Mumbai is often called a city that never sleeps. It is also considered safe for people travelling back late at night from work, or after meeting friends or catching the late show of a movie. When you are hungry or have late night cravings, the city offers everything from street food to fine dining options. Amidst this bustling gastronomic scene, Bademiya stands out as an iconic establishment that has been serving mouth-watering kebabs and rolls for decades.
Video Credit: Taste Of India
Nestled in the heart of Colaba, just behind the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Bademiya has become synonymous with Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture. A visit to the city is incomplete without a late-night stop at this legendary eatery, where the aroma of sizzling meat and the chatter of the crowd has a unique charm and makes for an unforgettable experience.
Photo Credit: Bademiya /Instagram
Bademiya’s story is one of humble beginnings and remarkable success. Founded in 1946 by Mohammad Yaseen, affectionately known as Bademiya, the eatery started as a small roadside stall. Bademiya would serve kebabs to the workers, travellers, and locals who frequented the area. What set Bademiya apart from other vendors was the quality of his food. His kebabs, marinated with a secret blend of spices and cooked to perfection, quickly became a hit among the masses. Word of mouth spread, and before long, Bademiya’s stall was attracting crowds from all over Mumbai.
Photo Credit: Bademiya/ Instagram
What Makes Bademiya So Special?
One of the reasons Bademiya has become an iconic spot in Mumbai is its late-night service. The eatery is open until the early hours of the morning, catering to the city’s night owls, party-goers, and those simply craving a midnight snack. On any given night, a mix of people – from college students to celebrities – gathered around the stall, enjoying a hearty meal after a night out. The lively atmosphere is what people look forward to. When someone is new to the city they’ll find that most street food recommendations they receive will include Bademiya.
Dining at Bademiya is not just about the food; it’s about the experience. There’s something special about standing on the street, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Mumbai, while enjoying a hot kebab roll. Back in the day, the set up of the restaurant was even more simple. There was no formal seating and the focus was on quick service. People often park their cars and ate inside or on the bonnet. This made it a quintessential Mumbai experience. Today one can sit down and eat.
The restaurant now has several branches and sometimes patrons find themselves sharing tables or standing side by side with strangers, bonding over their mutual love for Bademiya’s food.
The restaurant’s open kitchen is fun to watch. Chefs expertly grill kebabs over charcoal, toss parathas and assemble rolls with lightning speed. The smoky aroma that fills the air is irresistible, drawing in passersby and creating a sense of anticipation for the feast to come.
Photo Credit: Bademiya/ Instagram
What To Order At Bademiya
Over the years, Bademiya has grown from a modest food stall into an institution. Despite its expansion, the essence of Bademiya remains unchanged. The menu, though simple, is packed with flavourful dishes that have stood the test of time. The restaurant is most famous for its kebabs, which are succulent, juicy, and bursting with flavour. Whether it’s the classic mutton seekh kebab, chicken tikka, or the spicy baida roti, each dish has its own fan following.
Photo Credit: Bademiya/Instagram
One of the signature offerings is the mutton roll, a delicious concoction of tender mutton kebabs wrapped in a warm, flaky paratha, served with a side of spicy green chutney. The chicken bhuna roll, another crowd-pleaser, features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy, wrapped in a soft paratha. The combination of the spicy, tangy flavours with the crispy paratha is a treat for the senses.
Photo Credit: Bademiya/Instagram
Staying Relevant
While Bademiya has remained true to its roots, it has also evolved with the times. The original stall has expanded to include a larger kitchen and additional outlets across Mumbai. The restaurant has also added a few new items to the menu, catering to changing tastes while still preserving its classic offerings.
In September 2023, the restaurant ran into troubled waters when they were temporarily shut down by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over concerns regarding hygiene. The got green-lit to begin operations again after the necessary fixes were made.
In recent years, Bademiya has also embraced the digital age, offering online ordering and delivery services. However, for many, nothing beats the experience of eating at the original stall, where the legacy of Bademiya began.
Bademiya’s popularity shows the power of good food and how a small, humble eatery can become a symbol of a city’s culinary heritage. For locals and tourists alike, a visit to Bademiya is a must.
Price For Two At Bademiya
The price for two at Bademiya in Mumbai typically ranges between ₹800 to ₹1,200, depending on what you order. The cost can vary based on the dishes chosen, with popular items like kebabs, rolls, and tikkas being reasonably priced.