Mumbai’s new restaurant, Pa Pa Ya, comes from the same stable that gave us modern Indian food like Farzi Café (Delhi) and Masala Library (Mumbai). It takes any notions you have of an Asian dig, and turns them on its head.
You’ll find plenty of unique hybrids here: Beer-battered avocado tacos with scallion kimchi. A mezze platter, served with edamame hummus, wasabi and chickpea falafels. Thai green curry dim sum. Edamame sliders, made with Chinese bao buns.
The experience it’s looking to create, lies somewhere between the spectrum of a fine dining restaurant and casual eatery. “The places which do offer innovative Asian food are restricted to the confines of five stars, at prices that are unaffordable to most,” says restaurateur Zorawar Kalra.
Much like Farzi Café, the presentation is playful, with drinks like the Lighthouse served in light bulbs – the contents are equally interesting, lemongrass infused vodka, shaken with pineapple juice, orange juice and Thai galangal syrup. There’s also the Yin Yang: vodka shaken with caramelised pineapple, cardamom, served in a chilled martini glass and topped with Camomile tea foam.
The molecular theme runs across the décor even. Design firm Urban Studio introduced laser cut metal cubes (that hang from the ceiling), and created 3D graphics that are cast on the bar and the walls. Expect a “lot of table theatrics” too, adds Kalra.
Meal for two costs approx Rs 2,000. Pa Pa Ya, Level 3, Palladium Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4347 5454
