7 Oldest And Most Iconic Eateries Which Every Mumbaikar Is Proud Of

Mumbai’s undying love for Vada Pav is no mystery to the world. And as you dig deeper, there are these Iranian cafes which are a testimony to the rich culinary history of Mumbai. There is no better experience than slurping down delectable dishes like Keema Pav, Mawa Cake, Caramel Custard and Irani Chai at iconic destinations which have remained more or less the same. The restaurants and eateries mentioned in this list have been using their secret recipes for decades to ensure their dish is perfect each time it comes out of the kitchen.

To get a feel of the classic old Mumbai charm, head straight to the following mind-blowing restaurants and eateries which have stood the test of time and came out invincible.

#1. Leopold Cafe & Bar – Almost a century and a half old, Leopold Cafe & Bar was established in the year 1871 on Colaba Causeway in the Colaba region of Mumbai. The prawn chillies here are to die for and people have been coming here especially for this novelty item here. Some of the other dishes which can e tried here include Leopold special veg and chicken pasta, Chicken Stroganoff and Mutton Keema.

#2. B Bhagat Tarachand – Adding significant and historic value to the charm of South Mumbai is this place named B Bhagat Tarachand, established in the year 1895. A 100% vegetarian restaurant, this place is best known for its Paneer Tikka Masala, chaach, dal tadka, papad churri and paneer kasturi tikka. The ambiance is kept quite simplistic and negligible changes have been made over decades.  

#3. Britannia & Company Restaurant – A trademark Irani cafe, Britannia & Co. serve the best Berry Pulavs in the whole world. The world around that place might have changed, but they haven’t in decades. Many of their dishes use significant quantities of Persian spices, the factor which has been making them stand apart for ages. The walls are filled with photographs of celebrities dining at the place, another proof how famous Britannia & Co. really is.  

#4. Cafe Mondegar - Ever since 1^st April, 1932, Cafe Mondegar has been serving spicy keema pavs and crisp chaats to Mumbaikars. The artistic walls are full of classic comic characters from yesteryear. Try out their chicken le cordon blue and classic Bolognese with sangria and beer for best results. The staffs here are courteous and help you choose the best dishes as per your taste and liking.

#5. Kyani & Co. – A Parsi joint, operational since 1904, Kyani & Co. is there on the bucket list of traveller who wishes to explore Mumbai. Snack items like chicken puff, caramel custard, and Keema pav bring alive the Iranian charm in a classic and authentic fashion. The elementary chairs and wooden tables with a glass top, covered by a tablecloth in check patterns are enough to transport to the world where life was simpler and tastier.  

#6. Mahesh Lunch Home – Mahesh Lunch Home started selling quality seafood in the 1970s when not many places were well versed in exploring the wide sea section. The recipes used here are traditional and have a strong flavour of common and uncommon Indian spices. Your best bets here would be Crab Ghee Roast, Jumbo Prawns, Neer Dosa and Butter Garlic Crab.

#7. Anand Stall – A list of eateries in Mumbai is never complete without mentioning the place which sells arguably the best vada pav. They started in the year 1982, and ever since then have been wowing Mumbaikars with their spicy treats. Located in Vile Parle West, they sell more than 500 vada pavs a day.