A Taste of Kolkata in Mumbai: Flurys Opens Its First Tearoom by the Sea

It was one of those rainy Mumbai evenings, where the city seemed to shimmer under a veil of mist, the streets reflecting the lights of passing cars. As I made my way through Colaba, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. I was about to experience something special—a piece of Kolkata’s history, transplanted to the bustling heart of Mumbai. Flurys, the iconic patisserie that had been a sanctuary for generations in Kolkata, had finally opened its first tearoom here, right by the Gateway of India.

Walking in, I was immediately struck by how different it looked from the original on Park Street. The Mumbai tearoom didn’t have that same timeless charm, the languid mood, or the grand bay windows that invited people-watching as an art form. But as I stepped further inside, I could sense that Flurys hadn’t left its soul behind.

The space was cozy, with marble-topped tables and cane chairs that beckoned me to sit down and take my time. The walls were a soothing mix of beige and cream, brought to life by fuchsia lights that hung playfully from the ceiling. And then there was the alfresco seating. The sea stretched out endlessly before me, a calming presence that seemed to slow the city’s relentless pace.

Settling into my seat, I felt a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. The menu was a walk down memory lane, filled with the classics that had made Flurys a household name. But this wasn’t just about reliving old memories. Flurys in Mumbai had adapted to its new home, offering dishes that catered to a different crowd. As I browsed the menu, I noticed the granola bowls, sourdough bread, and vegan breakfasts—a clear nod to the city’s health-conscious millennials. The teriyaki grilled chicken caught my eye, and I decided to give it a try. When it arrived, I wasn’t disappointed. The Teriyaki Grilled Chicken combined the savoury depth of teriyaki sauce with the smokiness of the grilled chicken perfectly.

As I ate, I couldn’t help but think about how much this tearoom had evolved. The small bar in the corner, though not yet fully operational, promised espresso martinis and Irish coffees—a modern twist on the traditional tearoom experience. And then there were the desserts. I couldn’t leave without trying the double chocolate pastry and the lemon tart. But as I bit into them, I found myself missing the depth and richness I had hoped for. The desserts were good, but they lacked the wow factor that I had come to expect from Flurys.

As I finished my meal, the tearoom began to fill up, the soft hum of conversation blending with the sounds of the city outside.

Sipping the last of my tea, I realized that this was just the beginning for Flurys in Mumbai. It might not have the same old-world charm as the original, but it had something else—an ability to adapt, to blend the old with the new, and to create a space that felt both familiar and exciting. As I stepped back out into the rain, I knew I’d be back. Flurys had cast its spell over me once again, this time in a city that I was proud to call home.