Imagine finishing your grocery shopping with a cup of artisanal coffee or fresh juice, a bite of something light, or even a catch-up meal with friends. Then, reality sets in—you dismiss the idea because your grocery bags are filled with fresh fruits, cheese, vegetables, and meats, all of which need to be stored at a specific temperature.
At Foodstories, this is no longer a concern. Lore within Foodstories, featuring both a set menu and an à la carte selection, makes this experience possible. Located in Banjara Hills, this newly opened speciality gourmet store is equipped with a fully functional juicery, a café, and a speciality coffee and boba tea counter—perhaps one of the reasons grocery shopping here feels more enjoyable.
The cafe is easily approachable, it is near the entrance. Naturally lit, with functional and comfortable seating.
The four-course set menu, which includes an option for fresh juice, is designed to be quick, convenient, and perfectly portioned for one person. Dishes are served in quick succession, allowing diners to settle in and choose between the set menu and the à la carte offerings.
One beverage drawing considerable attention is their citrus blast—a vibrant mix of Valencia orange, grapefruit, and sweet lime. A touch of pink salt balances the flavours beautifully, delivering a refreshing sip every time.
The set menu begins with edamame avocado toast and smashed potato salad, followed by a portion of lore fried chicken, a burrito bowl, and a vegan pasta dish. The avocado toast is a standout, easily competing with the best in town. Built on a base of sourdough, it starts with a layer of lemon-avocado mousse, followed by smashed edamame beans, crumbled feta, pea shoots, and crispy garlic chips.
The lore fried chicken delivers fresh and complex flavours, though the precise spice blend is difficult to pinpoint. However, the smashed potato salad is in need of improvement—dry and overly firm, it was difficult to enjoy beyond the first bite. As an ardent potato lover, I expected better.
Fortunately, the shroom miso linguini makes up for it. This linguine is tossed in a rich, dark miso sauce with earthy mushrooms and scallions. The addition of coconut cream enhances both the texture and flavour, making it a must-try for anyone open to vegan pasta.
The speciality coffee counter, however, needs to refine its roasting process. I ordered a medium roast pour-over, but what arrived was cloudy and over-roasted—perhaps due to the overwhelming queue for cold coffees keeping the baristas occupied.
Foodstories is in Banjara Hills, next to Park Hyatt. A meal for two costs ₹1,200.
Published - February 05, 2025 10:52 am IST
