Balsa, Lower Parel, Mumbai Global Cuisine Restaurant

Restaurant Name: Balsa, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Phone: +918657929833, +9122249143107, +917208604588
Address: Utopia, Gate 4, Opposite Smaaash Go Karting Kamala mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013 India
Time: 12:00 Noon – 12:00 Midnight
Meals for two: Rs.  1500
Cuisines: American, Italian, Asian
Facilities: Valet Parking Available, Indoor Seating, Outdoor Seating, Table booking recommended

Balsa, Lower Parel, Mumbai: Global Cuisine

Aha! Aha! That’s the way I like it! Spontaneous, incognito, impromptu and last minute. And a delicious discovery of a restaurant too. Let me begin from the beginning. I’d never heard of Balsa. While waiting for my son to complete his passport office formalities in Lower Parel, I walked into the neighboring intriguing alfresco space, lush with greenery and cabanas, it called itself a global tapas and tropical bar. In order to be able to sample a lot many more dishes than I could do on my own and on my last minute request (literally so), I phoned my bestselling author friend, the vibrant and lovely Meghna Pant to join me for lunch. Luckily, she lives nearby. I’ve known her and her brother author and comedian Sorabh for the longest time (their parents, Sujata and Deepak are my friends and 1977 batch-mates in the Income Tax department). Meghna holds a special place in my heart. Inspite of being showered with count-less awards, she is down-to-earth and humble. A lot of fun, a foodie, a bestselling author, screenwriter, journalist and speaker who has published eight books. She’s been applauded at many a literary festival too. Luckily for us, her husband, the dapper Sa- hil Kanuga, a well-traveled global disputes and investigations lawyer who works with the well-known law firm could join us too and share his discerning take on the food and drinks. After a sunny, happy afternoon of eating our way through the menu, our review follows. . .

Green And Scenic

The lush outdoor, green and pristine white cabanas make it an inviting space, especially during the cooler months. Even the indoor space is a visual treat. Plant filled, dramatically lit and offering many a comfy seating option. An elegant bar and open plan add to the pleasant charm.

Global Menu

Fresh ideas, tasty dishes, the ambitious menu delivers impressive flavors and textures and many a surprise too. The tangy and sweet Goan Balchao infused Rawas is as delightful as the light, fresh and crunchy Vietnamese summer roll. The slow cooked Black Dal with the kiss of smoke, the spicy hot Bhut Jolokia Chicken Wings are as much a hot favorite as is the healthy Avocado Quinoa Tartare. The fleshy Avocado and Nutty Quinoa make a great combination. For vegetarians Spanish Gazpacho, Tibetan Momos, Goat Cheese Tartine, Truffle and Parmasean Shoe String Pommes Frites are a delight.

Twelve signature cocktails that add to the tropical paradise vibes at Balsa have been created by Sameer Uttamsingh. Tropical infusions, unconventional ingredients and remarkable presentations too add to the charm.

Balsa, Lower Parel, Mumbai: Minus Points

In Mumbai, I’m on the constant lookout for the authentic Hainanise Chicken Rice. Sadly even here, it lacks that balance between punch and delicacy. Lackluster healthy Middle Eastern Bowl and over-sweet desserts do not keep pace with the appetizers and mains.

Delicious Discovery: Balsa

First of all the name of this six month old, Lower Parel restaurant intrigues. Why Balsa? All I remember from my childhood is the ‘balsa’ wood, the one which we could sculpt into toys and planes…in short sculpt it into any shape we want to. And sure enough, Ami and Abhishek Jhaveri’s Balsa lives up to it’s name. Chef Nirvaan Thacker’s world cuisine menu is sculpted with his unique style, even the cocktails by Sameer Uttam Singh are. Almost always, a menu which tries to please all palates ends up as a disappointment. But not Balsa, here we are delighted with the markedly disparate appeal of the dishes. We enjoy the playfulness and global sophistication of the food and the drinks.

I raise a toast with Balsa’s neurons gin (applewood smoke and slice of orange flakes brulleed) to the brilliant young couple and to our delicious discovery: Balsa!