Explore this desi food-focused resto bar in Andheri

Kona Kona is literally nestled in a corner end of a building off Andherirsquos New Link Road The 95seater spread across an indoor and alfresco area has bright red windows contrasted with green walls and a Duckman mascot that juts out of the indoor walls at two spots It is flanked by blackandwhite frames reflecting the Mumbai vibe Red lanterns lift the space and highlight the emerald green tiled bar frontWe begin our experience with Bihari nimki instead of fries with TP chutney Rs 149 and a Madame Titli Rs 599 cocktail that comes in a trio of gin campari and cointreau It is also a women triumvirate who has created this space Chef Jasleen Marwah who gave Kala Ghoda an ode to regional cuisines at Folk teams up with actor Mona Singh who Marwah knows from her days as a media production executive They first met on the sets of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi ldquoThatrsquos where Jassi and Jasleen became friendsrdquo Singh quipsBihari nimki with TP chutney and Turkish lamb kofta poieWhile we indulge in friendly banter with the trio Himachali mushroom siddu Rs 349 arrives as if straight from a local Himachal kitchen The steamed bread similar to a bao is light airy and packs in the punch of a spicy mushroom filling Singh grew up in parts of North East and Goa since her father was in the Indian Army ldquoMy parents hosted the best parties As a family we are foodies We grew up eating different cuisines from Kolkatarsquos egg rolls to bamboo shoot sabzi from Assam jhol momos of the North East and Himachali food which I love Goa is my second home poie and pork chorizo are my favouritesrdquo she sharesHimachali mushroom siddu and Spinach and cheese kataifiThe Turkish lamb kofta poie R449 is a wholesome bite though we prefer it without the mayo dip The fermented poie has a mildly chewy crust with a soft interior that has soaked up the flavour of the meat While they are currently sourcing it from a vendor Marwah plans to make them inhouse soon Chutneys are celebrated and accompany the dishes a green pudina chutney amped with garlic and onions comes with the siddu while the Bihari nimki that we tried earlier is served with a hot chutney made from chillies and lemon with a mustard tadkaBetween an actor and a selftaught home chef turned restaurateur the demure executive chef Neetu Solanki brings her experience of professional cooking to the table With stints at Noma and Masque in her kitty she helms the whimsically Indian bar menu Marwah met Solanki on the set of Curries of India two years ago and have been consulting on projects since ldquoHer skills translate all that we imagine into an actualityrdquo reveals Marwah to which Solanki adds ldquoMy brief was to create a shareable nonfussy menu to compliment the bar menu I have wrapped authentic dishes in a comforting taste languagerdquoMadame TitliOver the welltextured and easytosavour spinach and cheese kataifi Rs 399 rolls Singh tells us how she turned to her old friend when she decided to work towards setting up her dream restaurant ldquoJasleen was always behind the scenes handling production Here she is in the forefront Irsquove known her for nearly 20 years And every time we bumped into each other socially our conversation revolved around foodrdquo recalls SinghThe menu gets playful with Gangu Bairsquos mandeli fry Rs 349 another desi attempt to replace fries We wash this down with Kill Bill R599 a heady blend of tequila jalapentildeo brine pineapple juice and coriander leavesFor the mains we try the Africaninspired jambalaya pasta seafood and chicken mix Rs 649 It replaces the original recipe of rice with penne On the palate it tastes like desi teekha pasta This we pair with our last drink Liplock Rs 599 The concoction of tequila pink grapefruit syrup and jalapentildeo doesnrsquot balance the spice and sweetness While Kona Kona is spoton with its food philosophy the cocktails could do with a serious rethinkKona Kona HospitalityAT Venture LLP Unit No 2730 Kuber Complex New Link Road Andheri WestTIMe 12 pm to 130 amCALL 9867880076atOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params