From high-fashion red carpets to cozy Sunday brunches, Malaika Arora’s style always exudes ease and elegance. But lately, she’s been channelling that same focus into something far more homely — her kitchen. The actor and entrepreneur has taken on a new culinary challenge: mastering what she calls a “decadent, indulgent twist” on a breakfast classic — the Kunafa French Toast.
A Dish That Even Tests a Foodie
In an interview with The Times of India, Malaika confessed that the dish has tested her patience more than once.
“It’s such a rich variation on French toast,” she said. “I’ve tried numerous times to make it at home — crisp on the outside, soft and gooey inside, and with that perfect caramelised top — but I haven’t quite nailed it yet.”
For someone who embodies confidence in every sphere, her persistence in perfecting this dish reveals something more personal — her love of the process. As she told The Times of India, cooking for her is not just about indulgence but about experimenting, learning, and slowing down.
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What Makes Kunafa French Toast So Special?
Classic French toast is beloved for its simplicity — bread dipped in egg, fried to golden perfection, and topped with syrup. But the Kunafa twist draws inspiration from Middle Eastern desserts, incorporating shredded phyllo (kataifi), sugar syrup, and occasionally cheese or nuts. The result is a delicate balance between crisp and creamy, sweet and savory — a texture and taste that demand precision.
Malaika’s attempts to get the recipe “just right” showcase her willingness to play with global flavours while still grounding them in personal creativity.
Cooking as a Mindful Pause
For Malaika, cooking is also a way to slow down. Between running businesses, fitness commitments, and media projects, she treats time in the kitchen as a mindful ritual — a space to focus on the senses.
“Cooking a dish intentionally is like meditation,” she shared.
Her approach reflects her broader philosophy of wellness — that nourishment is not only physical but also emotional.
Beyond the Kitchen: Scarlett House x Tres Monos
Malaika’s culinary curiosity extends to her restaurant, Scarlett House, in Mumbai. As reported by The Times of India, the restaurant recently hosted a bar takeover by Tres Monos, ranked #10 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
“Bringing Tres Monos to Scarlett House was about elevating our bar experience,” Malaika said. "Their cocktails — like La Uatafak, made with Hibiki Japanese Harmony, sandalwood, and lemon verbena — are pure craftsmanship. Each drink tells a story", she added.
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She also admitted she’s passionate about cocktails herself. "Sometimes a neat sip feels right, but I also love cocktails that surprise and delight. My favourite from the takeover was Paloma Porteña", she said.
Fay Barretto, Beverage Director at Scarlett House, added, “Tres Monos truly resonated with what we stand for — training, craftsmanship, and community. They’re not chasing awards; they’re building culture.”
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