La Folie Lab (restaurant review)

While working for yourself comes with its share of stresses, fortunately it also has its perks.  One of which is the flexibility of choosing my own schedule. Since I’m answerable to myself, I have the luxury to pop out for the occasional long lunch or coffee during a weekday without the guilt. So long as I’m on top of work, time is irrelevant. To take advantage of that, I headed to lunch a couple Fridays ago with another self-employed friend. As you guys know, I’ve been travelling a lot recently and in my absence, quite a few new restaurants seemed to have opened up in Bombay. One of which was the French-style patisserie La Folie Lab in Kamala Mills.

After drooling many times over their instafeed, I naturally went with high hopes. Although small, it had a cozy feel to it which is particularly appreciated as we brace the monsoon season. Between the wooden tables, open kitchen and stunning (& extremely inviting) display of pastries, I was already a fan!  I was even more impressed as I perused with the menu. Along with French favorites like Goat cheese Chicken Roulade & Croque Monsieur Croissant, other dishes which particularly stood out included Quinoa Falafel, Roasted Pumpkin & Barley Salad, and Asparagus Risotto made from Cauliflower Rice.  They also serve breakfast all day with various egg dishes (vegans can opt for tofu instead), smoothies, pancakes, waffles & tartines. Before diving into the food, we started with a round of teas. White shou mei tea with strawberry & aloe vera for me- fancy eh!  After much deliberation over food, we ordered:

Avo bowl– Avocado & pea emulsion, goat cheese foam, fresh salsa puffed grains, nachani (=lentil) chips 


Seared Herb Chicken – served with warm olive couscous, Mediterranean vegetables and tzatziki

Still a bit hungry, we placed an order for the Asparagus & Broccoli Mille Feuille. There seemed to be some kind of miscommunication as the order was never placed. It actually worked out well as that meant more room for dessert. We asked the waiter for his favourite and he suggested the Infinite Praline (chocolate praline cake, feuilltine praline and Nutella crunch, dark chocolate hazelnut mousse, praline, Chantilly). Was it good? Even tastier than the photo. 

The health food scene is still emerging in Mumbai and while La Folie Lab hasn’t pioneered it, they are certainly well ahead of the curve. Wholesome and flavourful meals, a menu which appeals to both ends of the spectrum of balance, attentive service, pleasant ambiance and affordable prices – there’s little to complain about!  Would I go back? Heck yeah…if not for a meal then at least for a coffee.  Aside from the usual hot coffee varieties, La Folie Lab offers a number of cold brew & nitro coffee options. And as much as ‘freakshakes‘ are having a minute, I would personally much rather try their Peanut Butter Smoothie with Speculos & Belgian Chocolate 😉 .

What was the last restaurant you dined at? What did you order?