Sequel, Kala Ghoda — Restaurant in Mumbai

Massive attitude problem with management.

I’ve been to this outlet a dozen times, but I do come only occasionally when I happen to be in town. It’s tucked away in the backstreets of Kala Ghoda, the interiors are rustic but cozy, the food albeit not cheap is usually worth its price, and so far I’ve had a pleasant experience here until last Sunday.

My husband and I had gone to Kitab Khana for some book shopping and felt dropping by nearby Sequel was the easiest way to grab a healthy dinner.

Little did we know the main waiter/manager that night had decided to aspire for a second career as fashion police. Well, I’m not 100% sure this was the reason for his bizarre behaviour towards us, but as it started basically the moment we stepped foot in the place it’s the only explanation I can come up with. Mind, it was a lazy Sunday for us, and we won’t dress up to visit a café. To cut to the chase we were casually dressed in T-shirts and sneakers.

When we stepped in the place was empty except for a group at one large table, a couple at a four seater and a single guy on another four seater. There was plenty of free space, at least two more four seaters, another large table and a tiny two seater. Guess which table he tried to make us sit at despite me asking if we could have one of the four seaters? After me looking confused at the other inefficiently occupied tables, he decided to yield and let us sit at the table of our choice after all, which was more convenient for us as we were carrying shopping and meaning to eat a full dinner, starters and all.

One might also mention that this place never gets full for dinner time. Most people come here only for lunch or afternoon coffee. Every single time I’ve had dinner here it was empty (spoilers: this night too no more people came after us). We were not trying to occupy more valuable space.

Then it got weirder when he asked twice if we wouldn’t rather want tap water. And when we said twice no we want bottled water he brought us one tiny bottle for the both of us, not even bothering to ask if we might need two. I guess you may slowly guess what vibe we were getting. Then we ordered starters and I ordered a burger. My husband took a moment to decide if he wanted the trout - which the waiter said would take 30min to prepare - and when my husband made up his mind to take it after all, the guy asked if in that case we wanted to cancel the starters. What? Why?

It was more and more evident that he thought the place was out of our price range, which is kind of funny cause my husband’s backpack alone is tripple the price of what our bill ended up being.

Besides all of this odd behaviour, every interaction with him felt absolutely cold and as if it was a bother to him that we were even being there, which stood in stark contrast to his behaviour with the other patrons with whom he was all cordial and smiles.

He just decided before we could even say a word that he didn’t like our faces and treated us as if we were not good enough for his service.

Super odd. Super unprofessional. Super ridiculous.

We tried to make light of it and jested my husband must look like the guy who snatched his ex girlfriend from him or something like that. It’s a joke in poor taste, I know. But it’s quite shocking to be paying prime bucks to be treated in such an unwelcoming unprofessional manner for literally no reason whatsoever.

Suffice to say we won’t bother the poor man with our presence again.

Luckily there is another Sequel in Bandra - where we stay - with super relaxed, friendly and attentive staff. If you have a choice between the two, go for the Bandra outlet. The interior might not be as hipstery, but at least the staff is educated enough to know that even people who can afford to eat there like to dress...

A Sequel To Remember

I always admired the by-lanes of Bandra for its quaint and old-world charm but Kalaghoda doesn’t fall far behind when it comes to this vibe. The lanes behind the iconic (now shut down) Rhythm House are home to a wide range of cafés and Sequel is one of the newer entrants into this circle. A colleague of mine and I had decided to opt for a healthy brunch and after scouring through a number of places, we zeroed in on Sequel Bistro & Juice Bar.

The lane leading up to this joint and the exterior décor reminded me of what it would be like in a nice French Bistro. Summertime is probably the best time to visit this Bistro either for a casual brunch or a power-packed breakfast. The interior of this place is spacious and airy - a perfect contrast to the blazing summer heat. The staff is courteous and the entire ambience will leave you feeling relaxed and energized.

After perusing through their extensive organic menu, here’s what I finally tried:

The Peruvian Cacao Smoothie

I was craving something chocolate-y and so the person serving my table suggested that I try this because Cacao belongs to the Cocoa family. On the first look, it looks absolutely stunning with its milky chocolate colour topped with a mix of Chia & Sunflower seeds. I must warn you though, it is far from sweet and tastes like a sugar-free Chikoo shake would taste like. If you are as big a fan of Chikoo as I am then I would recommend this. However, if you’re looking for something on the sweeter side then this definitely is not your glass of smoothie. In terms of the heaviness, I thought it would be really heavy just as milkshakes are but this left me feeling full yet refreshed.

Peruvian Acai Berry Jar

My colleague, a berry lover through and through, went ahead and ordered this beautiful drink. It’s a perfect blend of berries topped with crunchy granola, and delicious chocolate chunks (I wanted to call for a glass full of just those chocolate chunks). For those who love berries, this is a great drink to have to beat the summer heat. I, for one, loved the combination of the berries and the granola which worked beautifully together.

Black Rice Noodle Bowl

I wanted something which would be filling so I tried this dish off their mains menu. What I loved was the portion size – almost all their plates serve one person so even if you’re looking to go by yourself for a relaxed brunch, this place is a must try. My bowl was filled with a mix of several veggies, red chillies, sesame seeds, black rice noodles soaking in a base of thin coconut milk. It tasted like a diluted Khaw Suey and didn’t feel as heavy. The texture is similar to a warm soupy noodle preparation. While the dish was light and filling, I would’ve expected it to be more flavourful.

Con Artist

My colleague ordered the Con Artist cold salad which was a mix of fresh veggies, goat cheeses and peanuts. Another fresh, organic preparation which is easy on the stomach and replenishes lost energy. Light and flavourful, this salad makes for a sumptuous brunch option.

Overall, I would rate Sequel somewhere between 3 & 4 (unfortunately the option isn’t available) for its breezy atmosphere, organic food and relaxed vibe. While the food and drinks looked super, I would’ve liked it better if it were more flavourful. Given that the prices are not easy on the pockets, I would like to see a better developed menu which also takes into consideration the taste aspect. This place is definitely worth trying if you’re looking to cut back on calories and gorge on...

Sequel, located in Fort, Mumbai, offers a chic and upscale dining experience. Known for its focus on organic and wholesome ingredients, the menu reflects a global fusion of flavors while maintaining a strong commitment to health-conscious dining.

The ambiance at Sequel is stunning—spacious and well-lit with a harmonious blend of natural sunlight and gentle indoor lighting. The decor is thoughtfully curated with abundant indoor plants, creating a soothing, natural environment that feels both authentic and fancy. It’s the kind of place that effortlessly combines elegance with comfort, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch or a special night out.

Food-wise, you started with Sev Puri, an interesting twist on the traditional street snack. It was balanced with fresh ingredients, offering a delightful blend of crunch and tanginess. The Guacamole and Crackers were refreshing, with a creamy, rich texture complemented by perfectly crisp crackers—ideal for a light and flavorful appetizer.

The Fish Burger was another highlight, served with well-seasoned wedges and a tangy tartar dip. The fish was tender and cooked to perfection, with the accompaniments adding depth to the dish. The wedges were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the tartar dip had just the right balance of tanginess.

Sequel’s menu is full of unique and experimental dishes, catering to a clientele that enjoys a refined, health-forward dining experience. From vegan protein bowls to bulletproof espresso, the offerings are inventive and thoughtfully crafted, making it a favorite spot for those who appreciate both taste and wellness

This restaurant is a wonderful blend of style, substance, and sustainability, ensuring a memorable dining experience for both the health-conscious and the...