Who doesn’t love the buttery flaky layers of a croissant as it unwraps on your tongue and then that small sip of slightly bitter coffee to wash it down? There must be many foodies who could relate to this scenario with their own pleasant memories, evoking within themselves the craving to visit their nearest bakery and get their croissant fix instantly. Mumbai is dotted with several enchanting cafes and bistros, perfecting the French life but for the locals, there is only one place that gives them the satisfaction of ‘dolce far niente’, ‘Le Pain Quotidien’. This chain of sweet bistros has found a way to slip under our radar and endear us to its mouth-watering comfort menu and relaxed charming décor. The place is a favourite amongst the Bandra Kurla Complex regulars, which is where the bistro is located.

The menu of Le Pain Quotidien is a delicious concoction of European and French cuisines, blending beautifully under one single roof. Many find the bistro to be a slightly expensive entity but considering its so many delightful rewards, it seems justified. The bistro opens its doors early in the morning, so you have a chance to grab a divine breakfast before starting your day. Combine your brunch with a bottle of sparkling wine or your evening meal with something stronger. Nibble alongside on, shami kebab, smoked salmon, baked fish goujons, quiche Lorraine, red quinoa slaw, crusted chicken and 5 spiced chicken skewers. Follow that with, roasted basil chicken tartines, organic mixed rice & lentil risotto, ravioli of confit vegetables, chicken burger, pan seared balsamic chicken, fresh mushroom ragout, spicy mushroom tartines and tender lamb stew.

No regular walks out of Le Pain Quotidien without sampling some of their sublime desserts, it’s almost a rite of passage. They offer, chocolate marquise, pear charlotte, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate éclair, apple crumble with vanilla ice cream, fig & lemon cream slice, chocolate pavlova and mix berry clafoutis. As you step inside the bistro, you will notice a vast wooden-dominant room dotted with sturdy wooden tables. A row of glass plate windows floods the room with an abundance of sunlight, softening the lines a bit. To add texture, black chalkboards are put up displaying the menu elevating the bistro feel. Breathe in the aroma of freshly baked bread each morning as you come down for your kick of the day.