Mumbai’s culinary scene is popular for the variety of options it offers to meat-lovers – whether it’s international fare, local delicacies or Mughlai meals. From food stalls to sit-down restaurants, discover the best non-vegetarian dining options in the city.
Noor Mohammadi
Market, Food Stall, Indian, Fast Food, Street Food, Kebab, Halal, $$$
An age-old joint located on South Mumbai’s iconic Mohammad Ali Road, Noor Mohammadi is famous for its kebab platter and more recently, the iconic Chicken Sanju Baba. The dish was made popular by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, a regular at the establishment, who preferred a spicier version of the dish, which Noor Mohammadi is now known for. If you’re looking for more variety, order the Paya, Bheja Fry or Chicken Hakimi (another unique dish created by the restaurant).
Located in the city’s important heritage district of Ballard Estate, Britannia & Co. is an important part of the Mumbai’s Parsi culture and is one of its most popular Irani cafes. Britannia’s decor instantly strikes a chord with its name with visitors greeted by life-size cut-outs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and also, the Queen of England. While it does serve several popular vegetarian dishes, Britannia is most popular for its seafood and meat-based dishes, especially the mutton/prawn berry pulav, which is one of Mumbai’s must-try delicacies. Though limited, Britannia’s seafood fare boasts the iconic Fried Bombil, made with famous ‘Bombay Duck’ – a lizardfish variety that is native to the city.
Imbiss has been a number one haunt among carnivores in the city for quite a while. A menu rich with choices and also pocket-friendly, the restaurant’s outlets in Bandra, Santa Cruz and Colaba are rarely empty. Try the hearty burgers, juicy ribs, traditional sausages, schnitzels or steaks – you are guaranteed to leave this place feeling satisfied. The Meating Joint Burger – a massive beef burger with bacon strips and bits, a fried egg and extra cheese – comes highly recommended.
This Japanese restaurant on Linking Road is one of the best places to get your sushi fix and routinely features at the top of recommendation lists for Japanese cuisine in the city. Must-try dishes include the grilled shrimp and sea bass, ebi tempura and the famous salmon sushi and sashimi platter. Apart from seafood, Kofuku also offers teriyaki chicken and kakuni pork. While slightly on the expensive side, the restaurant’s stylish decor and friendly service, along with its delicious dishes, make it worth the experience.
Mumbai’s food scene is a melting pot of cuisines from all over the world and a unique one embedded into the city’s culture is Bohri cuisine. However, the best place to experience Bohri food isn’t exactly a restaurant. The Borhi Kitchen (TBK) is a project started by foodpreneur Munaf Kapadia, who brings together the best of Bohri cuisine and the experience of eating a private meal in a home. A seat can be booked for Rs. 1,500 (GBP 17), inclusive of a seven-course meal, and customers are served rich Borhi fare, which is famous for its ‘Bombay-ised’ Muslim meat specialities. The most popular dishes include the chicken Russian cutlet, smoked mutton kheema samosas and the legendary 48-hour marinated raan (lamb meat) served in red masala. While the original meal-in-a-home experience can only be had on a few days in a month, TBK also runs a delivery service, which operates out of Worli.
Kerala’s cuisine has always been one of the most popular in India, especially for those looking for meat-based options at affordable prices. Hotel Deluxe, a modest, canteen-like eatery in Fort, is easily one of the best places in Mumbai to savour the state’s mutton and chicken stews, as well as mouthwatering seafood varieties, such as karimeen (fried fish), squid and shrimp fry. Apart from the establishment’s legendary beef pickle, the Kerala-style mutton fry paired with MalabarParottas is also a must-try.
Mumbai has plenty of great burger joints sprawled across the city. However, Jimi’s Burger in Andheri takes the top spot for its great taste and quality of meat. Its burgers are tailor-made for all budgets and appetites, and the Jimi’s Jawbreaker tenderloin burger, made with a whopping seven inches of stacked meat, is not to be missed. Other great options include the Chorizo Pork Cheddar Burger and the Benjamin Mutton Burger. Be prepared to wait for a table since the place is quite small.
