## EL&N: The Instagrammable Cafe Lands in Mumbai, Bringing Barbie-Pink Delights and a Sensory Feast
For years, I’ve maintained a strict rule on Instagram: no food accounts. The sheer deliciousness displayed on my screen, taunting my taste buds while remaining out of reach, was simply too much to bear. But then, something extraordinary happened: the deliciousness from Instagram escaped the screen and landed right on my table.
EL&N, the cafe known worldwide as the ‘most Instagrammable,’ has finally opened its doors in Mumbai. This international sensation, with outposts in London, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and more, has landed at Jio World Plaza, bringing with it a menu of both global classics and locally-inspired dishes designed to tantalize Indian palates.
Founder Alexandra Miller is excited about the Mumbai launch, especially the inclusion of unique dishes like a date and walnut milkshake, a first for the brand. “We also have eggless cakes which are actually delicious,” Miller shared, hinting at the possibility of bringing these Indian-inspired treats to the global stage. Even the cafe’s desserts are subtly adjusted for Indian preferences, with a reduced sweetness compared to their international counterparts.
The Mumbai outpost retains EL&N’s signature muted pink and green color palette, but the interiors subtly pay homage to India. The cafe’s tiles are inspired by the floral motifs of the Taj Mahal, and the color scheme incorporates orange and green, a nod to the Indian flag. The opening in Mumbai holds a special significance for Miller, as her mother was born in the city. “She lived here only for two years and only got to come back once as an adult, so I’ve always wanted to visit the city,” she shared.
As Miller spoke, two vibrantly colored desserts were placed before us: a pistachio and raspberry tart and a macaron in the same flavor profile. The tart, adorned with fresh raspberries imported from the UK, surprised me with its sweetness. The pistachio cream, a blend of white chocolate and imported pistachios, was heavenly.
Then came the Nutella French Toast, a symphony of chocolate and berries, the brioche bread lending a custard-like texture to the dish. The bread, a departure from the usual French toast fare, offered a richer, denser experience.
EL&N, however, is more than just visually appealing desserts. Their dedication to sensory experience extends to every dish, from the smashed avocado toast, a garden-inspired masterpiece, to the za’atar and cheese melt cube and rosemary potatoes.
The smashed avocado toast is a testament to EL&N’s commitment to presentation. The sourdough toast is a canvas for avocado, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and edible viola flowers. The sharp feta counterpoints the subtle avocado flavor, while the pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch. The viola, initially a source of hesitation, surprised me with its sweet burst upon biting into it.
The mixed berry and yoghurt pancakes, a feast for the eyes and the palate, are just another example of how EL&N elevates the culinary experience. It’s a testament to their belief that every aspect of a dish, from its texture to its aroma, is equally important.
EL&N doesn’t just offer food; they offer a complete sensory experience. They understand that the way food looks, smells, feels, and tastes all play a role in how we enjoy it. This isn’t just about Instagram; it’s about celebrating the art of food and the power it has to captivate our senses. So, while I still may get angry at the sight of beautiful food on Instagram, I know now that I can find the same satisfaction in a real-life EL&N experience.