Friday, June 2, 2017

Waffle Mania!

Taking an interesting menu detour from the desserts’ section to the main one is the humble waffle. Making ‘savoury waffles’ the hottest food trend of the season at restaurants across Mumbai.

By Raul Dias



Spicy Jalapeno and Melted Queso Waffle
This one’s for those times when you want something savoury for that lazy Sunday brunch that still hints at something sweet… That’s when you should try this all-veg spicy jalapeno and melted queso waffle that’s topped with oodles of unctuous melted cheese. And for that added bite, you can also add some pico de gallo and salsa picante!
CHEF SPEAK: “We like savoury waffles, so we had to have at least one on our menu! We went for a meatless option so that everyone can enjoy these waffles, but some regulars do ask for crispy bacon for a more indulgent treat.”
-Chef Sandeep Sonawane, head chef
At Jamjar Diner, Aram Nagar ll, Versova
Call 26358880, 26368880
Cost Rs 270



Savoury Pumpkin Waffle
This take on a savoury waffle is made up of a gluten free waffle that’s filled with roasted kabocha commonly called Japanese pumpkin — a known aphrodisiac in many cultures — along with sage, caramelised onions and house made tulsi yogurt.
CHEF SPEAK: “Apart from having a chestnut-like texture and sweet potato-like taste profile, kabocha is high in beta carotene, iron, and vitamin C. The waffle is gluten-free and hence you won’t feel a drop of guilt as you savour this savoury waffle.”
-Chef Paul Kinny, culinary director
At 212 All Good, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel
Call 62216020, 8655012212
Cost Rs
425



Crispy Khimchi and Fried Brocolli Waffle
The crispy khimchi and crunchy broccoli on freshly made tobanjan-spiced waffles, topped with wasabi flavoured sour cream and served with an apple and fennel salad work as a great combination. All this is further enhanced by a squiggle of horseradish mayo and a side of pickled cauliflower.
CHEF SPEAK: “Most people strongly associate waffles as a breakfast option. We wanted to bring out the versatility of waffles through our loaded savoury waffles.”
-Chef Aagar Thite and Chef Harish Devadkar, head chefs
At Swey, Rooftop Atria Mall, Worli
Call 30151682
Cost Rs 625



Waffles Croque Madame
A unique take on the classic French breakfast dish of Croque Madame, here a crispy-topped, fluffy-centered waffle is loaded with local ham, bechamel sauce and finished off with a sunny side up egg and served up with homemade bacon jam. ‘nuff said!
CHEF SPEAK: “The combination of this savoury waffle has worked very well in terms of taste that includes great flavours because of the ham and cheese. It enhances the dish and makes it unique.”
-Chef Kaustubh Gujar, chef de partie
At The Pantry, Kalaghoda, Fort
Call 22678901
Cost Rs
345



Duck and Waffle
While this one may be a clever riff on the Southern American classic fried chicken and waffle combination, here, the rather pedestrian chicken is eschewed in favour of the more game-y duck. So, what we have on hand is a citrus-spiced, slow cooked pulled duck, nestled atop a fluffy, rocket leaf-lined waffle and drizzled with citrus sauce. This is then topped off with the de rigueur runny fried egg. 
CHEF SPEAK: “Universally, the waffle is considered a dessert, but with chefs pushing classic dishes to innovate and educate people’s palettes and taste buds, the waffle has become a fun ingredient.”
-Chef Subhash Shirke, executive chef
At
Woodside Inn, Woodhouse road, Colaba
Call 22025525
Cost Rs
695




Jackfruit Corn Waffle
Here, the rather sparingly used jackfruit is first tossed in homemade barbeque sauce and then set atop a corn meal waffle. Goat cheese is then added to cut through the tanginess, while caramelised onions add a hint of sweetness to the dish. Accompanying this is a side salad of lettuce leaves, endives, arugula and romaine all tossed in a vinaigrette.
CHEF SPEAK: “We at Theory use seasonal produce and fruits for many dishes. Jackfruit being the fruit of the season, we introduced a dish in a savoury and sweet combination.”
-Chef Clyde Comello, chef de cuisine
At
Theory, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 66666506
Cost Rs 625

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 2nd June 2017 issue of the Mid-Day newspaper, http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-food-waffles-restaurant-menus-mumbai-guide-waffle-varities/18301156)


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