There's a new sweet shop in Bandra, and here's all you need to know about it

Chat counter at the Bandra space

When you walk into Ikai, it doesn't feel like a mithai shop. A tower stands at the centre of the space and is lit up with diyas every evening. It looks like a bazaar chowk with a chaatwallah and mithaiwallah on either side of the tower, except it's all very modern and polished.

Ikai began in Ahmedabad, and first arrived in Mumbai at its international airport as a kiosk two years ago. The new space is built like an experience centre. Painted in sombre hues, the Bandra address feels minimalist and yet is loudly Indian. The floor has pinkish-hued Bombay terrazzo tiles that you don't see in Mumbai homes anymore. The ceiling has ikat fabric panelled in. And the section at the back is where the space opens up into a larger retail area.

Varieties of namkeen on display. PICS/SHADAB KHAN

Mithai and namkeen counters sit on either side in the retail space, with displays that feel as well thought-out as the rest of the space. This is where you notice its scale: Nearly 40 varieties of namkeen and 12 sweets are laid out to reveal the ingredients.

Saffron, charcoal, and coffee motichoor laddoos from the DIY counter

There is ample experimentation with items like Makhana Ladoos, Badam Pista Barfi, Haapus Chocolate Katli, and Badam Caramel Ladoo, among others. And, namkeen includes a range that starts at sev and bhujiya varieties, chiwda from across India, a special Maharashtrian range with items like Thecha Lasun Chiwda, Mumbai Galli Chaat Bhujia, and more, and a range for kids. The live mithai counter allows you to create Motichoor Ladoos your way. Pick the boondi, nuts, and flavours. One could lean traditional, and opt for saffron, or zhush it up with a Coffee Motichoor.

Haapus Chocolate katli

All namkeen and chaat are made using olive oil. Mithai leans on natural sweeteners, and everything is designed to feel lighter, cleaner, and indulgent, sans the guilt. But the real test is simple: Does the fare hold up? Short answer: Yes.

AT IKAI, Seven Star Building, Road Number 24, off Linking Road, Khar West.
LOG ON TO @ikai.india

The Guide's top picks

Aloo tikki chaat

It's straightforward, familiar, and done well. It reminded our photographer of the aloo tikki chaats from his hometown, Lucknow, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
Cost: Rs 270

Sev puri

Crisp, thin puris fried in olive oil make the chaat noticeably lighter. But importantly, it doesn't take away from the flavour you would get at your favourite sev puri wallah on the street.
Cost: Rs 270

Ram ladoo

Dilliwallahs in the city will be happy to find their city's sought-after street food here. A moong dal pakora, topped with a generous amount of radish shavings and chutney, it's crunchy and refreshing, thanks to all the fresh mooli that sits atop like a crown. Perhaps, the only spot in Mumbai to eat it.
Cost: Rs 270

Bhel

A Mumbai classic, but this version is slightly elevated. The namkeen makes its way into the mix, giving it more texture, a lot of different flavours that work together, and depth.
Cost: Rs 270