After making a splash in Dubai, Carnival by Tresind will take your taste buds on a journey of contemporary flavours

The flashing lights of the spinning cups, the sound of the hammer, the smell of caramelized popcorn has been a rite of passage for most of us. The glittering sights, the blazing sounds and the tantalizing flavours are a journey of joy and merriment that is only found at carnivals. So as an adult, learning that a great carnival-inspired dining experience exists is a delightful discovery.

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Carnival by Tresind is a restaurant unlike any other. Inspired by the global carnivals from Goa to Rio de Janeiro, it promises all kinds of pleasure beyond just taste. Part of the Passion Hospitality Group, Carnival stands alongside the Michelin-starred Tresind Studio and Tresind in Dubai, which have been featured in lists of the world’s best restaurants. After experiencing the superb service of Tresind in Mumbai, which celebrates Indian cuisine at its finest, my expectations were high.

Located in a chic complex in Juhu, the dark interiors are adorned with neon colours that add a touch of grandeur to the ambiance. Vivid elements like bold patterns, masks and metallic embellishments added a festive vibe to the décor. Also included were servers who stayed in character with quirky masks in keeping with the theme.

Introductions were made to the bar, where cocktails with vibrant notes inspired by carnivals around the world were served. While their drinks menu features the finest spirits from mezcal to vermouth, their experimentation is fully on display in their cocktails. The Java Jamboree is like a miso-tinted boozy cuppa joe and the Tikitiki is a tropical treat with notes of pineapple and hibiscus. Their specialty liquors like the Creme de Cacao and Triple Sec were made in-house, which is a commendable feat.

Once the food service began, it never really stopped. The chaat sundae included yogurt ice cream and tamarind granita; and despite the unfamiliar components, melted in the mouth and provided familiar flavors. While the duck croquette was not your regular appetizer, it made for a succulent bite that matched beautifully with a black lemon tzatziki dressing. tom yumRasam It was a perfect blend of East and South, with a fusion of intense flavours. tom yum Finished off with a powerful punch of curry leaves. oven The tiger prawns and soft shell crab were spiced to perfection, but they didn’t take away from the flavours of the sea.

However, the highlight of the small plates section was Veg Vada PavAssembled on the table, it looked almost identical to the neighborhood Veg Vada Pav Visit a stand for a quick greasy bite. The Carnival was similar to it only in terms of looks as a single bite was enough to reveal its delicious flavors. The patty was made of lobster with potatoes and Furikake While the garlic accompaniment featured Yuzu Kosh And the tamarind chutney finished it on a tangy note. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat it regularly Veg Vada Pav again.

A pleasant break after our meal came from a magic show by magician Mayank Chaubey. This sleight of hand session done right on the table was a delightful experience any diner would look forward to.

When the meal resumed, it got even better as larger plates arrived. Champaran Style carnitas adds a fun DIY aspect to the meal as it involves assembling the tender pork and guacamole into tortilla shells yourself. Kosha Mangsho This was a unique dry gravy, which also had crispy green peas Kachoris. The Balchao It had the flavours of Goa which reflected in the tenderly cooked seafood.

To end our meal on a sweet note, the tiramisu caught our attention. Being a carnival, it was not exactly like the regular tiramisu, but it tasted just the same. The piece of Baileys ice cream was a great addition as it disappeared on the palette, but paired with the filter coffee, it tasted delicious.

Carnival by Tresind gets praise for all the right reasons. It boasts of delicious ingredients sourced from around the world, culinary skills to be admired and expertly crafted dishes that still deliver soulful flavours. So it is evident that the Ferris wheel rides at this carnival are filled with unique flavour combinations and served in the most spectacular way possible.

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