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Candies, an iconic establishment in the heart of Bandra, Mumbai, is more than just a cafe; it’s a cultural landmark. Known for its affordable prices, diverse menu, and vibrant atmosphere, Candies has become a beloved haunt for locals and tourists alike. This guide explores the rich history, dedicated ownership, signature specialties, and extensive food offerings that make Candies a must-visit destination.
Exploring Candies: Questions and Answers:

1. What is Candies and where can I find it?

Candies is a immensely popular and bustling multi-cuisine café located in Bandra, a lively and thriving suburb of Mumbai, India. It’s a cherished social hub, widely known and loved for its inviting ambiance, delectable food, and exceptionally reasonable prices. Situated across multiple locations throughout Bandra, Candies has seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the neighborhood:

• Candies Pali Hill: The original and arguably most famous location, nestled in the charming area of Pali Hill, this is where the Candies story truly took root and flourished.
• Candies Bandra Reclamation: Situated conveniently near the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, this location offers a more contemporary setting and a spacious layout, perfect for both quick bites and leisurely gatherings.
• Candies Linking Road: Positioned along the bustling and popular shopping street of Linking Road, this branch provides a convenient respite for shoppers and locals seeking a delicious and affordable meal or snack.

2. Can you tell me about the history of Candies? How did it all begin?

The story of Candies is a remarkable tale of family dedication to the community around it. What started as a simple neighborhood snack shop eventually grew into an icon of Bandra.

• Humble Beginnings (1980s): Like all great success stories, Candies started small. In the 1980s, it began as a modest snack shop in Pali Hill, catering primarily to the needs of the local residents. The initial offering consisted of basic bakery items like bread, biscuits, and simple cakes.
• Organic Growth: The business grew organically, fueled by positive word-of-mouth among locals and positive feedback about the consistent taste and value of the products. Gradually, the menu expanded to include savory items like sandwiches, rolls, and simple Indian snacks.
• A Community Space Evolved: Recognising the need for a place where people could socialize without straining their wallets, the owners expanded the Pali Hill outlet to create a more open and welcoming atmosphere. The inclusion of comfortable seating, casual, quirky décor, and a self-service format only increased the appeal, making it a place for everyone.
• Branching Out: The immense popularity of the Pali Hill location led to the opening of other branches across Bandra, each retaining the core values that contributed to their success. The other branches offered their own unique flavors and style but kept the same dedication to quality, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere.

3. Who is behind Candies? Who owns and manages it?

Candies remains a family-owned and operated business. The dedicated efforts of the family are a key element in its continued success. Though the family prefers to stay out of the spotlight, their hands-on approach shines through in every aspect of the Candies experience. And their passion for food is well known among their customers.

4. What makes Candies so special? What is it known for?

Candies stands out from the crowd due to its unique combination of qualities:

• Affordable Indulgence: Candies has an exceptionally good menu that is well-priced to ensure it can cater to a broad demographic. The affordability attracts students, young professionals and families.
• Eclectic Menu: Serving a diverse range of cuisines, from Indian and Goan to Continental and Chinese, Candies ensures there is something for everyone.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Candies provides a comfortable and welcoming space for everyone to gather, socialise and enjoy the moment.
• Self-Service: The Self-Serve format gives customers the freedom to explore the options and take their time to decide on their favorite dishes.
• Community Hub: Candies has become more than just a place to eat; it’s a community meeting point, a place for friends, colleagues and like-minded people to come together and socialise.
• Iconic Status: All the above contributes to the already impressive reputation, solidifying Candies place as a famous and must-visit destination.

5. Could you describe the variety of food and beverages available at Candies?

Candies boasts a mind-boggling array of food and beverages, catering to all tastes and preferences. Let’s explore the menu categories:

• Bakery Delights:
  • Cakes: From classic favourites like chocolate cake and black forest to unique creations like blueberry cheesecake and honey almond cake, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
  • Pastries: Indulge in a wide variety of pastries, including croissants, danishes, muffins, and puffs.
  • Breads: Freshly baked breads, including whole wheat, multigrain, baguette, and pav (Indian bread roll).
  • Cookies: Enjoy an assortment of cookies, from chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to peanut butter and cashew.
• Sandwiches & Rolls:
  • Chicken Sandwiches: A must-try favourite, often featuring grilled, roasted, or shredded chicken with various flavorful fillings.
  • Vegetarian Sandwiches: Equally popular options featuring paneer (Indian cheese), vegetables, and flavorful sauces.
  • Egg Rolls: Delicious, savoury rolls filled with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
  • Chicken Rolls: Similar to the above except it’s filled with chicken.
• Indian Snacks:
  • Samosas: Enjoy these deep-fried triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
  • Patties: Vegetable or chicken patties, often served with flavourful chutney.
  • Frankies: A popular Indian street food – a delicious wrap filled with spiced vegetables, meat, or paneer.
  • Vada Pav: A quintessential Mumbai snack: a potato fritter served in a bread roll with flavorful chutneys.
• Goan Flavors:
  • Pork Vindaloo: Experience a spicy and tangy Goan curry made with pork, vinegar, and spices.
  • Chicken Cafreal: Savor the flavors of this Goan curry made with green chilies, coriander, and enticing spices.
  • Sorpotel: Indulge in this rich and flavorful Goan curry made with various meats.
  • Beef Cutlets: Enjoy perfectly spiced beef patties, often served with creamy mashed potatoes or rice.
• Continental Cuisine:
  • Pasta: Treat your taste buds to a variety of pasta dishes, including spaghetti, penne, and lasagna.
  • Salads: Discover fresh and crisp salads with various dressings.
  • Quiches: Delight in savory egg custard tarts with various fillings.
  • Chicken Stroganoff: Savour the creamy texture and rich flavor of this classic chicken dish with mushrooms.
• Chinese Temptations:
  • Noodles: Experience a delightful selection of noodles, including Hakka noodles and Schezwan noodles.
  • Fried Rice: A diverse array of fried rice dishes, including chicken fried rice, vegetable fried rice, and egg fried rice.
  • Manchurian: Taste the delightful and tangy indo-Chinese dish with it’s flavourful deep-fried vegetable or meat balls in a sweet and tangy sauce.
• Beverages:
  • Juices: Refresh yourself with fresh fruit juices.
  • Milkshakes: Indulge in a variety of milkshakes, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
  • Iced Tea: Quench your thirst with lemon and peach iced tea.
  • Coffee: Enjoy a cup of filter coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or latte.
  • Soft Drinks: Choose from a selection of popular soft drinks.

6. Are there any items on the menu you would consider “must-try”?

Selecting only a few “must-try” items from such an extensive menu is difficult, but here are some perennial favorites:

• Chicken Lollipop: A signature dish that’s both fun to eat and incredibly flavorful.
• Chicken Cafreal: An authentic Goan experience – the green chili and coriander marinade is addictive.
• Pork Vindaloo: A bold and flavorful curry with a distinctive tangy kick.
• Chicken Roll: A simple yet satisfying snack that’s perfect for a quick bite.
• Chocolate Cake: A classic done right – moist, rich, and utterly satisfying.
• Lemon Tart: Tangy, refreshing, and the perfect palate cleanser.
• Chicken Quiche: A savory and filling option that’s great for lunch or a light dinner.
• Filter Coffee: A strong and aromatic cup of coffee that’s the perfect pick-me-up.

7. How would you describe the overall atmosphere of Candies?

The ambiance contributes significantly to the attraction of Candies.

• Bohemian: Eclectic, colourful, and artistic, creating a unique and inviting space.
• Casual and Relaxed: With Self-Serve and open seating Candies creates a welcoming and comfortable environment.
• Lively and Buzzing Candies is often filled with energy and creates and environment of chat and laughter.
• Welcoming and Inclusive: Candies reaches out to people from all walks of life.
• Instagrammable: Creative designs and vibrant colours makes it a top spot for social media sharing.

8. What’s the typical price range for items at Candies?

Candies is known for its affordability, with prices that cater to a wide range of budgets.

• Bakery Items: INR 30 to INR 100 per piece.
• Sandwiches & Rolls: INR 60 to INR 150.
• Indian Snacks: INR 40 to INR 80.
• Goan Specialties: INR 100 to INR 200.
• Continental Dishes: INR 120 to INR 250.
• Chinese Dishes: INR 100 to INR 200.
• Beverages: INR 40 to INR 100.

9. Why is Candies such a treasured part of Bandra’s culture?

Here are some key reasons for Candies’ cultural significance:

• Longstanding Presence: Candies has been a Bandra fixture for decades; it provides a sense of community.
• Community Gathering Place: Candies provides an approachable place for people across the board to gather.
• Quality at a Great Price: Candies achieves providing quality meals while being considerate of the budget.
• Nostalgia: Candies creates fond memories and nostalgia that Bandra residents have held onto.
• Melting Pot: Candies has an atmosphere where people can relax and truly be themselves and it has become iconic for this.

10. Does Candies cater to vegetarian or vegan diners?

Of course, Candies provides many options for both vegetarian and vegan diners!

For vegetarians it’s worth noting:

• Vegetable Samosas
• Paneer Sandwiches
• Vegetable Rolls
• Vegetable Patties
• Vegetable Frankie
• Pastas with vegetables only
• Salads
• Snacks such as Upma and Poha

For vegans you can ask the staff about:

• Pastas without cheese or cream
• Salads which can be modified to vegan
• Snacks such as Upma and Poha – ask the staff on ingredients

Conclusion:

Candies’ tale is about establishing community, providing exceptional quality and reaching customers in an affordable way. Candies is a fantastic experience in Bandra for not only food but the entire Bandra culture. Whether you’re a tourist or local Candies provides a place for friendships to spark, stories to be told, and creates all-round incredible memories for it’s patron. So experience the unique Candies cafe in Bandra today!