As foodies, whenever we want to expand our taste buds and explore something different, a trip to Bandra West (and its surroundings) almost never disappoints. During a recent outing, we had the chance to visit Tropicool Cafe, a vibrant and relatively new spot tucked away in a lane near Khar Danda. This cozy establishment prides itself on being the first Brazilian cafe in the city and the country and its wide range of offerings attracted us. We walked in and settled down for a relaxing meal in front of a vibrant decor.
Photo credit: Tropicool
Tropicool is a global superfood brand that specializes in authentically sourced acai and acai-based products, among others. It has a presence in over 10 countries. Tropicool Acai and Café is brought to India by Rohit Gupta and Randall Fernandes. The Bandra space offers diners the unique opportunity to taste acai in natural ways that highlight the concentration of the fruit. “Tropicool is the only brand that imports acai pulp into the country, which contains 50% of the berry. Most other acai available in the market is in the form of dehydrated powder, which often has very little of the actual berry. Thus, at Tropicool, you can really find out what this fruit tastes like,” Randall Fernandes tells us.
Photo credit: Tropicool
We started our lunch with a selection of delicious appetizers. Brazilian Tapioca Cheese Bites (Dadinho de Tapioca) impressed us with its soft texture. On hearing the general description, one might think it is similar to Sabudana Vada. But the pieces are not deep fried (and hence not crispy or oily) and have a different taste from the usual paneer vadas. Brazilian Cheese Roti (Pao de Queijo) is another starter that offers soft and cheesy satisfaction. But our favorite among the vegetarian options was undoubtedly Mushroom and Cheese PastelThe classic combo of stuffing was reliably delicious and the crispy wrapper made it the perfect snack for rainy days. For a worthy non-vegetarian counterpart, order Chicken-Stuffed Patties (Resoles de Frango). Shaped like karanji/newri (crescent), the outer layer encases a fragrant and mildly spiced chicken filling that we loved. This is a dish that deserves repeat meals.
Photo credit: Tropicool
Tropicool Café has a wide range of delicious nutrient-rich dishes that promise to make healthy eating fun. Some of the delicious dishes we tasted led us to believe so. We enjoyed its freshness and subtle flavours Black Eyed Beans Salad (feijão troperos). Here beans are the hero and they are combined with a simple vinaigrette dressing. For an option with a hint of indulgence, Chicken Salad with Potato Sticks (Salpicão de Frango com Batata). The first thing that strikes us is the lack of leafy ingredients. The succulent chicken tossed in a delicious mayo-based dressing is allowed to shine and is complemented by crispy salli (potato strand) wafers.
Photo credit: Tropicool
For the ultimate healthy meal, you can’t go wrong with Charred Goodness Tapioca Wrap This includes grilled veggies and chimichurri. There are many other options on the menu. But this one stands out for its light yet filling taste. Tropicool’s food menu also includes sandwiches, toast, egg preparations and many café-style main dishes throughout the day, making for a complete meal.
Photo credit: Tropicool
For dessert, you can enjoy dishes such as smooth cottage cheese Coconut Pudding (Manjar branco) with prune sauce, brazilian coconut kiss (Bejinho), Brazilian Peanut Kisses (Cajuzinho) and Chocolate Balls (Brigadieros). If you’re not stopping by for a full meal, just have one of them for a quick treat with your coffee.
Photo credit: Tropicool
The drinks menu at Tropicool is equally elaborate and appealing. The standard beverages are the same as those available at the brand’s international branches. It’s the food menu that has been developed specifically for the Mumbai outpost, Randall Fernandes told us. The cafe has a large selection of coffee and tea-based drinks (hot and cold), catering to a variety of tastes. But the most special thing, of course, are the drinks with acai. Apart from smoothies and shakerats, you can enjoy the goodness of acai in the form of different mocktails. Our top picks are the no-fuss Amazon Sunrise (with acai and orange juice) and the fizzy but soothing Hibiscus Bliss (with acai, hibiscus tea and soda).
Tropicool Café is a great place for a casual and delicious meal. Whether you are looking for delicious healthy food or just want to try something new, visit this place for a comfortable and memorable casual dining experience.
Where: Bajaj Arcade, Near Carter Road, CHS, Union Park, Khar Danda, Mumbai.
