Parsi and Irani flavours in Mumbai
Mumbai has its own charm. From architecture and Bollywood to art and culinary extravaganzas, it offers everything with a calming view of the Arabian Sea. And when we talk about culinary scenarios, the city is also home to some of the oldest Parsi and Irani cafes that still sell nostalgia in cozy spaces amidst the busy city life. Here are some of them that every foodie should visit.
Café Irani Chai, Mahim
This cafe is more than 134 years old and is known for its ice cream soda, irani chai, bun maska, and for those who loves snacks they have a wide range of rolls, burgers, and even grilled sandwiches. Their eggs, keema, paya, and dhansak menu is also wide and worth a try. (Image: Tripadvisor)
Address: 9, Rosary Chawl, Mangireesh CHS Ltd., MMC Road, Mahim West, Mumbai 400016
Olympia Coffee House, Colaba
This is a legendary cafe functional since 1918 in Colaba and is known for its keema paun, bun maska, and chai. They are also known for their mawa cake, made with milk solids and cardamom powder. For egg lovers, their sunny side up is also worth a try. (Image: Reddit)
Address: Rahim Mansion No. 1, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400039
Britannia & Co. (Fort / Ballard Estate)
This place has been functional since the 1920s and is known for its berry pulao, mutton dhansak, creamy caramel custard, salli boti, and fish patra. (Image: Irani Chai)
Address: Wakefield House, 11 Sprott Road, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai 400001
B. Merwan & Co. (Grant Road)
This place was established in 1914 and is famous for its mawa cakes, buttery bun maska, and khari biscuits. The most unique dish here is mawa samosa which is a must try. For those with a sweet tooth their jam puff and bread butter jam are must-have. They are also known for akuri and bread pudding. And in case you like drinks, their ginger lime sharbat will surely quench your thirst. (Image: Reddit)
Address: Shop No. 32/21, Shankar Niwas, Ali Bhai Premji Road, Opposite Grant Road Railway Station, Grant Road East, Mumbai 400007
Café Military (Fort)
They are known for their Parsi and fast food, and offer the old-world charm with checkered table runners. As per online data, they have special dishes every day and apart from that they offer biyanis both veg and non veg. Here, along with chai you can enjoy fish and chips, and bun maska. They also serve ginger and lemongrass tea. (Image: Justdial)
Address: Ali Chambers, Tamrind Lane, Near Fort, Mumbai 400001
Kyani & Co. (Marine Lines)
This was established in 1904, and is one of the oldest Irani cafes known for its bun maska, Irani chai, mawa cake, and keema pav in a nostalgic, atmospheric setup. They also have a wide range of bakery products like biscuits, buns, macaroon, shrewsbury and milk toast. It is open from 7 am to 7 pm. (Image: Facebook)
Address: Jer Mahal Estate, 657 Jagannath Shankar Sheth Rd, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai 400002
Café Colony Restaurant (Dadar East)
It is said to be a legendary Irani café in Dadar that’s been part of the community for decades and is known for Irani chai, kebabs, and warm hospitality. Functional from 6 am to 10.30 pm, they have special sulemani chai, mawa cake, mutton keema and a wide range of sandwiches. As per oline data, they have Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday specials too. (Image: Zomato)
Address: G1, Shrikant Lodge, Shrikant Lodge Road 1, Near Tilak Bridge, Hindu Colony, Dadar East, Mumbai 400014