Mumbai: Backpacker Panda Colaba

LOCATION:
Walton Road, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai

FESTIVAL:
Banganga Festival (January)
Gudi Padwa Festival (April)
Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September)
Diwali (October/November)

FEES: (as of April 2019 in Thai Baht and Indian Rupees)
Plane Fare from Bangkok to Mumbai roundtrip (est. THB 12,200.00)
Taxi from Mumbai Airport to Colaba (est. INR 800.00)
Room rates
     Double Private room (est. INR 2,500.00)
     Dorm Room Single Bed (est. INR 700.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Gateway of India
Colaba Market
The Taj Mahal Hotel
National Gallery of Modern Art
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Cathedral of the Holy Name
Colaba Causeway
Sagar Upvan Garden
Rajabai Clock Tower
Kala Ghoda
Mani Bhavan
Chowpatty Beach
Flora Fountain
Leopold Cafe
Horniman Circle Gardens
David Sassoon Library
Ballard Estate

On my fourth day in Mumbai, my beau brought me to a different part of the city - an area called Colaba which in the 16th century was previously called Candil. 

In this portion of Mumbai, diverse century-old architectural gems are scattered in the different corners of Colaba. Although known to have been under the Portuguese rule, the British had been credited for the architectural development in the area in the 17th century. 

I highly suggest you stay in this portion of Mumbai for at least 5 days. Savor on the abundant culinary choices from the hundreds of bistros, cafes, restaurants, and food joints. Experience the vibrant Colaba in the evening and walk around the old magnificent buildings until your feet hurt. Feast your eyes on the varieties of items being sold in many spots of this locale. 

To witness all these, my dearest Madhav took me to stay in BACKPACKER PANDA COLABA, a touristy and artsy hostel hoisted at the center of this portion of Mumbai. 

A backpacker would be happy to see how this hostel was designed. What was really interesting was their old elevator which I've never tried in my entire life (so far!).


They also had this area where you can place your large luggages while waiting for check-in or check out time.

The building is composed of 5 floors and a rooftop with a great view.

They offer a dormitory and or a private room depending on the tourist's preference.

In one area of the 4th floor, a shared sitting lounge caters to all the transient travelers who chose to stay with Backpacker Panda Colaba. On the opposite corner, is a counter which offers delectable snack choices. In another portion is a steel-made loft accessible for everyone. This smart design, which has a bookshelf with interesting books and board games, is a dandy amenity for a hostel standard.

There he is. The sole reason of my trip.

Mumbai: Angrezi Dhaba

LOCATION:
Ground Floor RR House Todi Mill Compund, Tulsi Pipe Road, Railway Colony, Lower Parel, Mumbai

Having just consumed our lunch, which was pizza at Dominoes, past 7 o'clock in the evening, I could understand why my beau was still starving, or just wanted to take me around for dessert. So, we left the Palladium (a shopping mall), and headed off northeast. Not driving, not taking a cab, but walking. I wore heels (because I thought we would not leave the mall) and yes, we walked. Lol. It wasn't a long walk. If it's your first time in an area and interested to get to know the place, 1.2 kilometers isn't a problem when you're wearing heels. (Plus, of course, I was with my man. I wouldn't complain.)

Strolling in the night, under the moonlight, wait no, under the perfectly-lit street, I imagined he was taking me for a stroll to be romantic. I enjoyed the idea that he dismissed the thought of eating dessert. We paced our way through Tulsi Pipe Road and passed by Senapati Flyover. The farther we walked away from the premises of the mall, the more I wondered if it was safe for us to be strolling that late in the evening. You can't blame me, my neighborhood isn't entirely a safe place.

We continued pacing straight ahead until we passed ICICI Bank, he then stopped, looked around and gestured we head back. A few meters and he pointed to an alley. It was dark with some neon lights coming from some establishments. Taking that from someone who can barely see when in the dark, I just hoped we didn't get lost. He moved ahead and as I was going to ask him if we were lost, he smiled at me then faced at this building with one of his hands pointing at a door suggesting the place to be.

I looked at the facade of the building and although I was not impressed, I was thrilled as usual. The sign said 'Angrezi Dhaba' and I asked if 'Angrezi' means English and he confirmed that it was. However, I wasn't sure what 'Dhaba' meant and he explained it meant 'restaurant or shop by the road'.

Upon entry to this new restaurant, what got my attention was how they played with the colors to decorate the interiors. The vibrant colors, the spunky arrangement, and lively vibe was impressive.

Angrezi Dhaba, known as having introduced experiences for the palate coming from the fusion of Indian cuisine and some other cuisines including European and Chinese cooking styles, has become a must-visit chain of restaurants in Dadar. The dining experience will never disappoint you if you're a foodie and a seeker of non-conventional Indian dishes. There are four different outlets you can try for a visit, each one presenting you with festive interior decors and a complete different gastronomic experience.

Seeing the menu, the food choices would overwhelm you. You would not know which one to have. The price range isn't expensive at all either which is great for groups and couples.

Not only would your eyes feast on the details of the restaurant's style, but also with the food plating. I am truly a fan. Glad my beau took that night to let me have an 'Angrezi Dhaba Experience'.

He ordered two desserts. I'm wary of the food flavors as I might not like it, so I only tried whatever he had. Blast it! Both were extremely good. So, we had the Chocolate Golgappe with Basundi Shots and Gulab Jamun Triffle.

Chocolate Golgappe with Basundi Shots

Gulab Jamun Triffle

That lazy day was ended with a food-centered date (as we only visited Dominoes and Angrezi Dhaba that day, aside from strolling inside Palladium of course).

There's my main course

 Him, explaining to me the food and how to gorge it.