By Rama Gaind.
| This is the second of a two-part feature on India’s most populous city and a luxury brand’s first hotel in India – Sofitel BKC Mumbai. |
Executive chef Neeraj Rawoot is fastidious about cuisine at the Pondichéry Café, Sofitel BKC Mumbai.
The Dalai Lama made a profound statement that resonates with an overwhelming luminosity: “once a year, go some place you’ve never been before”.
Alternatively, discover the joie de vivre when you re-visit. This was precisely the pleasant experience I had on return to the commercial capital of India. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is one of the world’s most densely inhabited cities with an estimated population of 21 million.
Bewildering reflections of a city that never sleeps give way to amazement, yet many visitors leave without touching the city’s soul. Mumbai is a multi-faceted city that requires you to dig below its surface in order to appreciate it.
Mumbai is called the ‘city of dreams’, with good reason. The glamourous movie capital of India, Bollywood is the world’s largest film industry: it’s synonymous with this city. Countless numbers of people go to Mumbai to search for a better life, seeking rewarding work and improved career prospects.
Tantalizing lunch at the Pondichéry Café, Sofitel BKC Mumbai. Photo: Rama Gaind
In addition to being home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mumbai has a multitude of unique and interesting sights including the Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which was featured in Danny Boyle’s 2009 Academy Award-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire.
Sparkling Sofitel
Another sparkling edifice is the flagship of Sofitel luxury hotels in India. The Sofitel BKC Mumbai basks simply in the splendour of diamonds and stars in the heart of the city because it sits in India’s financial hub – the Bandra Kurla Complex.
Culinary artists at Sofitel Mumbai BKC pay tribute to the world of gastronomy and wine by combining diverse flavours and textures to create the art of le bon goût, with inventive dining options serving culinary delights from around the world.
Discover an epicurean extravaganza with the extensive multi-cuisine buffet at the Pondichéry Café in the lobby. This is all-day dining at its best. Indulge in a range of delicacies serving the best of western, Asian, Indian, Oriental, Mediterranean, Continental dishes and more, with interactive ‘live’ counters and delectable desserts crafted by talented chefs.
Nikita Agarwal is a chef at Pondichéry Café, Sofitel BKC Mumbai. Photo: Rama Gaind
Executive chef Neeraj Rawoot is all smiles when he proclaims: the Pondichéry Café “represents our commitment to bring the link between India and France even closer in every location via the Sofitel brand pillars – ‘Authentic & Lively F&B’. It lives up to its hype.” It certainly did!
Neeraj is assiduous when it comes to cuisine: “food is not just eating energy, it’s an experience”. The abundance of food choices at the café is daunting, at first, but you quickly adapt. The cuisine spread is lavish, there’s a wide choice of food, it’s rich in quality and variety and there’s attentiveness in hospitality. Decisions, decisions, decisions!
Drinking a welcome glass of lemon-infused shikanjvi (also called nimbu pani) was a refreshing start to lunch on a warm afternoon. Of particular interest was paani puri – round, hollow crisp puri filled with a mixture of potato, onion, chickpeas flavoured water, tamarind chutney and topped with chaat masala. What a treat! Other options include seafood, vegetarian, a de-light menu, gluten-free and Sunday brunch. At any time, you’ll walk out with tingling tastebuds!
I overindulged with banquet-style meals at the four restaurants at the Sofitel BKC: Jyran, Tuskers, Artisan (Indian paradise mocktail of mango, cardamom and vanilla was something else) and Pondichéry Café added intensity to the palate!
Discover an epicurean extravaganza with all-day dining in the Pondichéry Café at the Sofitel BKC Mumbai. Photo: Rama Gaind
Enjoying comfort and wellbeing was assured with a refined room design, plush furnishings, state-of-the-art amenities and modern sophistication in the prestige suite.
A brief respite there, then it was on to the great outdoors for sightseeing which had been postponed the day before.
Tourist landmarks
Mumbai’s most recognised monument – the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea – is designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. The iconic stone arch, intrinsically linked to the former British Empire, perpetuates the memory of a past that’s still visible. The Gateway was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It was completed in 1924 and remains a striking symbol of the British Raj era.
The nostalgia for a bygone era resurfaces at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, also known by its former name Victoria Terminus, a historic terminal train station. In fact, this is also where the first passenger train service started in India. The railway has proved to be indispensable to Mumbai’s functioning and growth.
Anna Wewle, left, and Rohit Bhamburkar provided attentive service at Tuskers Restaurant at the Sofitel BKC Mumbai. Photo: Rama Gaind
The terminus is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the country where more than three million of the city’s residents rush through its portals every day.
Mumbai’s cultural centre is Kala Ghoda Art Precinct, meaning ‘black horse’, referring to a statue that was once located there. This crescent-shaped stretch is home to Mumbai’s best art galleries and museums. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum is the largest museum in Mumbai. Inside are antiques starting from old sculptures, beautiful Mughal paintings and ancient artifacts.
Heritage sites
A collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva are located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city. Astonishingly carved into hillside rock are the Ajanta and Ellora caves, in Maharashtra, and both are important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Hanging Gardens, Mumbai, also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. They feature numerous hedges carved into the shape of animals. The park was laid out in 1881 over the city’s main reservoir. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, is 40 kilometres north of Mumbai city centre.
The majestic Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea in Mumbai.
For an unforgettable glimpse into the city, a visit to the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat – a massive open-air laundry – is a must. Relax with the locals at Juhu Beach or Girgaum Chowpatty along the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ adjoining Marine Drive. Watching the sunset from here is spectacular!
It appears we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
DETAILS BOX
Sofitel BKC Mumbai
C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai, India
T: +91 (22) 6117 5000/2642 5000
