Kolkata and Mumbai might feel like two different worlds. And yet, Sarbani Mukherji, bar head, and Sayani Mukherji, senior bartender, of Conversation Room, Kolkata will seek to unite the twain at the one-day takeover at The Bombay Canteen this evening. The duo gives us a lowdown on the buzz about Kolkata, and its cocktails.
Sarbani Mukherji
Excerpts from the interview
How did the two of you come together at The Conversation Room?
Sarbani: I first met Sayani at a bar community day, and later brought her on board. She comes from a barista background, which brings a different perspective. We have different personalities, strengths, and ways of looking at drinks, but that’s what makes working together interesting.
Sayani Mukherji
The bar industry has traditionally been male-dominated. How have your experiences as women behind the bar shaped your approach?
Sarbani: When I started out, having another woman in the industry believe in me made a huge difference. I try to do the same. I’d love to see more women not just entering the industry, but being recognised for their skills and taking on leadership roles.
Sweet Lime Of Mine
The two cities have distinct drinking cultures and relationships with food. How has that coloured the takeover menu?
Sayani: For this takeover, we are bringing five drinks from our menu, each with a distinct flavour profile. We wanted to bring a bit of Kolkata’s flavour sensibility to Mumbai through familiar ingredients.
Pickle Ball; Low Hanging Fruit; One Bad Apple. Pics Courtesy/The Bombay Canteen; Conversation Room
ON Today; 7.30 pm onwards
AT The Bombay Canteen, Unit-1, Process House, SB Road, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel.
CALL 8880802424 (for reservations) COST R890 onwards (cocktail prices)
Rapid fire
What is one drink on the menu that you would recommend?
Sayani: It would have to be Low Hanging Fruit — inspired by the flavours of guava chaat; it’s what so many of us grew up eating in Kolkata. That combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavours brings back so many memories.
What is a Kolkata flavour you’d add to any cocktail?
Sarbani: Different varieties of lime. I love experimenting with their fresh, aromatic flavours, along with a hint of spice.
Sayani: It is the Gondhoraj lime. Its distinctive aroma brings a touch of Bengal to any drink.
A classic cocktail that deserves a revival
Sarbani: The Gimlet; simple, elegant, and all about balance.
Sayani: The Daiquiri; just rum, lime, and sugar.
One Mumbai drinking habit that intrigues you?
Sarbani: The culture of exploring new bars and treating each one as a different experience.
Sayani: This is actually my first time visiting Mumbai. I am looking forward to exploring the city’s bar culture, and learning more.
