No Fuss, All Flavour: Papa's Gives Mumbai An Unpretentious 12-Course Dining Experience

Nestled in the heart of Bandra, amidst the cobbled streets of Ranwar village, Papa's emerges as the latest culinary gem from Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the visionary team behind acclaimed establishments like The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Veronicas, and Bombay Sweet Shop. This intimate yet lively 12-seater chefs' counter restaurant, situated above Veronica's, introduces a unique dining experience offering intimate yet refreshingly unpretentious gastronomy curated by the skilled hands of Chef Hussain Shahzad.

Papa's stands as a testament to breaking norms in Indian cuisine, promising an elevated interpretation of comforting flavours and forms. The dining adventure curated by Chef Hussain, who honed his skills at New York's Eleven Madison Park, reflects a commitment to embracing his heritage while infusing a refined and playful spirit into India's culinary diversity.

Chef Hussain, an Executive Chef at Hunger Inc. Hospitality, takes inspiration from his mentor, the late Chef Floyd Cardoz, to craft a menu that blends familiarity with surprise. The tasting-style menu unfolds with courses like the Rasam, a light and refreshing take on Chef Floyd's signature dish, and the innovative What The Duck!, a fusion of Ambur-style biryani and socarrat-laden paella featuring seven-day dry-aged duck. Dessert at Papa's is equally imaginative, with the Potato Chips offering a delightful twist on the popular honey noodles with ice-cream dessert found in Chinese restaurants across India. Crunchy shoestring fries, truffle honey, and a Champagne sabayon over tangy lemon sorbet create a harmonious yet unexpected finale.

The dining experience at Papa's extends beyond the culinary delights. Designed by Shonan Purie Trehan, the interiors evoke the charm of a 1980s-style Mumbai home, transforming traditional fine dining formality into an inviting ambience. The repurposed bar top from The Bombay Canteen adds another layer of homeliness, complementing the curated lighting and warm wood tones.

Papa's invites guests into Chef Hussain's personal space, starting the journey at the bar with ‘smashable’ and savoury cocktails, expertly curated by Pankaj Balachandran, Co-founder, Countertop India. The menu includes playful creations like the Papa's Hut, a drinkable pizza with homemade marinara sauce, garlic, herbs, and a splash of vodka. As the meal transitions seamlessly to the dining space, guests witness Chef Hussain and his kitchen team in action, enhancing the overall experience with playful service and a curated playlist of the chef's favourite music. The combination of delectable dishes, inviting ambience, and warm hospitality at Papa's creates an atmosphere where guests can truly be themselves, fostering connections and lasting memories.

Hunger Inc. Hospitality's innovative approach is evident in the creation of Papa's, where the team strives to maintain high culinary standards while ensuring an unpretentious and welcoming environment. Papa's is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of breaking kitchen rules, pushing boundaries, and offering a journey into the unexpected, where every bite tells a new story of India's culinary heritage with a contemporary flair.

You can follow Papa's here.

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