What is the viral Japanese fried ice cream? Here's all you need to know about it

Letrsquos be honest mdash Mumbai does things differently Distances arenrsquot measured in kilometres but in time and daytime meals are often squeezed between commutes and long work hours It usually boils down to a simple question not what to eat but how quickly you can eat it GroundedndashOn the Go in Bandra tucked into a corner of Pali Hill leans into exactly that offering easy fussfree meals quite literally onthegoStrawberry Japanese Fried Cream SandwichThe cafe is compact almost deliberately we think Indoor seating is limited with a small airy al fresco section that offers some breathing space though the heat doesnrsquot always cooperate Still the space feels warm without being crampedTherersquos an ease to the experience walk in order and move on The menu features small bites like avocado toast truffle mushroom balls and sandwiches such as the Classic Cheese Melt Mushroom And then of course therersquos the showstopper the viral Japanese Fried Cream Sandwich ldquoItrsquos a dessert that instantly brightens your mood Itrsquos fun and nostalgic which makes it aesthetically viralworthy but also deeply comfortingrdquo emphasised Yuvika Wadhawan founder of GroundedTaste bud talkChocoChip Fried Cream SandwichThe viral Japanese Fried Cream Sandwich arrives crisp and golden its neatly sealed exterior giving way to a soft creamy texture at the centre The filling is a blend of whipped cream ice cream and white chocolate and feels highly indulgent without being overly sweet at first though the richness builds quickly Texture would be its strongest suit with the contrast between the crunchy fried white bread and airy interior feeling both satisfying and wellexecutedThe strawberry variant stands out as the slight tang cuts through the heaviness and gives it a welcome lift The chocochip version while enjoyable feels flatter and more onenotesy The aroma is warm and milky with a faint caramelised sweetness working strongly in its favour Served fresh itrsquos best eaten immediately to preserve its texture Though priced like a dessert it feels closer to a small meal dense and fillingVerdictOur sandwich looks the part its aroma is delish with a promise of indulgence That said it doesnrsquot entirely move beyond the ldquoviralrdquo tag It satisfies curiosity more than it builds a lasting craving The heavyduty calorific dish may limit repeat visits especially if yoursquore expecting a light or refreshing dessert If yoursquore in the mood for an overindulgent sweet meal in itself it plays the partAt GroundedndashOn the Go Ashok Apartment Union Park Pali HillCall 8097976015Log on to goundedmumbaiCost Rs 225 for oneSandwich indulgenceBiscoff meets KunafaSatisfy your sweet cravings with the Mini Chocolate Biscoff Kunafa Sandwich LOG ON TO afdessertscomCOST Rs 150 box of twoCroissants for summerTake a bite into summer with this Berries and Vanilla ice cream croissantAT The Pink Rosette Kala Ghoda FortCALL 7718077776COST Rs 575We like it desiIf mithai is your goto try out this Kesar Pista Kaju Katli Sandwich layers pistachios and almonds finished with a delicate silver leafLOG ON TO shakkrinCOST Rs 450 onwardsCitrusy tangIndulge in a traditional Lone Orange sando with cream cheese filling and fresh oranges Soft creamy and balanced with a citrus highAT Tokyo Wich Blue Jewel Building off Link Road Malad WestCALL 8777842861COST Rs 200Red velvet indulgenceA croissant cube layered with cherry compote cream cheese frosting and red velvet crumbs Rich decadent and built for a nocrumbs finishAT Twentyseven Bakehouse multiple locations Bandra Govandi Malabar HillCALL 9372515271COST Rs 400