Gone are the days when we had to contend with the run-of-the-mill Italian, Chinese and Thai trifecta of international cuisine when we wanted to cheat on our dal-chawal for a change. And thank God for that! So, we now have Korean, Japanese and Spanish specialty restaurants by the dozen dotting our super city. But what I consider to be a major leap forward across Mumbai’s culinary landscape is the genesis of two startlingly unusual restaurants one dishing out the porcine pleasures of German food and the other an ode to the plantain-loving and meat worshipping Nigerian cuisine. Read on for the dope on these two new welcome additions to our vibrant dining scene.

Imbiss
A tiny German restaurant nestled in a leafy Bandra lane that is a veritable slice of Germany here in Mumbai. What it lacks in size, Imbiss makes up in amazing food and stellar service and yes, it is super affordable with the costliest dish costing Rs 385 for the Baby Back Spare Ribs which is enough for three healthy appetites, I kid you not!

What’s hot?
Don’t miss out on the Kassler with Slaw and Mash which is a bacon-like pork chop on the bone with the creamiest of mashed potatoes and cabbage slaw. The Weiner Schnitzel and the Duck Sausage are too good to resist as well as well as the aforementioned Baby Back Spare Ribs.

What’s not?
The very limited options for vegetarian diners. The almost all meat menu needs a bit of ‘veggie’ action!
How much?
Rs 700 for two without alcohol.
Where: Ben-O-Lil Haven, 14 Varoda Road, next to Bob’s Tailoring Shop, off Hill Road, Bandra West.
Contact: 022- 26416485, 8454946413

Wazobia Kitchen and Grill
Mumbai’s very first authentic African restaurant, the Nigerian specialty eatery Wazobia Kitchen and Grill is more of a take away joint than a proper restaurant, though it does have two tables to eat at. The food is made and prepared by Chef Omo Okhuoya who gets all her spices and herbs especially the red palm oil from back home in Nigeria, making sure that what you get is the real McCoy.

What’s hot?
The yummy Bitter Leaf soup is unusual and very wholesome as is the Groundnut Chicken served with the chief starch of Africa called Fufu made from boiled cassava root. The Goat Stew with Okra and White Rice as well as the Nigerian breakfast dish of Moi Moi (steamed bean pudding made from a mixture of washed and peeled black-eyed beans, onions and fresh ground peppers) is addictive.

What’s not?
Undoubtedly the long wait time and rather haphazard service is a big letdown.
How much?
Rs 750 for two without alcohol.
Where: 9, Sai Prasad Building, Sector 14, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Contact: 022-65261888, 65153666

Pics courtesy Imbiss and Tumblr.com

Post By Raul Dias (102 Posts)

Lists travel, food and luxury as the tantalizing trifecta that defines him. When he’s not travelling, eating or getting pampered at a spa, you'll find him assaulting his notebook's keyboard with a feral vengeance, churning out what he hopes are intelligent, informative and entertaining stories.

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