When I walked into Indigo Deli earlier this year, I could have sworn I was in New York. The artsy, wood-sculpted interior reminded me of something I might come across downtown, as did the menu, upscale deli counters, and in-restaurant mini shop. In true New York style, the concept revolves around a lowbrow experience turned high end. The only difference is that it isn’t in New York City. It’s in Mumbai. To be precise: in Palladium Mall in Lower Parel (there’s another outlet in Colaba).
The similarity to New York urban style is no coincidence. The owners of this outlet, Rahul and Malini Akerkar, went out of their way to provide detailed touches that bring home a bit of the Big Apple, including things like chalkboard signs, waiters wearing aprons, and a broad selection of quality cheeses imported from France. They’ve included in the design a long bank of display counters that show off the cheeses as well as meats, salads and desserts. The NYC touches extend to the retail section as well, which offers items like retro coffee machines, Le Creuset cookery, Italian oils and the Deli’s own brand of chutneys and vinaigrettes.
The menu at Indigo Deli could probably give most New York delis a run for their money. It features classic American (and ethnic American) favorites like a Philly cheese steak, a Rueben sandwich, a roast beef sandwich, a sloppy Joe, bagel and lox and much more. But don’t let these dishes scare you Veggiewalas off. There’s plenty of fare for vegetarians, too. There’s a fancy grilled cheese featuring tomato, goat cheese, basil and arugula on herbed whole wheat bread. An Italian American throwback features buffalo mozzarella, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, sweet garlic and spicy pesto on focaccia. Indian fusion sandwiches include the Deli chili cheese toast (cheddar, bell peppers, red onions, and jalapenos on whole wheat) and the roasted vegetable sandwich (mushrooms, garlic, spinach, Swiss cheese and tomato garlic chutney on brown bread). And as just to induce a little American nostaligia, there’s a PB and J on the menu as well. This deli isn’t just about sandwiches. There are two vegetarian burgers, a large selection of thin-crust pizzas, and a random assortment of other dishes like salads, fondue, soufflé, pasta (including mac and cheese – what’s more American than that?), and the list goes on. All of the food is high quality and delicious. And if you are a New Yorker, you’ll feel right at home without experiencing any of those tastes which can be described as “lost in translation.”
Indigo Deli
1st Floor, Palladium Mall High Street Phoenix
Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Mumbai 400013
+91 (22) 2498 6262
Currently based out of Boston, Jesal is a blogger, freelance writer, yoga enthusiast and lifelong vegetarian who spent four years eating her way through New York City and various other cities around the globe. After answering hundreds of emails and phone calls answering the question, "Where's a cool place I can take my vegetarian friend out to eat" she started Veggiewala to efficiently share her knowledge of the vegetarian food scene with curious carnivores, flexitarians and other vegetarians.