phorum dalal theguide@ mid- day. com There was no plan on the horizon. Yet, not only did we end up over ordering but also did not regret the decision. A few minutes earlier, we stood outside Nomada, a month- old cafu00e9 in Versova, contemplating a quick snack.
An inviting and cosy cafu00e9, the light falls on its see- through glass fau00e7ade. Arty and dressed with modern frames, especially one of a cat, draws our attention.
We walk in and slide into one of the wooden bench tables and pore into an extensive menu for the compact 30- seater.
We pick stone roasted chicken ( R 350) from the poiwich section, pork belly ( R 400) from burgers, veggie hot dog ( R 300) from loaded dogs and a peanut butter and jelly shake ( R 220) from drink options. We sit back and breathe out, as the lady with the sweetest smile approves our order with nods.
The prompt service brings us our order within 15 minutes with a cheer. The poi is crisp on its coat, and stuffed generously with a wet chicken curry that has South East Asian coconut curry flavours. The poi bite, slathered in cream cheese and onions, is a bit of a tug but we donu2019t mind it for the filling that created a smooth, delish wave. However, the side of green chutney mentioned in the menu is missing.
The pork belly comes in a sweet bun. First, we finger- lick the soy glaze; separately taste the fermented plum sauce and nibble on a spicy peanut. The first wholesome bite is juicy, one welcome mess we donu2019t want to clean. Thereu2019s the sweetness of the glaze and the sour punch of plums and sautu00e9ed apples.
We order the veggie hot dog out of sheer curiosity. A smart play of carrot mash, crispy okra and elephant mushrooms, u201c the meatyu201d bite is earthy with the freshness of microgreens. We could go vegan for this rendition.
This, with a side of beetroot ketchup is a vegan rising for hot dogs.
We wash this down with the shake which is blended with banana for sweetness. Thereu2019s not enough jelly but itu2019s a happy blend with the nutty, chilled comfort.
While the detour journey has us satiated so far, we did plan dessert, and dessert it is.
Chocolate coffee ( R 350) arrives with two dollops of decadent dark chocolate and coffee mousse topped with choco crumbs and sea salt. The coffee foam on the side is light and airy. The bits of dense cake seem uncooked and feel sticky in the mouth. The malt milk crumbs break the dark sparing between chocolate and coffee.
Nomada, their Instagram account says, was conceived as an idea 12 years ago. The dream result is promising, and we are definitely returning to try the rest of the menu u2014 a liquid cheesecake to be precise.
AT Nomada, 8/ A, opposite Palm Beach Apartments, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova. TIME 11.30 am to 12 am CALL 9372049767 Comfortably classic Chocolate coffee dessert FOOD review FOOD/ wholesome AMBIANCE/ cozy SERVICE/ homely COST/ Reasonable verdict / JJ JJ JJJJ Exceptional, JJJ Excellent, JJ very Good, J Good, Average . Nomada didnu2019t know we were there.
The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals Vegan hot dog Stone roasted chicken poi A new all- day cafu00e9 in Versova offers delish and gourmet American comfort food in a charming space Peanut butter and jelly shake
