If you are looking for a dose of local history with your delicious meal in Mumbai, these seven restaurants are where you should be headed. Each of these iconic eateries have a unique position and legacy in the city’s rich culture, and ought to be experienced by visitors to Mumbai.
Cafe Madras | Rashmee Pai Art & Design /WikiCommons
Café Madras has acquired an unparalleled status among the city’s many historic South Indian eateries. Over 75 years old, this Matunga establishment is an experience everyone ought to have, not just because of its unbeatably fluffy idlis and melt-in-your-mouth vadas, but also for its delightful old-world charm. Purely vegetarian and never out of South Indian-style filter coffee, this culinary legend is most ideal for breakfast or a snack.
Founded in 1904, Kayani & Co. is considered Mumbai’s oldest still remaining Irani café. It’s spot in South Mumbai’s history and cultural legacy is so important that it is an essential stop in the city’s municipal cooperation heritage walk. With rustic décor that is said to have changed little from its day of opening, this bakery serves delectable baked goodies, Irani chai and other treats.
Another of Mumbai’s beloved and historic Parsi eateries, Britannia is just a handful of years away from its centennial. Founded in 1923, this super popular restaurant has fed its delicious berry pulav and caramel custard to multiple generations of Mumbaikars. An unmatched culinary legend in the city, Britannia is as rich on vintage décor and charm as it is on taste.
Dating back to 1895, this legendary establishment is as much a heritage site as it is a popular haunt for Mumbaikars. Serving pure vegetarian food from the regional cuisines of Punjab, Sindh and Gujarat, and with a side of impeccably warm hospitality, Bhagat Tarachand is a Mumbai institution that everyone ought to visit at least once.
Founded in 1871, Leopold is a Mumbai institution that features on almost every tour itinerary of the city. One of the few surviving Irani establishments from the late 19th century, this historic café and bar is as popular for its rich legacy and vintage charm as it is for its delicious pastas and chilled beers.
Founded in 1946 as a humble street stall, this restaurant chain is yet another legend in Mumbai’s culinary world that simply cannot be missed. From juicy kebabs to well-spiced meaty delicacies, Bademiya has been a leader among Mughlai kitchens in Mumbai for more than half a century.
With its roots in the 1848 makeshift street-side poori-bhaji stall set up by Pancham Sharma, who is said to have come to Mumbai on foot from Uttar Pradesh, Pancham Puriwala is a city landmark. Located right by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, this now two-storied eatery is a must visit for delicious thali meals and vegetarian delights.
