Among the newest culinary destinations in Andheri East is CrayCraft, which opened a few weeks ago in the neighbourhood of Marol. Helmed by Akshay Shetty (who is also behind Hotel Gurukripa Restobar in Powai) and with food by Chef Subrat, this all-day restaurant and bar promises a memorable dining experience. One can feast on a range of Indian and Asian classics, with a number of fascinating experimental offerings as well. The bar menu, created by mixologist Varun Sudhakar, is definitely not to be ignored either. We recently had the chance to try some of the signature dishes and drinks at CrayCraft. Here’s what we liked:
Mac & Cheese Balls. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
If you want a reliable vegetarian appetiser, we highly recommend the Mac & Cheese Balls. This classic choice provided the perfect start to our meal. The pieces were stuffed well with the delicious cooked pasta, without being heavy or greasy. They were paired with a refreshing sweet chilli jam. If you’re in the mood for something more out-of-the-box, go for the Kulfi Samosa. Don’t worry, this does not mean a samosa stuffed with sweet kulfi. Rather, it consists of triangular-conical shapes of an edamame-potato mixture pierced with kulfi sticks. They were arranged on a bed of ragda, along with a foamy version of mint and tamarind chutneys.
Kulfi Samosa. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
While samosas do lend themselves well to experimentation, it is also easy to overdo it. But these samosas were quite delicious: the combination of potato and edamame along with the tanginess of the chutneys worked unexpectedly well. In the veg mains, we enjoyed the Classic Paneer Tikka Pizza, which had a thin crust. It delivers exactly what the name suggests and we were content to have it as our weekend binge. The pizza can be a great choice for sharing with friends, as you spend a leisurely afternoon or evening catching up.
Among the non-veg appetisers, the Chettinad Chicken Momos turned out to be a lip-smacking choice. We liked the aromatic spiciness of the filling as well as the desi-style ‘chilli oil’ the momos were served with. Another Asian chicken dish we loved was part of the main course: Japanese Yellow Curry With Blue Pea Rice. You can order it as a vegetarian or seafood combination as well. It was a fantastic medley of flavours and colours we would return for, and tastes as good as it looks. If you’re looking for something with a comforting edge rather than an indulgent one, this is the dish to order.
The Popcorn Tiki cocktail. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
CrayCraft boasts a small but cosy bar area on the ground floor level. Keep an eye out for some fascinating creations, especially the Popcorn Tiki. Popcorn lovers, do you enjoy that distinctive nutty taste of the treat that settles in your palette? Well, if you wish to savour that in liquid form, with some rum and ice added, try this cocktail. It came in a quirky glass engraved with a skull, to which was attached a mini cone of popcorn – both were interesting touches. If you need something more conventional, the Green Apple Martini will do the trick. Among the mocktails, the Flower Pot (guava juice, yuzu puree, soda and mint leaves) was a rejuvenating concoction. The Kokum Cooler, made by combining coconut water with kokum syrup, lychee juice and lime juice, turned out to be just what we needed after a humid day in the city.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
As you enjoy the culinary delights, don’t forget to appreciate the understated beauty of your surroundings too. The interiors at CrayCraft have been designed by Ruchika Chhabria, who has provided a fitting decor to match the relaxed tone of your meal. Elegant woodwork, clay lights and pots, pastel hues and curvaceous walls come together to lend the restaurant a wonderful aesthetic. You might be tempted to take more photos and videos of it, as we were.
If you’re planning to eat out in Andheri East, make CrayCraft the destination for your next meal. It’s a peaceful haven offering mouth-watering delicacies, making it the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day or week.
Where: Shop no.06,106, Town Centre, 1, Andheri – Kurla Road, Mittal Industrial Estate, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai.
When: 12 pm to 1:30 am
