Legendary Irani Cafes Trail In South Bombay
By Shireen Jamooji
One of the most enduring legacies of Mumbai's food scene is in the form of Parsi and Irani cafes set up in the city. These small joints were set up all across the city in the early 1900s when enterprising individuals came to the burgeoning metropolis of Mumbai and looked to set up their future. Today, these cafes in South Bombay form an incredible food trail you shouldn't miss.
*Some restaurants listed in this trail serve non-vegetarian food, but have been added because they have good vegetarian options on their menu as well.
Cafe Military
For those interested in experiencing the rustic charm of old-school Mumbai, Café Military is a noteworthy choice. The cafe derives its name from its location, once a residence for military personnel. The cafe continues to offer the same high-quality cuisine it did a century ago. Some must-try dishes include the Kheema Ghotala Pav and Chicken Berry Pulao. It’s a favourite among locals since it serves up beer as well as food, so you can settle in for a lazy afternoon with friends.Kyani And Co.
Since 1904, this bakery-turned-restaurant has been one of the most beloved spots in the city. Originally known for simple fare and a spot to grab a morning bun maska and chai it has become a thriving destination for all sorts of Parsi dishes. The must-try items still include the bun maska and Irani chai, but fill up on their snacks as well like the chicken farcha, mutton cutlets, and chicken patties. They also have full plates like Dhansak and kheema pav for a more filling meal.Ideal Corner
Situated in Fort (on a corner as you might have already guessed), Ideal Corner's prime location makes it a preferred breakfast spot. In the afternoon, the town office crowd frequents the cafe for a typical Parsi lunch with a homemade feel featuring traditional dishes like mutton sali boti, dhansak, and the often hard to find atheli chicken. They also have a wide range of vegetarian options to choose from and Chinese food as well if you feel like it.Sassanian
A long-standing presence in Mumbai's cafe scene, Sassanian & Co. has been delighting crowds since 1913. The place started as a stall serving chai and with its success, soon grew into a beloved Iranian Cafe. Adapting to the times, Sassanian expanded its menu beyond Iranian to cover breakfast items, Chinese food and Sizzlers, the real magic lies among their bakery offerings and their ‘Parsi Bhonu’. Visit for a full meal of dhansak, kebabs or to nibble on some puffs and cutlets with tea.Britannia And Co.
One of the unmissable stops for anyone visiting the city and rightly so, Britannia & Co stands as another iconic Irani cafe in Mumbai. Dripping with history from the vintage photographs that adorn the walls to the legacy of the Kohinoor family that owns the restaurant. It draws people from all walks of life to enjoy the food and history of this spot that’s been going strong since 1923.B Merwan And Co.
Merwan Café, conveniently located across from Grant Road railway station, is a popular breakfast destination for office-goers. From early morning until about 10 am, patrons flock to enjoy buttered buns and a hot cup of Irani chai. In the evenings, visitors return for cakes, puddings, milkshakes, and the much-loved mawa cake.Colaba’s Paradise
Situated on the vibrant Colaba Causeway, Paradise is a haven for authentic Parsi food enthusiasts. While the cafe once had a rustic charm, a recent renovation has given it a contemporary look. It has a variety of hard-to-find Parsi dishes like Kid Goshh, Atheli Murghi and a homestyle Prawn Curry, but most fans swear by their sandwiches and rolls with their signature mayonnaise.
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