my favorite: dessert places in Mumbai

I have a major sugar tooth, but I am not one of those people who craves chocolate 24/7. I have a tendency to get cravings at regular intervals, but when I want chocolate, I need it RIGHT NOW.

This is a just compilation of some of my favorite places in Mumbai to satisfy my sweet tooth, and the first in a series of my favorite places in Mumbai!

Note: Pricing is measured on a scale of $ (least expensive) to $$$$ (most expensive).

Theobroma

The ubiquitous Theobroma. Most of those in Mumbai who like food and desert have been here many times. They have cases full of brownies, cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and tarts! Literally a desert lovers heaven, as the name itself states. My favorites here include the overload brownie, millionaire, chocolate tart, and the cooknie (brownie+cookie=cooknie, duh).

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, but availability depends on the location

Price: $$

Tart

Although there is a rainbow cake available at Theobroma I am partial to the one at Tart. They have two options available, chocolate and vanilla. Both are cream cheese based, and an absolutely decadent luxury to eat. Best eaten right out of the freezer so that the cream cheese remains cold and dense, I highly suggest this as a rich desert after a light meal (the calories have to balance out somewhere!).

Location: list of locations here

Seating Available: yes, but only 2 tables or so

Price: $$$

La Folie Patisserie

Located in Kala Ghoda, this tiny shop has the best salted macarons I have tasted in India so far! And although I know everybody loves the macarons at Le 15, I think these are even better. Again, they are best eaten cold if you like macarons dense, and if you like your macarons to be traditionally fluffy then maybe wait until they come to room temperature, although you really won't get that unless you are eating freshly cooked macarons. Plus, the take away boxes are adorable, if a little unwieldy.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: no, they have about one table which is almost non existent

Price: $$$

Le 15 Patisserie

Headed up by Pooja Dhingra, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, this not so little chain has definitely managed to keep quality while still maintaining its standards. While everyone raves about their macarons, I highly suggest you try their cupcakes, especially the Belgian chocolate which is so rich that you are sure to be glad of its small size. If you are looking at getting a cupcake-cake for someone, I suggest Le 15 as they have the best cupcakes I've tried in Mumbai. They also have choux, but go early as it often sells out!

Location: list of locations here
Seating: yes, but it is limited to a few tables and depends on the location

Price: $$$

Sweetish House Mafia

Definitely the best cookies I have tried at any shop in Mumbai, these cookies are fresh, soft, warm and melt-in-your-mouth good. They have an interesting back story as it started as just a Tata Nano with a driver and helper driving around Bandra in a guerrilla style selling cookies with nobody knowing when the next batch of cookies would be for sale, or who was behind this phenom. And now it has become a full fledged restaurant! A success story for sure, they have the regular cookie flavors like chocolate chip and peanut butter, but also Nutella and sea salt. Anybody who has done any baking knows that it is the salt quantity that can make or break a good cookie, and SHM gets it right on. Their cookie milkshakes are a definite must try as well!

Location: list of locations here
Seating: no, only a few bar stools and a counter

Price: $$

Suzette's

Although this is technically a creperie, I didn't really enjoy their savoury crepes. But their desert crepes are meals in and of themselves! They have plenty of options, so I can't even suggest one, they are all good. But beware, these crepes are stuffed to the brim, so make sure you have enough space in your stomach! Not to be eaten after a heavy meal, their desert crepes do not travel well. Plus, go ahead and give their hot chocolate a try, it's some of the best in the city.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, a bit crowded but seating is available

Price: $$$

Chocolateria San Churro

I only recommend this for their churro a, which to be honest, are not that authentic. But, if you are having a severe craving for churros then this will surely satiate. A plate of churros and hot chocolate for two would make a great late night desert date!

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, plenty of seating is available

Price: $$$

5 Spice

Mostly known for their huge quantities of food, 5 Spice also has mind blowing deserts. Their Rocky Road is a feat of engineering and definitely not for the weak hearted. Scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream on top of a brownie covered in fudge, be sure to save room if you plan on having this. Often times I have eaten dinner elsewhere and come here just for the Rocky Road.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, plenty of seating is available

Price: $$

Love and Cheesecake

Those who crave cheesecake made from real cream cheese should definitely head here. They have plenty of different options, and not everything is cream cheese-based. Plus, they now have a little waffle making station where they can make red heart shaped waffles! Too cute, and it would be so sweet on a first date.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: no, none at all

Price: $$$

Pink Sugar

This is a teeny tiny shop located in a byway off Carter Road, but it feels like a world away. No sounds of traffic, no cigarette smoke smells, and fewer people crowding you off the pathways. Although relatively new, the cupcakes here are to die for. The frosting is thick, dense, and fudgy, while the cake itself remains light and fluffy, providing the perfect combination. Be sure to try their chocolate fondant as well, but eat it in the store for the full experience.

Location: location here

Seating: no, only a few bar stools are provided

Price: $$

Please mention any of your favorite desert shops in Mumbai so I can try them out! Follow me on Instagram @ribbonsndbows and subscribe!

Anagha C.

All photos are property of Anagha C, author of Ribbons and Bows.