As foodies, whenever we wish to stimulate our taste buds and explore something different, a trip to Bandra West (and surroundings) almost never disappoints. During a recent outing, we had the chance to check out Tropicool Cafe, a vibrant and relatively new space nestled in a bylane near Khar Danda. This cosy establishment prides itself as the first-of-its-kind Brazilian cafe in the city (and country) and intrigued us with its expansive range of offerings. We stepped in and sat down for a leisurely meal set against a vibrant decor.
Photo Credit: Tropicool
Tropicool is a global superfood brand that specialises in authentically sourced acai and acai-based products, among others. It has a presence in more than 10 countries. Tropicool Acai and Cafe has been brought to India by Rohit Gupta and Randall Fernandes. The Bandra space promises diners the unique opportunity to savour acai in natural ways that spotlight the concentration of the fruit. "Tropicool is the only brand that imports acai pulp into the country, which contains 50% of the berry. Most of the other acai available in the market are in the form of dehydrated powders, which often contain very little of the actual berry. Thus, at Tropicool, you can actually discover what this fruit tastes like," Randall Fernandes tells us.
Guests can feast on signature Acai Bowls featuring the berry along with various fruits and nourishing ingredients. You can also choose the DIY option to customise your bowl to your liking. For a different kind of treat, opt for the lip-smacking Acai Swirl. We tasted the berry in different forms during our meal and were left with a renewed appreciation for its distinctive and potent flavour unlike any we had encountered before.
Photo Credit: Tropicool
But the Tropicool Cafe in Mumbai is about more than just acai. It has carved a niche for itself with its Brazilian menu, featuring several traditional (and beloved) delights from a cuisine that remains rather under-represented in the city. Chef Jacklin John, the Head Chef at Tropicool and the Executive Chef at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, recently curated a special menu titled, 'The Great Brazilian Fiesta'. Although the set courses are available for a limited time only, many of the dishes are soon going to be incorporated into the regular menu, we are told.
We began our lunch with a selection of scrumptious appetisers. Brazilian Tapioca Cheese Bites (Dadinho De Tapioca) delighted us with its pillowy soft texture. On hearing a general description, one may think it is similar to a sabudana vada. But the bites are not deep fried (and hence not crispy or oily) and the cheese implies a marked departure from the usual taste of vadas. The Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao De Queijo) is another starter that provides soft and cheesy satisfaction. But our favourite among the vegetarian options was undoubtedly the Mushroom & Cheese Pastel. The classic combo of the stuffing was reliably delicious and the crisp covering made it the perfect rainy day snack. For a worthy non-vegetarian counterpart, order the Chicken-Stuffed Patties (Rissoles De Frango). Shaped like a karanji/ nevri (crescent), the outer crust encases an aromatic and lightly spicy chicken filling we loved. This is a treat worth returning for.
Photo Credit: Tropicool
Tropicool Cafe has a wide range of delicious nutrient-loaded dishes that seem to promise to make eating healthy a fun adventure. A few of the wholesome delights we tasted did nudge us to believe so. We enjoyed the freshness and subtle flavours of the Black Eyed Beans Salad (Feijao Troperos). The beans are the hero here and are tossed with a simple vinaigrette dressing. For an option with a hint of indulgence, go for the Chicken Salad with Potato Sticks (Salpicao De Frango Com Batata). The first thing that struck us was the absence of a leafy component. The succulent chicken tossed in a yummy mayo-based dressing is allowed to shine and is complemented by crisp salli (potato strands) wafers.
Photo Credit: Tropicool
For the ultimate healthy bite, you cannot go wrong with the Charred Goodness Tapioca Wrap featuring grilled veggies and chimichurri. There are more loaded choices on the menu too. But this one stood out for its light yet satiating quality. Tropicool's food menu also features sandwiches, toasts, egg preparations and several all-day cafe-style mains for a complete meal.
Photo Credit: Tropicool
For dessert, you can feast on delicacies like the smooth Coconut Pudding (Manjar Branco) with Prune Sauce, Brazilian Coconut Kisses (Beijinho), Brazilian Peanut Kisses (Cajuzinho) and Chocolate Balls (Brigadeiroes). If you're not stopping by for a full meal, simply pair one of them with your coffee for a quick treat.
Photo Credit: Tropicool
The drinks menu at Tropicool is equally extensive and attractive. The standard beverage offerings are the same as those available at the brand's international branches. It is the food menu that has been developed specifically for the Mumbai outpost, Randall Fernandes informs us. The cafe has a great selection of coffee and tea-based drinks (hot and cold), catering to a wide variety of preferences. But the highlights are, of course, the drinks with acai. Apart from smoothies and shakeratos, you can relish the goodness of acai in the form of different mocktails. Our top picks are the no-fuss Amazon Sunrise (with Acai and Orange Juice) and the fizzy yet soothing Hibiscus Bliss (with Acai, Hibiscus Tea and Soda).
Tropicool Cafe is a wonderful spot for a relaxing and delicious meal. Whether you're looking for flavourful healthy food or simply want to try something new, check out this spot for a comfortable and memorable casual dining experience.
Where: Bajaj Arcade, Off Carter Rd, CHS, Union Park, Khar Danda, Mumbai.
About Toshita SahniToshita is fuelled by wordplay, wanderlust, wonderment and Alliteration. When she is not blissfully contemplating her next meal, she enjoys reading novels and roaming around the city.