Bengaluru x Bandra: Naru Noodle Bar Is Taking Over Veronica's This Weekend

I don’t know about you, but a hot bowlful of ramen-y goodness, is the exact kind of unctuous weekend getaway I have been craving. Call it the craver’s power of manifestation or plain culinary serendipity if you will, a delightful ramen crate du jour awaits us soupy-sappy-lovers this weekend on the 16th and 17th of March!

A relic from the past with generous hints of the contemporary, Bandra’s Veronica Cafe finally turned one this year. And a belated birthday bash is as fashionably late as they come.

What was once Bandra’s bread homebase as Jude’s Bakery, is gearing up for an exclusive takeover all the way from Bangalore. If you thought Veronica's with its fill of artisanal sandwiches, coffees, wines and fizzy kombuchas fulfill your bespoke tastes, you are in for a rather pleasant surprise. Naru Noodle Bar of Bangalore-fame is finally coming to Mumbai for an adventurous weekend takeover! For those of you who have tried, in vain, to seek a chance reservation at Naru’s during your visits to Bangalore, this might just be the golden opportunity you have been desperately awaiting.

Replace the warm comfort of classic grilled cheese with the tingling embrace of some spicy Kara Miso Ramen. Hand-crafted noodles created, curated and made with love by Chef Kavan Kuttappa is the exact kind of taste-bud clencher you know you now want, but didn’t know you needed. Tucked away, but not quietly, in The Courtyard in Bengaluru, this first-of-it’s-kind noodle bar has been a rage ever since it launched in August 2022. From soul-ingratiating appetizers to Japanese bliss that just hits the spot, Nadu Noodle Bar has it all on offer. 

For vegans and non-vegans alike, Naru brings to you its exquisite steamed Edamame, dusted with the citrusy and spicy zing of Japanese seasoning Togarashi or doused in truffle butter. While we are on the hot topic of appetisers, all puns intended, there’s no way we can escape some succulent Japanese-style fried chicken, Chicken Karaage. Served with a side of citrusy kewpie mayo and Togarashi, this is a delightful sin we highly recommend you commit. From Japanese pickled ginger to seaweed and fish flakes, these appetisers and more have some incredibly delectable ingredients waiting to tickle your senses.

Umami For The Soul, And It’s All In A Bowl

We hope to find you slurping up some creamy chicken broth, with the heavenly Mayu Tori Paitan. Here, juicy chicken Chashu, with an assortment of bok choy, Napa cabbage and freshly chopped scallion is topped off with Ajitama - Japanese-style marinated soy, with some finishing touches of burnt garlic.

Vegans, worry not, for they have you covered too. Served with crispy tofu katsu in a delightful broth of dashi and house-made oat milk, the Kara Miso Ramen, is an absolute must. Served with bok choy, corn, spicy miso, moyashi oyster mushroom, chives, fried aromatics, and rayu or chilli oil, this bowl for the unquenchable soul is certain to pack an umami pinch. I may not be vegan, but I must confess, this is a bowl I just might covet.

Not A Thirst Trap, But It Might As Well Be

The eponymous Madam Vero’s Pilsner, available exclusively at Veronica’s awaits you. Prepared Czech-style by Great State Aleworks, this chilled elixir emanates a nostalgia that throws back to other classic pilsners. Alongside this, is a selection of cocktails made exclusively with the absolute star, Don Julio Reposado Tequila. Everything your adventurous thirst could imagine is on offer - right from the zesty Tommy’s Margarita, born out of a rich blend of house-made triple sec, agave syrup, a pinch of salt, and a generous squeeze of lime, to the ingenious Hibis’Kiss’ on Fire, a labour of love with tequila, hibiscus pickle cordial, lime, and chilli liqueur.

In case I haven’t revved up your appetite quite enough yet, I suggest you go ahead, venture out this weekend and treat yourself to this rollercoaster of flavour, culture, and culinary experiences.

Naru Noodle Bar at Veronica’s, Bandra

When: Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17, 2024

Time Slots:

Lunch: 12pm or 12.30pm | 2pm or 2:30pm

Dinner: 6pm or 6.30pm | 8pm, 8:30pm or 10pm

Make a reservation here.

You can follow Veronica's here.

You can follow Naru Noodle Bar here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:

Celebrate World Pizza Day With A Homegrown Guide To Mumbai’s Best Artisanal Pizzas

'The Salon' Is Bringing An Authentically Indian Communal Dining Experience To New York

A Homegrown Guide To The Best Fish Thalis In Alibaug