Mumbai’s cheese directory

Parmesan is passe. A visit to cheese counters across the city throws up a delightful spread that ranges from gouda to chevre, and provolone to tomme blanche

Mumbai's cheese directory

Parmesan is passe.u00a0A visit to cheese counters across the city throws up a delightful spread that ranges from gouda to chevre, and provolone to tomme blanche

For:u00a0A cheese-tasting experience
At Gourmet West, Army & Navy Bldg, 148, MG Road, Kala Ghoda. Call 66360500
In its new avatar, lifestyle store Westside has grown into a foodie's haven, stocking cheeses among a variety of yum foodstuffs. Grana Padano, Emmental, Ricotta, Provolone and Edam are the old horses. But we suggest you look out for a special findu00a0-- the Vegetarian Parmesan that is rarely available, and some pre-packed Feta, that has a longer shelf life than the freshly made one.u00a0
Thumbs up: They allow you to sample and we love that they offer you grapes to cleanse your palate between two tastings. Thoughtful.
Thumbs down: No fancy cheeses!
Price: 100 gm for Vegetarian Parmesan for Rs 165

For: Good service
At Hypercity, ground level, Link Road, next to Inorbit Mall, Malad (W). Call 40078420
At Hypercity, cheese tasting can be a fun affair. Along with cheese you can also shop for crackers and nuts to go on your platter. They have a variety of Gouda tinged with whole mustard; which we think is a real cool
innovation.
Thumbs up: Good for pasta lovers since most of the stock goes well with Italian dishes.
Thumbs down: Less variety
Price: 100 gms of Gouda for Rs 130

For: Pre-packed cheeses
At The Oberoi Shopping Arcade, Trident Towers, Nariman Point. Call 66326245
The pre-packed varieties that the five-star gourmet destination stocks cost a bit less than the fresh varieties available at delis across Mumbai. Apart from regulars including Feta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Mascarpone, they have a list of glamorous entries. The buttery-tasting soft cow Brie is a great dessert cheese, and was often used in ancient France to pay a tribute to kings. Also available: creamy Camembert and Scarmoza. They stock bread too and the guy at the counter will be happy to tell you which bread makes a good partner for what cheese.
Thumbs up: Cost-effective
Thumbs down: Packaged, so can't taste
Price: 125 gm of Brie for Rs 218

For: Variety
At Sante, 1, Sahina Apartment, Pali Market, Pali Mala Road, Bandra (W). Call 26402126
Every alley you turn into in Bandra is likely to throw up a culinary wonder, and Sante is one of them. Tucked away at the far end of Pali Market, this little eatery-cum-gourmet store is a delight for cheese lovers. It has a good mix of the basic lot ufffd Gorgonzola, Edam, Parmesan, fresh Ricotta, Feta and Parmesanu00a0-- and a hint of innovation (Gouda cheese flavoured with tomato, olive, pepper, garlic and wild garlic). Friendly attendants quickly help you lose your cheese inhibitions, asking you, "mild or sharp, ma'am?" to help you make a choice. Thumbs up: They readily offer you a slice on butter paper for an on-the-spot tasting.
Thumbs down: Your favourite cheese might not last if you visit the store by evening.
Price:u00a0100 gm of flavoured Gouda for Rs 160 onwards

For: Exotic cheeses with tongue-twister names
At Gourmet Store, Grand Hyatt, off Western Express Highway, Santacruz (E). Call 66761234
The Italians like to dig into a hearty platter of cheese, nuts and fruit after they wrap up lunch and take an afternoon snooze. We gathered this information because at the Gourmet Store, cheese-buying is accompanied by a trivia-sharing experience. Since they stock the piquant Crottin de Chavignol, the French Pont-l'ev que and the creamy Tomme Blanche, the place is a hit with connoisseurs.
Thumbs up: Brownie points for offering basic Brie, Camembert, Parmesan, Feta and Ricotta in pre-packed
versions.
Thumbs down: No tasting is permitted.
Price: 60 gm of Crottin de Chavignol, 175 gms French Pont-l'ev que, 150 gms Tomme Blanche (between Rs 250 and Rs 540)

Extra cheese, please
The Tasting Room, Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel
If you get beyond drooling over their dessert counter, do notice the fresh cheese spread at The Tasting Room.

Godrej Nature's Basket, next to Nalli's, Mahalaxmi
From fancy Haloumi and flavoured cheeses to simple Parmesan and Cheddar, they have it all.

The Gourmet Company
Gift your foodie partner a hamper of exotic cheeses accompanied by nuts, fruit and a special cheese knife! Ping them on 9769132333 for more information