Who knew that a quick ride to Bandra could take you to taste Italy’s finest gelatos and Roman-style pizzas? Nestled in Pali Hill, Frozen Fun Café brings a little corner of Italy to your favourite neighbourhood, thanks to a talented team of Italian chefs.
It’s not just gelato here; it’s about bringing a slice of Italy to the vibrant city life of Mumbai. Ms. Vasuki Punj, founder and CEO of Frozen Fun, is a former Miss Universe India 2011 who made the exciting leap from law to entrepreneurship. She has introduced La Dolce Vita with Frozen Fun Café, where Indo-Italian culture takes centre stage.
Under The Pink Blossoms
As I stepped in, I was welcomed by the demure pink glow of the Italian café. The spacious interior, designed by Aatika Manzar, features baby pink brick walls that set a vibrant yet calming vibe.
The soul of the café’s design is its ceiling –y engulfed in delicate pink flowers; it’s a backdrop that’s undoubtedly the perfect spot for your next Instagram carousel (or a soft launch of your partner).
Cosy seating invites you to enjoy sweet moments that feel elegant yet carefree, while quirky neon quotes and a large gelato cone sculpture add charm to the café.
Say Ciao! To Gelatos
When the chefs aren’t inventing new flavours for their gelatos, they find ways to make this sweet treat even more enjoyable. Gelato in a brioche bun is their way of asking, “How’s gelato for breakfast?”
The café menu doesn’t feature any gelato flavours, and there’s a good reason for that, as the owner, Punj explains. The café has a rotating gelato menu, meaning no flavour is repeated the next day. You’ll experience a newness every time you visit, giving you plenty of reasons to stock up on your favourites! The delicious swirls of gelato in the display freezer are enough to fulfil your craving for this sweet treat.
The Forest Berry Cheesecake in a cone was a delight, where fruity berry essence complemented the soft creaminess of the cheesecake. The Sicilian Pistachio offered a rich, nutty experience, while the Salted Butter Caramel, a melting pot of rich caramel, had comfort in every spoonful. It quickly became a favourite on my first try.
With over ninety flavours, Frozen Fun Café has something for everyone. You can indulge in options like Stracciatella, Fior Di Fragola, Belgian Chocolate, Venetian Tiramisu, and more.
If you’re looking for vegan alternatives, the café offers refreshing sorbets such as Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Blackcurrant, and many more. You’ll find yourself coming back repeatedly to see what new flavour they’ve dreamed up.
Breakfast Delights
Start your day with delicious egg options such as Shakshuka eggs served with ciabatta, Egg Florentine on an English muffin with creamy spinach, mornay sauce, and poached egg, or a Sunny Side Up with Lamb Mince.
The café also offers healthy bowls and salad options like Beetroot Couscous salad, Caesar salad, and Mediterranean salad. The Super Millets Bowl was a power-packed delight, combining kale, roasted beets, barley, and pumpkin seeds, all drizzled with tzatziki sauce. The Protein Bowl features grilled chicken breast with black rice, avocado, and roasted pumpkin for those who enjoy heartier options.
Another highlight was the Ricotta and Fig Toast, which made quite an impression. Figs aren’t typically something I would expect to taste this good on a toast, but it was a pleasant surprise. The café has an assortment of sourdough toasts, from vegetarian options like Avocado Toast and Mushroom Toast to non-vegetarian choices such as Peri Peri Chicken Toast and Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese Toast.
When In Rome (and Bandra!)
The pizzas are a Roman affair! On your visit, expect freshly baked Roman-style pizzas that are light and easy on the gut, thanks to the right balance of high maturation and hydration of the dough.
The Quattro Formaggi pizza delivered cheesy goodness with its fresh mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola (blue cheese), and cream cheese. The gorgonzola was a twist for my Indian palate, and if you haven’t tried blue cheese yet, you’re in for a treat!
I devoured the Aglio Olio, oblivious to the friendly chatter around me. The intense garlic flavour was just right (is there even such a thing as too much garlic?) Other options for Italian pasta include classic Mac and Cheese, Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli, Tagliatelle AI Funghi, ‘Truffle pasta, and more.
With its dedication to authenticity, the Frozen Fun Café is set to become a beloved spot for food connoisseurs and casual diners. Perfect for those midnight cravings or a brunch with your girlfriends, you’ll find yourself leaning back in satisfaction with every bite. What stands out is the use of imported Italian ingredients and the expertise of skilled chefs from Italy.
So, the next time you’re in Bandra, let Frozen Fun Café whisk you away on a delicious Italian escapade, one scoop or slice at a time.
