Although a Malaysian coffee and bun chain, Papparoti is arguably most popular in the Middle-East. Chances are, you've enjoyed a crisp on the outside, soft on the inside signature bun with a macchiato at Papparoti, Dubai. Brought to India by NK Hospitality, Papparoti threw its doors open to bun-loving Mumbaikars on February 18. This is its third outlet in India, after Hyderabad and New Delhi.
The story goes that a Malaysian mom stumbled upon the recipe for a lovely roti-bun while trying to innovate the ubiquitous roti. A Papparoti bun dough takes five hours to rise and is coated with a delicious caramel coffee topping. Inside, it remains soft and fluffy with a filling of sweet and salty butter. The result is pure perfection and their signature buns are a testament to great taste paired with wonderful texture and aroma.
Papparoti Mumbai is located at Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, close to numerous offices and the popular High Street Phoenix mall. The cafe is not very large, but interesting illustrations of buns and coffee on the walls make it a cheery place. The service is slightly slow, and the waiters seem a little nervous but when the order does make it to your table, you can be rest assured that it's going to please your taste buds.
We recommend...
Lotus Biscuit Bun
The caramel syrup and crushed lotus biscuits provide a delicious combination of sweetness and crunch that goes so well with the soft bun.
Also on the menu: Hazelnut/almond and Nutella bun, strawberry and whipped cream bun, cheese bun
Caramel Macchiato
The caramel macchiato was pleasant - perhaps not the best coffee you can get but a good accompaniment to the bun. I personally think hot coffee or milk is the ideal choice with a Papparoti bun.
Also on the menu: Variety of cold and hot tea, coffee, milkshakes, juices and smoothies
Egg Shakshouka
I was pleased to receive a shakshouka for one, as requested. It was mild in taste and beneath the egg-y crust, there was a lovely bed of tomatoes, bell pepper and more egg. It was served with two slices of bread that I wish had been brown.
Also on the menu: Veg shakshouka, pizza, pasta, wraps, sandwiches, salads, croissants and puffs
Baked Yoghurt
I was actually temped to have another bun for dessert but there's only so much white flour one's stomach can take. The baked yoghurt was great but I wasn't a big fan of the berry compote on top.
Also on the menu: Caramel custard
If you're already a fan of Papparoti, it's time to rejoice. And if you aren't, you must go try one one of their freshly baked buns. For as they say, productive breaks toh bun-ta hai!
Address: Gate 4, Ground Floor, “Trade View”, Oasis Reality, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Cost for two: Rs. 800
Psst...They might be coming to Bandra (Mumbai) and Bangalore next!