Cover A dish at Noon (Photo: Noon)
A dish at Noon (Photo: Noon)
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A recent trip to Mumbai has inspired our senior dining writer, gastronomically speaking
Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is known for its impressive architecture, film industry, and, most importantly, vibrant food scene. While loved for its variety of street food and snacks, which range from puri to vada pav, its café culture and modern fine dining scene are also a force to reckon with.
On a recent trip to Mumbai, I was taken around by acclaimed chef Vanika Choudhary, known for modern fine dining restaurant Noon and respected for her celebration of indigenous ingredients, to some of her favourite restaurants. Here is a collection of my most memorable meals.
For creative sharing plates, go to Bandra Born
By the same awarded chefs behind Salt Water Cafe, namely Gresham Fernandes and Manoj Shetty, comes Bandra Born, loved for its produce-driven plates. Don’t miss the East Indian Crab Curry Dip, packed with flavour and flaky croissant pav. Another favourite among the group was the Marrow Cheese Chilli Toast, which sees roasted bone marrow slathered with miso, served with a habanero-topped cheese toastie.
Bandra Born
Address: Rose Minar, 87, Chapel Rd, Annexe, Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai. +91 86577 38778
Dig into traditional Gujarati thalis at Shree Thakkar Bhojanalay
Known for its daily-changing vegetarian thalis, Shree Thakkar Bhojanalay first opened in 1945. The day I visit, my plate is filled with chutneys, salads, corn and potato patties, lentil cakes, dhal selections, and cauliflower, to name a few items, and that's without getting to the bread selection. Friendly servers serve the selection of dishes tableside, scooping glistening curries and fresh millet-based breads from glorious trays. The meal ends with a selection of desserts, which include gulab jamun.
Shree Thakkar Bhojanalay
Address: Building No 31, Dadiseth Agiyari Ln, Marine Lines East, Gaiwadi, Kalbadevi, Mumbai. +91 22 2206 9916
See also: The best grills, steakhouses, and seafood restaurants in Malaysia
Visit Noon for fermentation-focused modern fine dining
Led by chef-owner Vanika Choudhary, Noon is home to over 150 different ferments, each crafted meticulously using combinations of ingredients indigenous to India. Choudhary often ventures out to forage for new ingredients with tribal communities, which appear in its creative, multi-course tasting menu.
Noon
Address: Ground Floor, Tower B, ONE BKC, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai. +91 75066 77720
For an authentic South Indian breakfast, start the day at Cafe Madras
For some of Mumbai’s best dosas and fluffy idlis, visit Cafe Madras, which opened its doors in 1940. Paired alongside are coconut chutney and delightful sambar. The quaint and nostalgic eatery also brews its own filter coffee, ideal for a pick-me-up in the morning.
Cafe Madras
Address: Ground floor, Kamakshi Building, 391/B, Bhaudaji Rd, Matunga East, Mumbai. +91 22 2401 4419
Don't miss: 12 cafés in the Klang Valley for your waffle fix
Visit The Table for a memorable evening
Co-founders Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf, recognised for their contributions to the country’s eclectic dining scene, are the minds behind The Table and is listed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. The restaurant is located next to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of Mumbai’s most recognised landmarks.
The Table
Address: Ground Floor, Kalapesi Trust Building, opposite Dhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai. +91 70451 11880
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Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
