Hoppipola – Eat, Drink, Play! — Reviewed!


Hoppipolla means hopping into puddles/splash which is in name-sync with the hip bar and restaurant in Aundh – Hoppipola. That's the place to unwind, relax, party, along with board games, Jenga, music, food and drinks. The artistic vibrant wooden door welcomes you to the world of "Eat.Drink.Play". Around 6 years old brand started its first outlet in Pune and then spread its wings in different cities. Model aeroplane swinging from the roof, quirky book shelf, radiant walls with beautiful wooden cuckoo clocks, live band space, outdoor and indoor seating are some of the features of the Hoppipola.

Apart from the regular menu, the restaurant has also come up with new menu for small hunger or filling meal. Some of the dishes like Smart Bhel, Timepass Platter, Mac and Cheese Burger, Truffle Trio Pizza, Bento Box Meal made it to the new one. Tried couple of mocktails. Watermelon based was refreshingly good and the other was green apple with curry leaves, which I liked but it missed the 'wow' factor.

Following are the dishes we tried...
  • Smart Bhel Salad (3/5)
  • Timepass Platter (4/5)
  • Maggi Missiles (3.5/5)
  • Jalapeno Cheese Bombs (4/5)
  • Cheese and Olive Garlic Naangles (4/5)
  • Crispy Batata Buns (3/5)
  • Mac and Cheese Burger (3.5/5)
  • Naga Chilli Potatoes (3.5/5)
  • Paneer Chettinad and Rice Box Meal (4/5)
  • Choco Blocks (4.5/5)
The Smart Bhel Salad had the refreshing watermelon chunks, arugula, pomegranate seeds, iceberg lettuce, puffed rice, crushed nachos and house dressing of mustard sauce and wasabi. It might be healthy and an unusual chaat but the pungent smell of the dressing kept me away from this. However, the wasabi lovers or mustard sauce lovers can surely hit this salad!

I loved the addictive Timepass platter which was a good combination with the drinks. Chatpata Chana, Moongfali chat, tangy Bhelpuri and my favourite Peri Peri Cheeselings served with Mayo, Ketchup and Coriander chutney. It pairs with the drinks or can be munched until you wait for your food. So so delicious.

Maggi Missiles were unique fritters made with maggi. I wish it had more of maggi masala and a bit more of cheese. Overall, I loved the dish. Jalapeno Cheese bombs were scrumptious and I was smitten by the taste of it. The crusty outside layer and gooey cheese inside elated the taste buds.

Next was the Cheese and Olive Garlic Naangles. Again a distinct dish for starters. The seasoned and nicely cooked warm naan triangles were topped with olive, garlic and cheese. I loved it. It was a cross between Naan and Garlic bread. The flavours were bang on.

Crispy Batata Buns were presented quite fancy on the skewers. Visually it was quite appealing. The bun bread was bit too thick for this dish in comparison to the delicious potato filling. We were informed that the kitchen team is working on that bread-stuffing ratio; hope it works out soon.

Mac and Cheese Burger was quite filling. The patty was heavy with cheese and pasta however the overall burger was tad dry to me. Wish it had more of mayo or ketchup or veggies to cover up. Undoubtedly, the patty was nicely fried and had good texture.

Next was the Naga Chilli Potatoes. I was told it had slight 'Bhoot Jholakiya' and certainly it was very very very mild for the spicy-food lovers like me. The tongue tingling sensation was there but did not feel much of hotness. Those who are not chilli tolerant can stay away as for them it still might be spicy. Personal choices for different spice food lovers. Crispy fried potatoes were sauteed in chinese sauce and topped with lots of honey to balance the spice!

A very nice concept of Bento Box meals, I must say. Served in dabba, we tried Paneer chettinad with rice. It was perfectly balanced and flavourful. Not too spicy but still bursting with myrid flavours and textures. The aroma and taste of ground masala was easily recognizable.

Last but not the least, the highly recommended Chocolate Block. Oh my! What a decadent dessert it was! Molten, gooey, chocolatey lava oozes out from cake and what a deliciousness! A must try.

Overall, it was a nice experience. Mocktails need a bit improvement and couple of dishes too. Otherwise, loved the ambience, service and vibes. Enjoy some more photos...



Hoppipola Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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