Mumbai food: Lokhandwala cafe offers relaxed vibe, delicious food

Stuffed Chicken Breast

White Rose cafe
Food: Good
Service: Quick
Ambiance: Cosy

Stuffed Chicken Breast

When we first learnt that White Rose Café was located inside the chaotic Lokhandwala market, we imagined it to be just another coffee shop lining the stretch. However, it was quite the opposite. It presented a slow, relaxed old-world vibe. The al fresco area had a few tables laid out under a canopy. The clear all-glass exterior had a wooden door with yellow and green coloured glass fitted.

Japanese Cheesecake

The cheerful interiors were dotted with dark wooden tables with marble tops, vintage photo frames, a teak book cupboard and a pretty floral wallpaper. While it poured outside, the café seemed like the perfect place to catch up on reading. The exhaust of the kitchen wasn't working on the day we visited, causing our companion's eyes to water. A staffer informed us that it was an issue they were working on and promised to fix it. The door was left open to avoid further discomfort.

Basa Fillet

We skipped the hot beverage section, which served a variety of specialty teas and coffee and opted for the Red Velvet Cupcake Milkshake (Rs 210), which was disappointing. While we liked the soft pieces of red velvet cake and the taste of cream cheese in our drink, we wished the shake was thicker. An Andheri-based friend, who had accompanied us to the café, said another eatery down the road specialised in cupcake milkshakes and did a great job too. More reason to pull up your socks?

From the All-Day section, we picked the Mexican Quesadillas (Rs 250) from the otherwise more European menu. With a vegetarian corn and cheese filling, the quesadillas were perfectly done.

Of the mains, we picked the Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mushroom, Spinach, Cheese (Rs 580) that was served with a portion of garlic bread. Unlike the predictable presentation of the dish, the chicken breast came in small portions with the stuffing rolled in, making it easier to eat. We liked the innovation. Next, we ordered the Basa Fillet (Rs 410). Served with a delicious brown butter capper sauce, the fish was soft, fresh and packed with flavour.

The dessert section seemed to serve usual fare but the Japanese Cheesecake (Rs 190). caught our attention. The velvety smooth, creamy, fluffy texture made this dessert one of the best we've tried in a while. Maybe when the end to your meal is so fantastic, you forgive all else, and leave with sweet thoughts!