Mumbai Restaurants – Personal Recommendations
I was in India this time last year, on the trip of a lifetime with my family. Been reminiscing a little and wishing I was there right now. Additionally, several people I follow on social media are in India right now, so of course I’m a little jealous and having serious withdrawals.
One of the best things about India is the food diversity. Each region has its own distinct flavors and food traditions. Fortunately, if you are in Mumbai (my city of birth, therefore the best city in India of course), you don’t need to go very far for a variety of dining experiences. Known as the foodie capital of India, Mumbai is THE place to be for gastronomic indulgence. Here is a quick and dirty list (in no particular order) of iconic restaurant recommendations in South Mumbai, with a bit of history sprinkled in.
Bade Miya – Late night spot for juicy kebabs, rolls, and tandoori food. While I didn’t try their curries, the kebabs and tikkas were top notch. They’re all so good, I can’t recommend one over the other. Its almost always crowded (even at 12:30 am), so its not the best choice for a leisurely sit down meal, more of a on-the-go option! If you really do need to sit down, they do have a limited no frills seating area. The restaurant was originally a makeshift seekh kebab counter, started by a 13 year old Mohammad Yaseen in 1946, who had just moved to Mumbai (then Bombay). The rest as they say is history. Yaseen’s original spice blends and techniques have been passed down to the next generation, and they’ve done a fantastic job of carrying on the legacy.
Britannia & Co. (Lunch Only) – Iranian/Parsi food! If you’re not familiar with the Parsi community, they comprise a small percentage of the population, the food is a mixture of Persian and Indian flavors (aka nothing short of scrumptious). Britannia & Co. is a classic restaurant landmark, started by the Kohinoor family in the 1920’s. Once inside, it feels like you’ve stepped into a bygone era, a charming, memorable dining experience for sure. Their signature dish, the legendary Berry Pulav, is made with berries imported from Iran. Other items to try – Patra ni macchi (fish steamed in a banana leaf) and the Sali Boti, a classic Parsi meat dish. Its a cross between a curry and a stew, and is usually eaten with Roti. They are also famous for the caramel custard, its kind of like flan, but a little lighter.
Swati Snacks – If you’re in the mood for vegetarian fare and street food, Swati Snacks is the place to go. They offer up traditional Gujarati fare like Dal Dhokli and Handvo in a casual setting. My personal favorites here are the chaat/street food options – bhel puri, sev puri, and pav bhaji. The kitchen is highly visible from the dining area, they do an amazing job of maintaining an exceptional standard of cleanliness. They have two branches in South Mumbai, Tardeo (original) and Nariman Point (newer location). I love that I can enjoy street food here without worrying about getting sick afterwards.
Gaylord – Imagine delicious food meets delightful desserts meets a bakery, all together under one roof, and you end up with Gaylord. Gaylord is another iconic Mumbai institution, not just a restaurant. They serve a variety of Indian, European, and continental fare, so there’s something here for everyone! They have a comfortable outdoor seating area with old fashioned furniture and ceiling fans. I’ve enjoyed breakfast in the outdoor area, although it can get a little hot if its later in the morning. Inside, the decor has a vintage European influence. The dining experience has a European touch, reminiscent of the British era in India. Then there’s the Bakeshop. From luscious cakes to savory meat pies and everything in between, they offer an amazing array of options to choose from.
Leopold Cafe – Around since 1871, and infamous for being one of the sites attacked during the 2008 terrorist attacks. You’ll find a lot of people enjoying a drink and something to eat after a long shopping trip. Leopold is right on Colaba Causeway, a prime shopping area in South Mumbai. They serve a variety of cuisines including Indo-Chinese, pasta, kebabs, etc., although vegetarian options are limited. Space is a constraint, the atmosphere is loud, but thats part of the appeal. Its a great place to people watch, and definitely a must do in Mumbai.
Revival Thali – If you’re looking for an authentic vegetarian Indian dining experience, Revival Thali is the place. The upscale decor, stunning views of Chowpatty Beach (esp at sunset), coupled with waiters dressed in traditional Indian wear makes for a wonderfully relaxing dining experience. The food is primarily the Thali – translated “plate”. Each person gets their own large Thali, with several little bowls inside for all the wonderful curries. You definitely need to go here hungry, the thalis are huge, with a wide variety of dishes that keep being refilled on your plate as the meal progresses.
And there you have it, a quick roundup of iconic restaurants in the melting pot that is Mumbai. In the age of trends and modernization in the country’s ever changing food landscape, these institutions have managed to retain their distinct identities and we love them for it.
