Bandra is easily one of Mumbai’s most happening neighborhoods, and the newly opened Papi is here to contribute to that legacy. In Spanish, ‘Papi’ is a term of endearment for either a father or boyfriend, the latter usage being more popular now. In Hindi, the term means sinner, and that name suits the ambiance of this 60-seater dining destination quite perfectly. One of the defining features of Papi, a cocktail-first diner, is their ‘Cocktails on Tap,’ and unsobered got a chance to try out not just their cocktails, but also their food menu. So, we’re here to spill the beans! Here’s a sober and honest unsobered review of Papi in Bandra.
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As soon as you step in, the dimly-lit, rugged interiors and loud music thumping in the backdrop create an ambiance that lets you know you’re at a party. Papi may be new, but the clamour of people and the frequent eruptions of loud laughter at tables tell you that it is by no means unpopular.
The establishment offers two seating spaces — a long corridor-esque space lined with tables and a cozy inner room that has African textiles adorning its walls. The bar on the inside is just as busy as the rest of this place. We took our table in the long hall and began our inspection of the menu.
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Papi’s cocktails on tap were undoubtedly on our list of must-trys, but one feature of their signature cocktails menu struck us. Instead of names, each of the ten cocktails was given a number. This was a fun, unexpected twist that made us pay more attention to the details of the cocktails and what went in it.
There were so many items, both on the cocktail as well as the food menus, that were basically begging to be ordered! And, being the magnanimous folks that we are, we couldn’t say no. Our servers, Gaurav and Rahul, took fantastic care of us, and we were greatly impressed by the speed of their service. Whatever we ordered came to our table in little to no time. Here’s everything we got and what we thought of it.
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Cocktail Number 2
Tequila with red jalapeno, passionfruit, coriander, and mango air, this cocktail was the perfect balance of fruity and feisty. The jalapeno packed a slight punch, but the passionfruit rounded it out nicely. A perfect drink for Picante lovers.
Would We Order It Again? Yes!
Cocktail Number 5
Consisting of truffle bourbon, white chocolate, and dark roasted coffee bitters, this cocktail is for whisky lovers. Impeccably smooth with notes of caramel, truffle is the first thing to hit your nose. The drink certainly elevates the dining experience.
Would We Order It Again? Maybe.
Cocktail Number 10
This delicious little tangy number has shiso-infused tequila, mezcal, pickled plum brine, and lime agave nectar. If you love getting playful with your cocktail choices or don’t enjoy the taste of hard liquor, this one’s for you!
Would We Order It Again? Yes, absolutely!
Espresso Martini
This was from Papi’s ‘Cocktails on Tap’ series. With vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, this was a classic. If you’re looking for consistency in your drinks, this is a reliable choice you can’t go wrong with.
Would We Order It Again? Yes.
Cheeseburger Croquettes with Buffalo Mayo
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Soft and cheesy, these looked like the fancier cousins of jalapeno poppers, but lacked their flavor and punch. If you enjoy moderately-spiced dishes, you’d probably enjoy this.
Would We Order It Again? No
Shrimp Popcorn with Truffle-Fermented Hot Sauce
This was hands-down our most favorite dish. Think dynamite shrimp, but tastier. The shrimp were perfectly fried and coated with a delicious, sweet, tangy, spicy sauce that was just *chef’s kiss*!
Would We Order It Again? Yes, absolutely!
Peking Duck Gnocco Fritto
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Presented quite elegantly on a bed of beans, the Peking duck was flavored with a Hoisin mascarpone that had a rich, creamy texture. This creamy richness was balanced by the crunch of gnocco fritto. However, my desi palate did miss some flavor and substance in this dish.
Would I Order It Again? No
Smashed Buffalo Sliders
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This one is for meat-lovers, especially for those who love their steak. The smashed patty was juicy and well-flavored. The buns were soft, and the sauce was perfectly smooth and drippy.
Would We Order It Again? Yes, absolutely!
Salmon Crudo
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This was another one of the high points of our meal. It is basically raw salmon served in a pool of coconut chilli emulsion. Very fresh, very refreshing, and a must-try if you tend to enjoy sushi or poke bowls. Moreover, it is an excellent dish for those who may be intimidated by the idea of raw fish but want to try it.
Would We Order It Again? Yes, absolutely!
Crab Tortellini
This was the dish we were most excited about. Served in a brown butter miso sauce, the tortellini were deliciously soft and creamy. The sauce had a deep, rich umami flavor that paired excellently with Cocktail Number 5.
Would I Order It Again? Maybe
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Though Papi is a cocktail-first establishment, the care and attention to detail it has given to the food menu stand out. It is definitely an upscale place, but what is truly admirable about it is its service. Having been to quite a few of such restaurants, handling a large crowd on Friday night can cause delays in the kitchens of even the most seasoned establishments. However, Papi’s prompt and polite service remained the highlight for us. And, if the bill is no barrier, Papi is definitely an enjoyable luxury, especially for dates, anniversary dinners, or reunions of long-estranged friends.
For us, our overall experience at Papi was 7.5/10.
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Address: 712, Linking Rd, Khar, Khar West
Timings: Tuesday to Thursday, 7 PM to 1:30 AM, and Fridays to Sundays, 12 PM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 1:30 AM
Cost For Two: INR 4,000 approx.
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As a cocktail-first venue, Papi is unafraid to experiment with its ingredient-led tipples. Their drinks are fantastic, but not at the expense of good food. The menu has Pan-Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean influences that are guaranteed to elevate your hangout.
