Bandra’s Sukoon lives up to its name, opens at 6 am to offer yoga session before breakfast

Sukoon in Bandra, Mumbai.

When you think of ‘a restaurant in Bandra’, the words tranquil, serene, calm definitely do not pop up as adjectives to describe it. However, one visit to Sukoon by Joshi House, and you begin to think quite differently.

Sukoon, Bandra.

Right at the heart of the buzzing suburb there is this garden restaurant, tucked away in a by lane, off Carter Road. If there is any eatery that absolutely lives up to its name, it is this; Sukoon is a slice of restorative calm in the midst of a busy, noisy, polluted city. Not just another health-forward restaurant by restaurateur Suren Joshi, this peaceful haven helps you unwind and relax while you relish on the gut-friendly saatvik, vegan and vegetarian food.

Cassava fries at Sukoon, Bandra.

Founder Suren Joshi says, “Sukoon is a peaceful retreat where wholesome food intertwines with the tranquility of a vegetarian garden – a reminder of how the world was meant to be.”

Bharwan Karela with Black Wheat Poori at Sukoon, Bandra.

Ambience: A large wooden door opens up to steps that lead you into a beautiful garden that has cosy tables, sofas, chairs set up all around. The translucent roof lets in ample natural light, a faux fireplace in a corner emits a warm glow and multiple lush green plants and pots gives a beautiful fresh vibe that immediately relaxes you.

Food: For a non-vegetarian foodie like me, there was much apprehension when it came to the all-vegetarian menu, but Chef Tanvi’s delectable fare took me by surprise. Almost every single item we had was delicious with just the right amount of crunch, beautiful flavours, perfect texture, and exquisite taste. Everything was served on bronze serveware or kansa utensils. The Avocado and Fig Salad with nuts was a burst of flavours, Lobia Hummus with falafel and cracker made of flaxseeds was yummy and so was the crunchy, flavourful Jawar Bhel, and Kurkuri Bhindi.

Ragi Dosa at Sukoon, Bandra.

The gluten-free Khichu Chaat with rice cakes, white chickpea curry, and saffron raw mango chutney  (a nostalgic connect with Chef Tanvi), the Cassava Fries served with inhouse Khimchi dip, Ragi Dosa, Black Carrot Halwa are worth a try. Meal Cost for two: Rs 1,200.

Miso and buckwheat pancakes at Sukoon, Bandra.

USP: The restaurant opens early, at around 6 am and offers daily yoga and meditation sessions that can be pre-booked. However, breakfast only starts at 8 am. What is also interesting is that they offer a special 15 percent discount to patrons who surrender their phones during the entire meal, while they enjoy old-world Bollywood numbers.