What do you affiliate with the phrase “home”? It might imply various things to every of us. But, in considered one of its idealistic representations, it goes hand-in-hand with household, consolation and nostalgia. Foodies amongst us can even add unbeatable flavour to the record. When you step into Freny’s Bandra, you get a style (pun meant) of this homely expertise. Our current meal at this newly opened restaurant in Bandra was a memorable one for a number of causes. Allow us to inform you why.

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Freny’s is helmed by Chef Freny Fernandes, who used to run the award-winning dessert bar Moner (earlier than it closed in 2023). Many shorthand descriptions calling it an East Indian restaurant are fairly deceptive. That’s not all there’s on supply right here. Freny’s is a extremely private venture and the menu displays not simply the chef’s roots (as an East Indian), but additionally her culinary journey in several elements of the world. Alongside the standard fare, one can subsequently discover chosen Italian treats, standard cafe-style eats and Chef Freny’s well-known desserts from Moner.

(P.S. In this context, East Indian does not consult with individuals from the japanese states of India, however to the ethnic-religious neighborhood, residing in and round Mumbai, who are sometimes thought-about among the many main native inhabitants of the area. They may be known as East Indian Catholics or Bombay East Indians.)

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We are seated on the primary flooring, which features as a correct eating room and bar. The floor flooring has a cosier structure, higher suited to these desirous to seize a fast chew and occasional. We are instantly charmed by the non-public touches to the Portuguese-style decor and atmosphere: doilies on the audio system, gingham-bordered tablemats, enjoyable puzzles beside our cutlery and partitions lined in B&W images. As we benefit from the 80’s music within the background, Chef Freny tells us how the images hint the journey of a number of generations of her household. We are actually surrounded by historical past and heritage.

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We started our meal with the quintessential East Indian delight, Fugyas. They have been sprinkled with bottle masala and served with herbed butter. The fugyas have been wholesomely crisp – a lightweight indulgence that was the right approach to begin our meal.

In the small plates, we additionally appreciated the Cutlet Pav Sliders. They disappeared shortly in a single or two small bites. A fantastic possibility for sharing amongst a bunch of mates. The Indyal Tacos had a satisfying texture: the softness of the taco shell, the crunch of purple cabbage and the stringy items of hen. However, we might have most well-liked the flavour to be on the spicier facet. After all, there’s some quantity of consolation to be derived from further warmth. On the opposite hand, the flavours of the Masala Tiger Prawns stood out unerringly. They have been extra fragrant than pungent, however we couldn’t complain. We loved scooping them up with the gravy and bread they have been served with.

Photo Credit: Freny’s Bandra

The final savoury deal with got here within the type of the primary course. Peter’s Mutton Curry, named after the Chef’s father, supplies all of the satisfaction of a spicy, home-style curry. No fancy pairing is required – we savoured it with plain white rice. The curry has all of the hallmarks of a household recipe perfected through the years.

Photo Credit: Freny’s Bandra

Among the Italian delicacies, we extremely suggest the Burnt Garlic & Broccoli Risotto. It was creamy and comforting sufficient to win the hearts of broccoli haters too!

Our meal was complemented with fantastic drinks all through the night. Our decide among the many non-alcoholic choices is Sparkling Teaser. It’s like a jamun-flavoured lemon soda however manages to maintain sourness in test. If you want your drinks on the sweeter facet, go for COCO Jambo. A concoction of Cabo, coconut syrup and glowing wine, it went properly with the coastal specialities. We additionally cherished Isabel (brandy blended with home made mulled wine, served chilly). Named after Chef’s grandmother, it left us completely refreshed. The choice so as to add such drinks, which have private tales and childhood feelings connected to them is a purposeful one. Chef Freny tells us she desires individuals to get a break from cocktail menus which might be too cerebral, “serious” or “masculine”.

We saved the novelty for the top – Freny’s Khimad. Described as a “traditional East Indian hot wedding drink,” it consists of brandy, tea, caramel, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Intrigued? We positive have been! There’s no denying the heat offered by it – we can’t think about having it in Mumbai summers. But we are able to certainly see ourselves returning to sip on it on a breezy monsoon night, and relishing the medley of candy and spice.

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We have been lastly able to dig into Chef Freny’s celebrated desserts. We began with a (comparatively) gentle Citron Meringue Tart. The curd was delicately tangy. Each aspect hinted on the well-honed expertise of the pastry chef. The Fernandes Rocher thrilled us not simply with its style, but additionally its story. “It’s my take on a childhood favourite treat, Ferrero Rocher. As a kid, I remember how relatives would bring back the chocolate when visiting from abroad. So, I decided to give my own twist to it,” Chef Freny explains. It consists of a globe of darkish chocolate mousse and a salted caramel core encased inside hazelnut praline. “The tuile is shaped around it like the chocolate’s signature gold wrapper,” the chef provides. Again, the completely different parts hit the best notes of decadence and sweetness.

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Freny’s reminded us that eating out with your loved ones in Bandra needn’t be a sophisticated or overly subtle affair. There’s lots of enjoyable available in easy delights. The restaurant has simply the correct amount of ‘frills,’ balanced with a dedication to selection and good style. Whether you are intrigued by East Indian delicacies or simply need to relish pasta and dessert, take into account Freny’s your subsequent cease.

Where: Shop no.11, Silver Pearl Building, W, Waterfield Road, reverse China Gate, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.

When: Tuesday to Sunday