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Following a day that felt never-ending (more like every day these days), I decided to take my work best friend with me to Blah! at Santacruz, craving not just food, but a place to chill, snap some cute pictures for the ‘gram, and find a little slice of magic in the middle of Mumbai. The first thing you'll notice at the entrance is a keyhole pathway that, in a subtle way, gives off Squid Game energy (in a good way!). Every corner of the place has its own personality: the mosaic floors shimmered under the glow of ornate chandeliers, the bar exuded glamour, and the restaurant’s signature flamingos added a cheeky charm. I couldn’t help but pull my camera out every five minutes.
Keep reading for the complete review.
The Ambiance
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What makes Blah! truly special is how it blends chicness with a sense of fun. The ground floor, with its variety of intimate zones, felt like a maze of discovery. I wandered through the space, which had its own charming twists, and caught a glimpse of the hidden private dining room tucked away behind a secret door.
The Herbarium was one of my favourite spaces. Imagine a room where mirrored ceilings reflect spinning disco balls straight out of an ABBA music video, greenery wraps around the walls, and terrazzo floors are adorned with flamingos.
The Food
I began with the Thai-style Watermelon & Feta Vodka-Infused Salad, which was light, zesty, and exactly what I needed to transition from the chaos of the day to the calm of the evening. The Flamingo Dragon Sushi was as delightful to look at as it was to eat, with each bite bursting with fresh, clean flavours.
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But the dish that truly stole the show for me was the Tofu & Turnip Cake in Lemongrass Coconut Sauce. It was comforting and indulgent, with a silky texture that paired perfectly with the aromatic sauce. For the mains, the Drunken Noodles delivered bold, satisfying flavours, and the Gochujang Grilled Chicken with Citrus Butter was a perfectly balanced plate of sweet, spicy, and smoky.
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Dessert was non-negotiable. The Pistachio & Orange Tres Leches was a masterpiece—light, creamy, and bursting with citrusy brightness. Paired with the richness of the Philadelphia Cheesecake, it was the perfect sweet ending to an already memorable meal.
The Cocktails
Blah!’s bar menu is a passport to flavours from around the world. I started with the Aroy Mai, a bold and unexpected mix of tequila, jackfruit, pandan, and jalapeño. It was spicy, nutty, and completely refreshing. The Oxeye Fizz, with roasted apricot gin and lavender, felt like sipping on summer in a glass, while the La Neta was a bittersweet love letter to Mexico, pairing mezcal and Aperol with elderflower.
The Experience
After a long, hard day, Blah! at Santacruz gave me everything I needed: a stunning ambiance to lift my mood, food and cocktails that hit all the right notes, and an overall experience that felt like a much-needed celebration of life’s little joys. If you’re in Mumbai, whether you’ve had a long day or not, give Blah! at Santacruz a chance.