Initially, I got curious about this restaurant because of its name - Taftoon, and I googled to find more about it. The concept was very interesting - a culinary experience from various places across the Grand Trunk Road. In almost no time, this became one of my favorite restaurants in Mumbai. I have been happily introducing this place to my friends and all of them absolutely liked the food here.
(Mohit, Puja, Dipaali & me)
(Behram & Ruby Aderbad, Chetan Rana & me)
(Mukesh Mehta, Jose KC, Shashibhushan Patil & me)
Now, back to the food. While they have an elaborate menu, my all time favorites are:
Tamatar ka Ras ~ wholesome coriander & ginger in a rich tomato broth, seasoned with cloves, pepper and roasted jeera. Just right for the winters or monsoon.
Ambarsari Pakodey ~ baby corn, spinach and cauliflower, cheese and paneer fritters dipped in a fiery red Amritsari batter and deep fried to perfection. This platter has let me down a couple of times though.
Bhatti ki Subzi ~ fresh vegetables infused with mustard oil and flavorful tandoori yogurt marinade, smoked and char-grilled.
Chote Kulche Chole ~ Bite-sized masala kulchas topped with chole and pickles. Absolutely mouth-watering.
Bharwaan Mirch ~ Peppers infused with crunchy filling and spices.
After so many starters, we barely have an appetite for the main course. I love to have the Laal Naan which is a crisp Amritsari bread laced with flavored chili oil and sesame with a karari bhindi ka raita or a dal.
Taftoon has some amazing desserts too. I have never missed a shufta whenever I have dined at Taftoon. It is a Kashmiri dessert - compote made from apricot, cashews, pistachios, sultanas and dry coconut toasted in ghee and stewed with whole spices in lemon flavored Kashmiri honey. It is served with two scoops of mango ice-cream and a chewy badam short-bread.
Kaju ki Kulfi, Anjeer aur Falooda ~ rich and creamy cashew kulfi with texture of rabdi and chewy fig, served with falooda.
Once this COVID 19 lock-down opens and I start eating out again, Taftoon may be the first place I visit for a dinner with friends!
Address: Taftoon Bar & Kitchen, Naman Center, Opposite Dena Bank, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051