Theobroma Patisserie, Bakery and Chocolaterie

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India has always been the land of diverse cultures and traditions. Over the years, many colonies and empires have settled here influencing the lives of the people in many different ways. Mumbai, in particular, has always been the city of commerce attracting people from far corners of the world.

Over many decades and centuries, Mumbai is home to Irani cafes and tiny bakeries that still offer a nostalgic experience. As a result, the concept of bakeries is not new to Mumbai. However, new developments are influencing the bakery industry in the city. In the past few years, new bakeries have opened up all over the city introducing a whole new world of baked products and patisseries. Theobroma Patisserie is among the few leading ones that have managed to expand their business in the city.

As per the Theobroma Patiserie website, they opened the business in 2004 and is founded by Kainaz Messman Harchandrai. The business is owned and managed by a Parsi family. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality food at affordable prices. The word ‘Theobroma’ means ‘Food of the Gods’ in Greek, and is also the botanical name of the cocoa plant.

Tucked in one of the corners of the Colaba Causeway, is this tiny place outlet that will surprise you. On the outside, it looks like just another Monginis-like store, but on the inside, it is nothing like it. My first experience at the Theobroma Patiserie wasn’t at this Colaba store but at their Bandra outlet. I had heard about their brownies and was tempted to try it. I have to admit that the brownies at Theobroma Patiserie are definitely recommendable.

However, we wanted to try more and hence we decided to try out more food items at Theobroma Patiserie. So in our following visits, we ate croissants and pasties that they serve. This small café-cum-bakery on the Colaba Causeway offered us with the food options that we need. Of course, we couldn’t click pictures of all the food items that we ate here but we made several visits before we wrote this post.

You see, both I and Sarah are foodies, but we have a problem of our own. We cannot gobble up food like other food bloggers and mukbangers. The solution to this is that we make multiple visits before we write about a particular place. This allows us to have multiple experiences before we post anything on the blog.

Also, I am a Bawa-ji, which means I need a certain dose of pastries and cakes every now and then. There is no dearth of pastry shops in Mumbai. I mean you can surely find some Monginis and Ribbons and Balloons shop close to your home or office. However, there is something that sets Theobroma Patiserie apart from the rest.

We believe it’s the value for money. The quality of the croissants, sandwiches, pasty, rolls and wraps is excellent and they come at an affordable price. Now, this is something that no other brand offers. Even some of the top brands like Starbucks offer good quality pastries but there is a huge price difference. This is what makes me visit Theobroma Patisserie again and again because I get value for money experience.

Also, you might defend by saying that Starbucks isn’t a bakery or a patisserie shop like Theobroma Patisserie and therefore comparing them is wrong. However, these brands do serve baked products like croissants and pastries that are similar. Hence, we are comparing it. For instance, the butter croissant at Starbucks is Rs. 225/- while at Theobroma Patisserie it is just Rs. 65/-.

We wouldn’t comment on the taste because it is a subjective matter. However, we still believe that the Theobroma croissant clearly beats other brands. This also applies to other products as well that Theobroma has to offer. Also, we would like to say that this is not a paid promotion. None of our posts is. We write about our experiences.

Secondly, we believe it is also the variety that Theobroma Patisserie has to offer. No other bakery and patisserie shop can offer you so many items under the same roof. It is extensive. We have visited the Colaba Causeway branch many times and we still have plenty to cover. For me, this is a good sign because we are never running out of options. Also, they are way ahead of Merwans (another Irani bakery franchise) when it comes to variety on the menu.

Unlike other cities in India, tiny cafes are a norm in Mumbai. Theobroma has managed to create its own identity over the past few years. Today, they have 18 outlets all over the city and they have expanded to Delhi-NCR as well. This is mainly because Theobroma Patisserie promises great flavour, quality and variety on the menu that no other offers.

If you have already been to Theobroma Patiserie do share your own experiences. Also, you can recommend some places that you believe offers a really good food experience and something that we can write on.