Legendary Eateries in Mumbai

Ever heard your parents rave about all the restaurants they have been going to for years? Here is your chance to catch up with them. The following restaurants give you every reason to modify your bucket-list and are a must visit if you are a Mumbaikar!

1. Pancham Puriwala
The first position in this list has to go to Pancham Puriwala undoubtedly. Dubbed by many as the ‘Oldest restaurant in Mumbai’, it is said to have opened up during the 1840s. Back then when Mumbai did not have many options, this place served a majority of the working class and continues to do so even today. With hardly any hike in prices over the years, you get to eat a plate of their classic puri-bhaji at about 40 rupees. The simplicity, no-nonsense vibes and of course the delicious food is what draws people to this day.

2. Bademiya

In 1946, Bademiya started out as a small counter in Colaba but has managed to create a name for itself over the years. It is known for rolls and kebabs (The Chicken Bhuna Roll is a must try). The juicy meat on the skewers is wrapped in their signature Rumali Roti right in front of your eyes and served fresh. The flavourful kebabs are sure to satisfy your late night cravings. The comforting taste of the food is what brings the regular customers back.

3. Leopold Cafe
Leopold Cafe was established in 1871 in Colaba. It is one of the oldest cafes in South Bombay and has been visited for years by locals and tourists alike. It was brought under the spotlight after the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai, as this was one of the places targetted. Even now, the bullet holes have been kept intact on the walls. It is a multi-cuisine cafe and people’s favorites range from Mutton Kheema to Kung Pao Chicken. It is the perfect place to cool down and relax with friends after some street shopping at Colaba Causeway.

4. Ram Ashray

Matunga is the place to go if you want to find authentic South Indian fare in Mumbai. However, out of the several options, Ram Ashray stands out. It is over 80 years old and opens up every morning at 5 a.m. Their only motto is to serve food so don’t be surprised if you have to share a table. You are lucky if you manage to find a place to sit on holidays and weekends. But the long waiting line is absolutely worth the mouth-watering food. Some notable items to try on the menu are Rasam Vada and Mysore Rava Dosa.

5. B Bhagat Tarachand

Although Bhagat Tarachand is a chain restaurant now, the oldest outlet is in Kalbadevi. It has carved a niche for itself since then for serving scrumptious vegetarian fare. All the dishes are extremely well prepared. The melt-in-your-mouth rotis are soft, flaky and doused in ghee. They are well known for their Chaas (“Kutchi Beer”). Make the most of the unlimited Punjabi Thali here as every item tastes heavenly!

6. Kyani and Co.

Kyani and Co is the most iconic of all the old Iranian cafes across Mumbai. It has witnessed uncountable changes in the outside world for over a century now, yet the interiors and the management remain the exact same. The way this cafe operates along with the old decor add to the rustic charm of the place. There is no better way to start your day than by having a satisfying breakfast of Bun Maska and Chai. You also have to sample the Akuri and Kheema Pav. Kyani and Co is an institution when it comes to Iranian food. It is one of the meals you must have when you are in Bombay.

7. Badshah
Badshah is associated by Mumbaikars with ‘falooda’. It was founded in 1905 when the concept of falooda was new to Indians. It has gained a lot of popularity since then, supplemented by its prime location in the busy neighborhood of Crawford Market. Their key to success is the perfect proportion of ingredients in the falooda, which makes people come back for more. The Pav Bhaji and the fresh fruit juices are also worth a try. The falooda provides a soothing relief after spending a hot afternoon in Crawford Market.