We love spending our weekends catching up with friends at a cosy cafe when we're not too tired after working non-stop! Last weekend, we headed to Thane to a new establishment that similarly promises a relaxing space and binge-worthy food. Koa Cafe and Bar opened last month in Korum Mall. Those behind Koa also own other themed restaurants such as Amazonia, Pink Wasabi, and Game Ranch. Koa's 'theme' is Bohemian, and the menu features a range of Indian, Continental, Asian, and Italian favourites. Here's what we tried and liked at the cafe:
Koa's Dragon Chilly Bhel. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
We began our meal with the Dragon Chilly Bhel. It was a delightful combination of spice and crunch. We liked the addition of the sprouts, red and yellow capsicums, as well as a few nuts and sesame seeds. It elevated a street-style dish to a fancy treat. If you prefer a much lighter appetizer, you could try their Veg Gyoza. It was simple and comforting, though we'd have liked more options for dipping sauces. The starter you cannot afford to miss here is the Golmaal Onion Rings With Jamaican Spice. They were wonderfully crisp and flavourful. We couldn't stop ourselves from reaching for more! Drizzled with chilli mayonnaise, they were served with a dip that reminded us of tartar sauce. It was not overpowering and made for the perfect pairing.
Golmaal Onion Rings with Jamaican Spice was the best choice of the afternoon. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Among the non-veg starters, we also loved the Creme Cheese Malai Tikka. If it sounds like some bizarre fusion food to you, it's no surprise. That was our first impression too. But the cream cheese is only added to the marinade-which also contains cashews, ginger, and garlic. The addition of the cheese gave the chicken tikka a beautifully tender consistency. Subtle and satisfying, this is another dish we would return for.
Non-vegetarians must try the Creme Cheese Malai Tikka. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Koa has a full bar and also offers a decent range of non-alcoholic beverages (hot and cold). There are signature as well as classic cocktails to try here. We enjoyed sipping on their Daiquiri. Among the mocktails, we also liked Gypsy's Grip, which consisted of apple juice and blue Curacao. The Jammin Islander is also a good choice-it's a concoction of different sweet and sour elements.
Koa's mac & cheese did not disappoint. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
We were spoilt for choice when it came to the main course-as anyone would be. There are burgers, baos, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, pizzas, North Indian classics, Asian rice and noodles, and much more. After the (slightly) experimental starters, we opted for a classic: Mac & Cheese. Koa's signature preparation comes with broccoli and mushroom-which adds an interesting texture to the pasta, without distracting from the comfort of the melt-in-the-mouth macaroni. If some drool-worthy cheesy pasta is your go-to order in cafes, this one will not let you down.
Koa's Death by chocolate was a decadent treat. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
We ended our meal with a sweet treat that was a feast for all the senses: Koa's take on Death By Chocolate. This consisted of Belgian chocolate mousse, presented in the form of an exquisite egg. It rests on a bed of crumbed sponge cake, with a small macaron on the side. There's no cracking the 'egg' here-the mousse forms most of the outer layer. Inside is caramel sauce with more pieces of chocolate. The dessert also contains what Koa calls "magic pops"-whose presence is subtle yet fun. With so many elements, it's easy for any dessert to become too heavy or oversweet. But this one was quite well-balanced and we savored every part of it.
Koa offers an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of the mall as well as the Thane locality it is situated in. One can leisurely spend time with friends, family, or a significant other here while indulging in their delicious treats. You can also choose to sit in their al-fresco dining area for a different experience.
Where: Ground Floor, Korum Mall, Eastern Express Hwy, Samata Nagar, Thane West
When: 11 am to 1 am.