Pooja Dhingra Returns with Pardon Our French Cafe in Mumbai
Renowned pastry chef Pooja Dhingra has made a triumphant return to the café scene with the launch of Pardon Our French, a brand-new establishment located in Ballard Estate, Mumbai. This venture comes six years after the closure of her beloved Le15 Café during the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to persistent public demand for its revival.
A Parisian-Inspired Ambiance in South Bombay
Nestled near IF.BE in Ballard Estate, Pardon Our French captivates with a matte inky-blue facade and soft cream signage, evoking a chic Parisian vibe blended with South Bombay's energy. Inside, the decor transitions to creams, muted burgundy, and dusty rose, creating a deliberately unhurried atmosphere. Key design elements include:
- Cloche-turned pendant lights for warm, intimate lighting.
- Burgundy-painted ceilings adding dramatic flair.
- Playful touches like painted curtains and beaded mirrors for a patisserie-like lightness.
Dhingra, who founded Le15 at age 23 and now approaches 40, aimed to reflect a more mature aesthetic, imagining what a woman returning from Paris might create.
An All-Women Team Curates the Menu
The culinary offerings at Pardon Our French were developed by an all-women team, ensuring a cohesive and innovative approach. Coffee consultant Geetu Mohnani crafted the beverage program, chef Anandita Kamani handled savory items, and Dhingra focused on desserts. Highlights from the menu include:
- Toasted Coconut Mocha (Rs 350) – Served in handcrafted cups from Jojo’s Pottery Studio.
- Bisou Bisou (Rs 400) – A citrusy iced drink with double espresso, Valencia orange, and raspberry dust.
- Lemon Cake (Rs 325) – Featuring black sesame, lemon cream cheese frosting, and blueberries.
- POF Chocolate Cake (Rs 325) – A dense treat with mousse, sea salt, and olive oil.
- Strawberries & Cream (Rs 550) – An eggless dessert with strawberry compote, mascarpone, and basil olive oil.
Dhingra emphasized a restrained sugar profile, aiming for desserts that are comforting yet sophisticated, with polarizing options like chiku and hazelnut to push boundaries.
Nostalgic and Innovative Savory Offerings
While the full savory menu launches in mid-February, Dhingra is particularly excited about Pardon Our French Toast, a desi-inspired dish based on her childhood memories. This version features a cheese sandwich dipped in masala omelette batter, served with Maggi sweet-and-chilli salsa. Other anticipated items include avocado toast, tofu akuri, and chia puddings with dessert-inspired flavors, carrying forward favorites from Le15 Café like avocado toast with pickled jalapenos.
Fortune Flowers and a New Chapter
Adding a unique touch, one corner of the cafe houses Fortune Flowers, a flower shop with notes by Dhingra encouraging self-care. A fitting fortune reads, "You're allowed to outgrow old recipes," symbolizing Dhingra's evolution and this fresh start. The cafe operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm to 8 pm, at Sushila Bhavan in Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai.
