A Welcoming Expansion
Following the successful debut of Kona Kona in May 2025, actress Mona Singh is broadening her hospitality footprint with the inauguration of a second establishment
in Marol, Andheri East. This new venture, spanning an impressive 2,000 square feet, is designed to accommodate approximately 100 patrons, carrying forward the foundational philosophy that defined its predecessor. The core idea behind Kona Kona remains consistent: to cultivate a bar environment centered on ease, familiarity, and an inviting ambiance that encourages patrons to return. Rather than aiming for a high-concept or trend-driven destination, Kona Kona has purposefully positioned itself as an authentic neighborhood bar. The choice of Andheri East as its new home is strategic, tapping into an area that harmoniously blends the demands of weekday professional life with the pleasures of evening social gatherings, making it an ideal locale for this concept to thrive and become a beloved local haunt.
Comfort in Design
The newly opened Marol outlet echoes the unpretentious and relaxed character established by its initial counterpart. Every element within the space is thoughtfully curated to foster an atmosphere of warmth and ease. The interior features a palette of warm hues, complemented by comfortable seating arrangements and a layout that eschews unnecessary complexity. This deliberate design choice aims to encourage guests to settle in and linger, fostering a sense of belonging rather than a rushed dining experience. The ambiance is versatile, lending itself perfectly to casual weekday lunches while seamlessly transitioning into a more vibrant, convivial bar scene as the evening progresses. The emphasis is clearly placed on creating a sense of coziness and home-like comfort, prioritizing substance and feeling over ostentatious visual displays. Mona Singh herself articulated this vision, stating that the goal was never to create an exclusive destination but rather a dependable spot for regular visits. Andheri East was chosen to embody this ethos, ensuring the same cherished food, drinks, and overall feeling are accessible in a new, everyday setting.
Nostalgic Food Flavors
Kona Kona's culinary offerings are deeply rooted in the concept of comfort food, with a menu that has been thoughtfully expanded to cater to both quick weekday meals and the enduring appeal of familiar tastes. Among the new additions are dishes like Lasooni Palak Khichdi, a comforting lentil and spinach preparation, alongside Makhani Paneer and Lasooni Palak Paneer, offering creamy and flavorful vegetarian options. These are presented alongside a selection of well-loved regional curries from Sindhi and Punjabi traditions, ensuring a diverse range of palate-pleasing choices. For those seeking straightforward yet satisfying midday meals, options such as Khow Suey and Veg Pulao are presented as wholesome and convenient bowls. Beloved classics like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken remain prominent fixtures on the menu. The establishment also delves into regional flavors with specialties like Lasooni Palak Chicken or Mutton, Hyderabadi Green Masala, Goan Fish Curry, and Shorshe Malai, all served with rice. The dessert selection is a deliberate journey into nostalgia, featuring comforting treats like Angoori Sandesh Kulfi, designed to evoke fond memories and provide a sweet, familiar conclusion to any meal.
Engaging Drink Selections
The beverage menu at Kona Kona is designed to be as approachable and enjoyable as its food, focusing on accessible yet distinctive flavor profiles that are easy to revisit. The cocktails are crafted with an emphasis on simple yet memorable tastes, ensuring broad appeal. Notable creations include the Bombay Sour, a sophisticated blend of whisky, orange juice, vegan foam, and a red wine float, offering a layered drinking experience. Another enticing option is the Rum Maro Rum, which skillfully combines white rum with coconut syrup and white wine, crowned with a dark rum topper for an added depth of flavor. For patrons who appreciate a touch of spice, the Kill Bill cocktail offers a zesty mix of tequila, jalapeno brine, pineapple, and coriander, providing a refreshing kick. These drinks are conceptualized not as experimental, once-off creations but as reliable favorites that guests will find themselves ordering repeatedly, reinforcing the bar's commitment to consistent satisfaction and an unpretentious enjoyment of quality beverages.
Original Concept's Charm
When Kona Kona first opened its doors in Andheri West during May of 2025, it quickly carved out a distinct identity as an all-day neighborhood establishment that deliberately eschewed fleeting trends and ostentatious displays in favor of nostalgia and a sense of comfort. The original space was meticulously designed to feel instantly familiar and lived-in, featuring a blend of cozy nooks and invitingly relaxed lighting, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. Its culinary philosophy was firmly anchored in flavors and formats that evoked cherished memories of childhood meals and the simple delights of street food discoveries, with popular items like crispy TP Nimki and Darjeeling-style jhol momos becoming signature dishes. Further enhancing its accessible and amiable atmosphere, the outdoor area was even designated as pet-friendly, reinforcing the first location's inclusive and laid-back ethos, welcoming everyone to come as they are. This foundation of authenticity and warmth set the stage for the brand's subsequent expansion.
