Celebrate France’s National Day with some of the best traditional fare in Mumbai

On 14 July, France’s National Day, also known as Bastille Day, let’s go the French way with our curation of the best traditional fare from across the city and the suburbs

Platters

A cheesy affair

Get ready to dig into the artisanal cheese platter comprising raclette, tête de moine, smoked brie, feta and burrata accompanied by wholesome meats on the dinner table.
At: Slink and Bardot, Thadani House, 329/A, Worli.
Cost: Rs 2,450
Call: 9326965643

Meaty and French

Dive into this charcuterie board, which will feature mouth-watering pepperoni, honey glazed ham, chicken sausages and cornichons.
At: Cou Cou, G-29, Jio World Drive, Bandra East.
Cost  Rs 650
Call: 9082856979

Desserts

Best of both worlds

Cruffins, a mix of croissants and muffins, are increasingly becoming a favourite among dessert lovers. Coated with the crunchiness of a croissant and filled with the softness of a muffin, get this dessert here.
At: Blue Tokai Cafe, Mahalaxmi; Fort; Bandra; Chembur; Oshiwara
Log on to: bluetokaicoffee.com
Cost: Rs 220 onwards

Sinful delights
Indulge in countless French desserts served on a platter, literally. This cloud kitchen allows you to customise servings according to your mood. Our pick would be the dessert ensemble that includes scrumptious orange madeleines and macaroons.
At: The Theatric Platter 
Cost: Rs 3,000 onwards 
Log on to: @thetheatricplatter
Call: 9619007533

Layers of goodness

Mille-feuille, a thousand sheets in English, is a layered French pastry that is available at this Thane patisserie. If that doesn’t give you your French dessert fix on Bastille Day, indulge in other bite-sized desserts like macarons (they have 12 flavours), eclairs and choux.
At: The Dessert Emporium, shop no. 2, Ashar Infinity, Thane West.
Cost: Rs 250 (Mille feuille)
Call: 9833246622

Breads

Going overboard

How does an ice cream, topped with cake bites, nuts and sauces sandwiched between crispy, buttery croissants sound? Get this dream-like French delicacy with a twist at this Bandra patisserie.
At: The Pink Rosette, Pali Hill, Bandra West.
Cost: Rs 495
Call: 7718077776

Say fromage

The forrestiere tartine is the perfect combination of sourdough bread, topped with cheddar cheese and shiitake mushrooms.
At: Someplace Else, Jio World Drive, BKC, Bandra East.
Cost: Rs 395
Call: 8356984990

It’s honey, honey

Pork de triomphe, a glazed champagne ham topped with house mustard and sandwiched between thick, circular gruyere or croissant bun, is a must-try on the special occasion.
At: Woodside Inn, near MHADA Colony, Andheri West.
Cost: Rs 1,095 
Call: 7968158311

Best in the game

Chicken stroganoff quiche is a delightful French tart. It’s flaky pastry filled with a savoury custard and a flavorful chicken stroganoff filling makes it the rightful bestseller.
At: Cafe Noir, unit no 1A & B, World Crest, Worli.
Cost: Rs 495
Call: 7400491481

Also try

Full-fledged French repas

If you’d like to go all out with a meal the way the French do it, this café is hosting a brunch buffet  that will include specialties like baguette sandwiches, galette, and tenderion bourguignon quiche (above), among others.
At: Pondichery Cafe, Sofitel, BKC, Bandra East
Cost: Rs 3,200
Call: 9167391130

Crepe at Suzette for Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai

The National Day which falls today is a important date in France. It is a moment when the entire nation, in all its diversity, feels united and proud. So, it is celebrated with grand marches, parades and fireworks. The march down the Champs Elysees is a breathtaking sight that is still popular with everyone. When I was young, I remember everything would stop at 11 am. My brothers and I would rush to watch the march. That is why the Indian troops marching side by side this year is a special moment. 

It is not so much a day for food, as it is for celebration and watching fireworks in Paris. For me, whenever the memory of home strikes, I always turn to crêpes. They can be sweet or savoury. Sometimes, French crepes can be very elaborate and a cuisine into themselves. Luckily, there are quite a few restaurants that provide great French cuisine in the city. For me, I always like to head to Suzette Creperie and Cafe to try a crêpe when I get nostalgic. 

As told to Shriram Iyengar

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