snowy fresh martinis and the Under The Mistletoe will set you back Rs. 445 each, plus taxes. As for that gorgeous, rich cake, Rs. 395 plus taxes is all it’ll cost you for Christmas decadence.
Research by Sanyukta Shetty
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