Having travelled extensively across the Middle-East, I always pondered over the dearth of Middle-Eastern culinary options that Mumbai offered, every time that I was left longing for the cuisine. Enter Maffy’s, the splendid all-new Middle-Eastern bistro which covers gourmet experiences right from the bustling lanes of Istanbul to the streets of Jeddah and the eclectic markets of Marrakech. With options across Mediterranean, Indian and Middle-Eastern, that I could nosh on whilst overlooking the Arabian Sea, I was spoilt for choice…
Sipping on the most refreshing rose-infused water as the colourful interiors drew me in, I was looking forward to the culinary voyage. I quite liked the Morocco-inspired floral patterned ceiling which comes together with blue and white Mediterranean style wall plates and decorative murals. The outdoor area has its own draw as it offers a stunning sea-view along with the live counters.
As for drinks, I zeroed on Passion potion, a heady rose infused syrup and pineapple juice topped with bubbles, ice and rose snowflakes. And I was absolutely loving it. My companion opted for Doogh- a fresh Laban buttermilk churned with lovely flavours of dried mint and salt. We kick-started our meal with the Kefta Red Hummus, a tangy hummus with lamb mince kefta, a delicious start to the meal.
I am still smitten by the Smoked Spicy Shrimps Hummus which was a surprising combo of crunchy and hot shrimps. The creamy yet citrus hummus had an irresistible smokey aftertaste. The Maffy’s House Salad threw in scrumptious cherry wood smoked mixed lettuce, sunflower seeds and cucumber cherry tomatoes. Elements like chili achar dressing, brie cheese, herb yoghurt, figs, caramelized walnuts and paneer touk crumble added to this humble salad, accentuating it into a dreamy, delish one.
I loved the succulent Turkish Adana Kebab which was hand-pounded, delicately skewered meat kebab over char-fire. Other winners are Istanbul Mucver, Turkish zucchini fritters and Prawn Kunafa for seafood lovers. Soaring high on my list was Tikka Maffy’s, not your average chicken tikka. Juicy olive and chilli-pepper marinated chicken make it addictive enough to tease your taste-buds.
As for mains, the Riyada Kabsa with rice and mutton (an interpretation of biryani) scored equally when it came to the flavor aspect as the Seafood Tagine which was delectably mixed seafood spicy stew of mussels, prawns, fish and tomatoes served in saffron rice. Both top-notch! For dessert, I went with the Chocolate Hummus. The tahini-sesame praline, almond flakes, freeze-dried berries and lavender dust added to the ‘tantalizing’ factor to the dessert. I am not a chocolate lover and still couldn’t get enough of it. Brownie-points to that.
I also indulged in Baklava Lollipops- With rich dry fruits, the layered phyllo pastry did strike the right balance. It wasn’t too rich or too subtle either. While it looks easy, dishing out the perfect baklava can be “notoriously tricky.” This baklava was playful, delicious and I loved how this one packed in the spot-on flavor and crunch.
There are also pizzas and yummy samboosas filled with melted cheddar (addictive and how!), the extensive menu covers everything you’d possibly crave for. Maffy’s, like its name (which means the fictional mascot), takes you through a fantasy gastronomic journey that will stay with you for a long, long time…
Where: Maffy’s, Sea Palace Hotel,
Ground Floor, P J Ramchandani Marg, Apollo Bunder,
Next to Radio Club, Colaba. Mumbai 4000 001
Contact : 022 22881011
Note: The critic was invited by the restaurant but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
