Breakfast at Flurys on a Sunday morning is a Kolkata classic. And time hasn't changed the iconic Flurys queues. It's been a familiar sight for generations, and on weekends, you would find a queue snaking its way down the road. People patiently waiting for their turn to devour the famed English breakfast, even today, is proof that the city's love affair with this eatery shows no signs of cooling down. Despite being chock-full of breakfast options in every nook and corner, none have managed to overshadow the charm that has enchanted both residents and tourists for a precise 97 years now. Now, the legendary British tearoom has finally ventured beyond Kolkata and made its debut in Mumbai.
While back in Kolkata, Flurys is a bustling hub, nestled right at the corner of the ever-energetic Park Street, here in Mumbai, however, it has traded the city's chaotic rhythm for the serene embrace of the sea. Located near the Gateway Of India, it's a stark contrast, a modern interpretation of a classic, where the gentle lapping of waves replaces the honking horns. You have an outdoor seating facing the sea, go further and then you enter the oh-so-pink world of Flurys with a few seaters. The indoor space is more intimate compared to its Kolkata counterpart. It has a secluded alleyway, perfect for quiet moment.
There's an 80-year-old man seated next to my table surrounded by his grandchildren. “My father” he recounted with a fondness that softened his gentle voice, “would take me to Flurys when I was your age.” There's something profoundly touching about witnessing someone reminisce their experience that spanned nearly a century.
Now when you are at Flurys, you have to start with their legendary English breakfast. Loaded with crispy bacon, grilled chicken sausages, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, hash brown potato, sauteed mushroom, baked beans, buttered toast and choice of fresh cut fruits served with a hot cup of Darjeeling tea is a breakfast that will leave you feeling full and happy, a quintessential Flurys experience. But there's something about the OG outlet in Kolkata that elevates the taste. It's like comparing a good book to a great one - both are enjoyable, but one is simply unforgettable, so I will leave it at that.
The Peach Melba was already out of stock. So anticipating a potential shortage, I ordered the milk bread sooner than planned, even though I was initially saving it for the end of the meal. Soaked in milk and bread, fried to perfection and drizzled with maple syrup, it's like a warm fluffy hug. A soft and delicious guilty pleasure that's totally worth it. I will be back for more, again and again!
Following the milk bread, was their iconic Beans On Toast, which has been a staple since the '70s. True to their tradition it was served with chilli, onion and cheese. In the mains, I was met with a rather earnest attempt at Teriyaki Grilled Chicken, served with a side of garlic Jasmine rice, kimchi, and crackers. The promise of this dish was considerable, but the execution fell somewhat flat. The flavours were competent, if unremarkable and the whole ensemble felt like it was missing that crucial spark - something to lift it from the realms of merely acceptable to genuinely exciting. It was as if the dish had all the right notes but forgot to play the melody. The grilled jumbo prawns, though competently prepared, landed with a distinctly lacklustre thud - nothing to write home about. The quinoa and chimichurri did offer a fleeting touch of intrigue but it was ultimately a case of too little, too late. The prawns themselves, despite their impressive size, lacked the vibrancy needed to make a lasting impression.
To sum up, at Flurys, steer clear of the less distinguished offerings and focus on these well-trodden paths that are true to Flurys' enduring legacy. The Milk Bread, Beans on Toast, English Breakfast, hot chocolate and their selection of coffees - especially the Viennese and Sprungli varieties definitely tops the list. The hot chocolate warms the soul, while the Viennese coffee is a comforting classic. However, it's the Sprungli coffee, a nod to David Sprungli's renowned tearoom in Zurich that truly stands out. Of course, you simply cannot leave without indulging in their iconic rum-flavoured chocolate balls, wrapped in a smooth layer of chocolate fondant. To bypass these rum balls would be sin of the highest order.
Where: Flurys, PJ Ramchandani Marg, near Gateway of India, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
Meal for two: INR 2,000