A new Turkish confectionery and cafe, Hurrems, launches in Mumbai. By Karishma Sakhrani
I have a bit of a back-lava problem. Once I start, I can’t stop. And I don’t know where to find good, authentic baklava in the city. Actually, that’s one less a problem now. Enter Hurrems! Hurrems, a new Turkish-style baklava store and café has opened doors in the stately Taj building in Fort, Mumbai. What feels like the first promising indication of Hurrems’ finesse, is the fact that not only are the ingredients imported directly, (you really can’t replace those Gaziantep pistachios with anything else) but they’ve also brought down a baklava chef and a savoury chef from Turkey. They’re here to stay, and bake fresh goodies every day.
One bite of the flaky fistik baklava and I’m instantly transported back to my time in Turkey. The dozens of layers of hand-rolled filo pastry envelops ground pistachios of the greenest green and the sweetest flavour. A little syrup trickles down my chin, and I’m a happy girl. There’s no other way to eat baklava. Please leave the fork and knife for the uninitiated. The chefs at Hurrems are masters, and they advise you the correct way. The idea is so you first feel the sweetness of the pastry on your palette. The bottom layer is the sweetest part and the top layer is left crispy. That’s why you turn it upside down when eating. Although, after going through a few pieces, I’m not even sure how I’m eating anymore.
There are more than 20 types of baklava available for dine-in or take-away. I see this making for a great gifting idea too. If for some unimaginable reason someone who you gift it to doesn’t want it, please add a note to ask them to forward the goodies to me!
While the concept of going out to eat baklava and have a cup of tea is not common here, I’d really recommend doing that. Hurrems has left no stone unturned to ensure the entire experience is authentic. The space has been designed by Turkish architects, and they’ve made good use of the building’s high ceiling with large, scarlet-red curtains framing the windows! Linger on and sample some of the savouries too, which include soups, boreks and pides amongst more. I had a mushroom and dill soup, and a stone-baked cheese pide, which was exceptionally good! It’s like an open-faced cheese toastie with a crust that has the perfect balance of crispness and chew. What’s not to love?
On my way out, I pick up some nuts from the nut bar — where they retail the best quality nuts (most of which are directly sourced from Turkey) ‘cause I’m thinking I better hit the gym tomorrow! Protein, you know.
Address: Taj Building, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, opp. Badri Mahal, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra-400001
Contact: +91 22-47415001
Price Range: INR 1700-3900 per kg for take-away and INR 170-390 per 100 grams in store.
Related: The Fondest Memory of Istanbul: Baklava At Hafiz Mustafa
