Unique Food Experiences in Mumbai

Mumbai has always been a hub for some of the best restaurants and hospitality brands in the country. From exclusive chef tables and food festivals in 5-star hotels to spicy masala-loaded street food, the city has something for everyone. However, what truly makes Mumbai the epitome of culinary delight are the food experiences that one may not find anywhere else in the country. These five top the list:

Irani Food at Britannia & Co.

Britannia & Co is now in the able hands of its third generation, and the Iranian Berry Pulav continues to be the signature dish till date. Parsi delights like dhansak and fish patra have found fans in thousands of loyal guests, and even the simple chapatti made in these kitchens have stolen the hearts of many, so much so that there are some guests who have these chapattis delivered in London every week! In fact, this culinary experience is so unique to Mumbai that patrons are known to have the food flown all the way to Hong Kong, Paris, Canada, London and Malaysia!

Cost: Rs.1000 for 2 people

Location: Wakefield House, 11 Sprott Road, 16 Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai

The Bohri Kitchen

bohri-kitchen-mumbai — Image Courtesy: The Bohri Kitchen, Mumbai

This mother-son duo have revolutionized the home chef business by adopting a concept like none other. If you wish to have a traditional Bohri meal, you need to do so at their house. The authentic dining experience comes complete with biryani, kheema samosas, rolls and cutlets, and everyone in the Bohri household sits down together to eat a meal. While Nafisa Kapadia prepares mouth-watering meals, Munaf Kapadia is the name behind the promotions of this pop-up kitchen. The Bohri Kitchen is frequented by tourists and locals alike, and the tables are usually booked weeks in advance.

Cost: Rs.700 per head

Location: Army Area, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Bhel Puri at Chowpatty

Bhel Puri is believed to have originated within the street food stalls of Mumbai. While you can find it anywhere across India, the experience of having it at Chowpatty at Juhu Beach is just something else! An inseparable part of Mumbai’s identity, the place remains jam-packed throughout the week. However, jostling through the crowd is a part of the fun as you enjoying a mouthwatering plate of spicy bhelpuri. Puffed rice, tangy tamarind chutney, peanuts, tomatoes and onions mixed together and topped with local farsan will have you coming back for more.

Cost: Rs.150 for 2 people

Location: Juhu Beach, Mumbai

Surprise Menu at Table No 13

table-number-13-mumbai — Image Courtesy: Table No 13

A monthly dining experience created by chefs Pooja Dhingra and Pablo Naranjo Agular held at Le15 Café in Colaba has seen many guests booking their flights to Mumbai exclusively for this. The unique factor at Table No 13 is the coming together of two artists to prepare a new menu every month, which is mostly inspired by Chef Pablo’s travels. Another fact that sets this menu apart from the rest is that only one ingredient makes the base of all the dishes in the 4-5 course meal. Spots are limited, so we recommend you book in advance.

Cost: Rs. 2500 per head

Location: Shop No. 18, Lansdowne House, MB Marg, Near Apollo Hotel, Opposite Lings Pavillion, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Bombil at Gajalee

Bombay Duck, commonly referred to as Bombil, is a fish that is found in abundance in the Arabian Sea along the coast of Mumbai, and is enjoyed by locals in its cooked and dried form. Locals also love to prepare pickles out of dried bombil. When in Mumbai, an authentic culinary experience involves a visit to Gajalee, one of the best seafood restaurants in the country that has seen fans in both national and international tourists. The Bombil Fry at Gajalee is known to be the best in the city.

Cost: Rs.1000 for 2 people

Location: Kadamgiri Complex, Hanuman Road, Vile Parle East, Mumbai

Book Your Flight to Mumbai

While Mumbai offers a wide range of culinary adventures, there are some that you will not find anywhere else in the country. How many of these unique experiences have you checked off your list?

Protima Tiwary

An Army kid in pursuit of culinary nirvana, Protima Tiwary is a freelance travel writer by day and Dumbbells and Drama, a fitness blogger by night. High on love, life and sugar, she is mildly obsessed about cupcakes and to-do lists, and loves her long runs like a fat kid loves cake. While she fumbles towards fame as a writer, she believes living life with a little bit of flair and exaggeration makes things interesting.