CAFÉS
1. Taj Mahal Tea House
A must-visit for all tea lovers, this historic tea room offers a wide range of the beverage including Parsi mint tea, matcha rose chai and misty oolong, as well as a food menu that pairs well with the drinks. It also hosts events such as live Hindustani music performances and informative tea tasting ceremonies on select days.
Earthy interior of Taj Mahal Tea House
2. Kala Ghoda Café
Set in a charming converted early 20th-century barn, complete with vaulted wooden roofs and skylights, this café and wine bar offers a simple, yet refreshing menu. Their flavoursome coffees, including the popular house blend, are arguably the best in town and all are sourced from sustainable plantations. The scrumptious food served up boasts a classic fusion of continental and Parsi flavours.
3. The Pantry
A chic establishment in one of the trendiest areas of the city, The Pantry has a curated menu that features healthy vegan dishes and also specialized Keto meals that include innovative low-calorie pizzas and desserts. Take your pick from their range of salads, cold-pressed juices and healthy breakfasts or relax with a cup of espresso.
4. Prithvi Café
20, Janki Kutir, Juhu • Open 10am–10:30pm daily • www.prithvitheatre.org/cafe.php • ₹₹
This iconic, value-for-money café is a favourite local hangout that also attracts a famous clientele. The menu is a mix of local and continental staples. Do try their kadak cutting chai.
5. La Folie Lab
1, Libra Towers, Hill Rd, Bandra West • Open 8:30am–11pm Mon–Fri, 10:30am–midnight Sat & Sun • www.lafolie.in • ₹₹
Breakfast like a king at this modern outlet offering creations such as croque monsieur croissant. It also has great desserts and teas.
6. Leaping Windows
3, Corner View, Off Yari Rd, Versova, Andheri West • Open 10am–midnight daily • www.leapingwindows.com • ₹₹
Sit down with a favourite comic book and enjoy bacon-topped waffles or Smokey Robinson French toast at this fun, comic-themed café.
7. Kettle & Keg
The eclectic menu at Kettle and Keg features an all-day breakfast and deli fare, along with interesting make-your-own-bagel options. The menu also offers vegan and gluten-free dishes. Soak up the cheerful ambience here and enjoy the prompt service.
Casual setting at Kettle & Keg
8. Le15 Café & Pâtisserie
This glamorous café and dessert parlour is owned by celebrity chef Pooja Dhingra, and boasts a tasteful decor that is reminiscent of vintage Parisian tea rooms. It specializes in lovely French-inspired desserts such as macarons, tarts and choux pastries. Also worth a taste are the savoury waffles, truffle tagliatelle, and their range of teas and infusions.
9. Candies
Located in a Portuguese-style mansion, this is a great spot (see Candies) for rolls, burgers, sandwiches, as well as other snacks. The all-day breakfast options and desserts offered here go wonderfully well with the catchy tunes that play round the clock. The intimate, relaxed atmosphere is truly inviting.
Alfresco dining at Candies
10. Food For Thought
Housed inside the iconic Kitab Khana bookstore in Colaba, this small café (see Food for Thought) is ideal for sipping a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate while reading a book. It also offers a range of pastas, pizzas, salads and mini-meals.
TOP 10 STREET FOOD
1. Misal Pav and Pav Bhaji
Two popular, spicy street dishes – misal and bhaji – are eaten with the famous Mumbai pav (a local bun).
The fiery misal pav
2. Vada Pav
This iconic street food is prepared with a deep-fried mashed potato patty stuffed inside a fluffy pav.
3. Bombay Sandwich
Layers of buttered bread are filled with onion, beetroot, cucumber, spicy potato mash, tomato, mint chutney and then grilled to a golden brown.
4. Brun Maska
The brun bun is unique to the city. Paired with maska (butter), this celebrated bread-and-butter combination is best had with Irani chai.
5. Ragda Pattice
Potato patty is topped with ragda, a tangy and spicy chickpea preparation, and other garnishes and chutneys.
6. Sabudana Khichdi and Vada
Traditionally prepared for fasting days but now breakfast favourites, these sago-based dishes are best eaten at roadside stalls and Udupi restaurants.
7. Modak
A must-try, this sweet is prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi as an offering.
8. Pani Puri
A crunchy snack made of hollowed wheat or semolina balls, half-filled with a potato and chickpea mixture, and dunked in fiery, flavoured water.
9. Kanda Poha
Kanda (onion) and poha (flaked rice) come together in this breakfast dish.
10. Puran Poli
This popular sweet bread is best had with lots of ghee (clarified butter).
