When I heard that Hello Guppy, the all-day, quirky Japanese eatery and bar in Mumbai’s BKC neighbourhood, had undergone a facelift and is now offering a fun, new cafe-style menu, I just had to go and try the food here. And to my delight, the place was funky, relaxed and I was all set for an animated dining experience here.
As for my meal, I started off with contemporary small bites like Soybean hummus with came with lavash and furikake dust was fresh, simple and delectable. The Avocado Toast with Crispy Onigiri Rice Ball with the expertise it was prepared soared high on my list. I also found the Chicken Katsu Sandwich and Jenga Cheese Toast worth noshing on.
Being a coffee-lover, I was pleased to see some great coffee variants on my menu. The Miso Caramel Cappuccino with its well-balanced notes won me over straight. I was also told about the restaurant’s collaboration with The Parfait Co. The brands have together created a delicious new menu which includes Dorayaki, buckwheat pancakes layered with adzuki beans, cherry ice cream, and house-made Ferrero crunch; Taiyaki, Japanese-style waffles with a trio of French Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate and Espresso parfaits; and PBJ Sundae, peanut butter blondie with raspberry jam, salted caramel parfait; caramel popcorn and grape jelly.
I love how an interactive station allows guests to make their own sundae, choosing between 3-5 scoops of parfait, and fun toppings like magic pops, wasabi peas, coffee jelly, sesame soil, cornflake crunch, among others. By the end of my meal, what I admired here was how the menu is an introduction to Japanese cuisine but through comfort food. The dishes are cheerful, trendy, all feature a Japanese twist, and are very Instagrammable.
Where: Hello Guppy
Ground floor, Godrej-BKC,
G-Block BKC, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051.
Tel: +91 22 26534720
Mobile: +91 7777049773
Note: The critic was invited by the restaurant but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
