Restaurant Review: When planning a culinary journey in Mumbai, it is nearly not possible to disregard Kamala Mills. Over the years, the neighbourhood has grown to develop into a foodie paradise. Chic cafes, modern bars and award-winning fine-dining institutions – Kamala Mills has all of it. One of the latest openings this season is Tijuana, an informal Mexican restaurant and bar positioned within the coronary heart of the mill complicated. Helmed by Anurag Katriar, with cooks Jason Hudanish and Chef Rohan Dhotre (beforehand identified for his or her collaboration on Xico), this spot is a good alternative for lazy lunches or upbeat evenings. Take a glance beneath at what we tried and suggest right here.

_{Photo Credit: Tijuana, Mumbai}

In the starters, we tasted the Totopos: plain, crispy corn tortilla chips. To an everyday diner, they are going to seem to be an in depth cousin of nachos, however lighter as compared. They are served with cheese sauce, salsa fresca and Mexican crema. But what took our expertise to the following degree was pairing it with the totally different choices at Tijuana’s signature salsa bar. This delectable vary of complimentary choices is one thing you shouldn’t miss out on. The salsa bar options 9 various kinds of salsas and dips, with various ranges of spiciness (indicated by Roman numerals on a board). Our high picks had been the verde cruda, chipotle aioli, roasted tomato chipotle and mango habanero. If you need to strive just one, go for the final. The pungency of the mango habanero hits you simply as you end chewing, and the feeling is unmatched.

_{Tijuana’s salsa bar}

Another vegetarian favorite was the Potato Flautas. These are crisp, fried taco rolls stuffed with potato and cheese stuffing. Lettuce, jalapeno, salsa and crema type the accompaniments. The last mixture is undeniably satisfying – we savoured the crispiness of the tortilla, the softness of the tacky potatoes and the freshness of the opposite veggies. Pro tip: Pair these flautas with the verde cruda (recent inexperienced salsa) from the salsa bar. Believe us, it provides an entire different dimension to this appetiser. 

_{Photo Credit: Tijuana, Mumbai}

Non-vegetarians, take into account ordering the Chicken Arracheras (marinated items of meat/veg components served on skewers). The description will undeniably remind you of desi kebabs and looks like a becoming parallel. The hen was fantastically tender and was properly complemented by the guajillo salsa. The refined but distinctive smoky flavour confirmed it as “Al Carbon chicken” (cooked over coal). If you take pleasure in quesadilla, we suggest the hearty Birria Quesadilla, which has flavourful lamb stuffing. Be warned, this can be a heavy deal with, and also you may simply really feel further sleepy after ending it!

_{Photo Credit: Tijuana, Mumbai}

Among the cocktails, the Avenida Revolucion (tequila, Campari, dry curacao, hibiscus syrup and lime juice) is a must-try right here. We additionally favored the Tijuana Temple (tequila aneo, litchi juice, yuzu syrup and lime juice). After all, Tijuana prides itself on its “tacos and tequila”. But remember to take a look at what they do right here with the opposite Latin American spirits comparable to Pisco and Mezcal. The Jai Alai Palace (Pisco, passionfruit syrup, lime and cinnamon) is a drink we might return for. Fay Baretto and her workforce at “Mr. Bartender & the Crew” are those behind Tijuana’s bar programme.

_{Photo Credit: Tijuana, Mumbai}

We appreciated that the non-alcoholic drinks had some attention-grabbing choices past traditional choices. In the mocktails, we fell in love with the rollercoaster of flavours that got here with a sip of Ignacio. Orange, ardour fruit, basil, chilli and salt had been mixed to make this tart concoction with a pleasant edge of warmth. If you need to take the sourness up a number of notches, go for the Sweet Maria (cranberry, floral candy spices and poo). If you are in want of one thing easy and cooling, go for the comforts of Celestial – made with celery, inexperienced apple and lime.

Along with the culinary delights, Tijuana’s full of life decor and music handle to herald a sure sense of “fiesta.” All that is lacking is a few dance. If you are on the lookout for a spot to unwind after a protracted day or week, with pals or household, Tijuana could possibly be your subsequent foodie haven.

Where: Ground Floor, Kamla Mills, Tower B, Unit No.2, C S No. 448, Trade, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai