7 Iconic & Beloved Parsi Cafes As Old As 100 Yrs To Try Out When You're Next In Mumbai

It’s a known fact that the Parsi community is one of the most culturally rich communities, having given us great names like Jamsetji Tata and Freddie Mercury! We recently flew down to Mumbai, our favourite city (obviously after Delhi!) and went cafe hopping in the most grand, chic and oldest part of Mumbai, South Bombay (AKA SOBO)! 

Parsi cafes in Mumbai are a culture in themselves with old world charm, sober interiors and food which is to die for! And so, we take you back to the original Parsi cafes which started operating more or less a century ago here in Mumbai!

1. Kyani & Co.

This place has to go down first on our list, owing to it being the oldest surviving Parsi cafe in Mumbai - from way back in 1904! Founded by Mr. Khodram Marezaban, Kyani was taken over by Aflatoon Shokri in 1957, but nothing else has ever changed. 

From the beginning, this quintessential Irani cafe has been serving their signature Bun Maska and Irani chai at throwaway prices and even today the working middle class cannot do without a visit here everyday. Come on by for a piece of history and chai!

Meal For Two | Rs 300
Location | JSS Road, Jer Mahal Estate, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines

2. Ideal Corner

A fairly new place as compared to other legendary establishments, but the theme has remained the same! The tables at Ideal Corner are covered with clean white and red checkered tablecloths while the seats sport typical Parsi designs. The food is served on plastic ware unlike fine bone china at other establishments but you won’t hear us complaining! 

Ideal Corner whips up some delicious and lip smacking Keema Ghotala with pao, sandwiches, Dhansak and many more Parsi delicacies! Come drop by!

Meal For Two | Rs 400
Location | 12 F/G, Hornby View, Gunbow Street

3. Yazdani Restaurant & Bakery

A dilapidated building right in the middle of the busy financial area of Mumbai is this 67 year old cafe, which still retains its old world charm owing to its antique furniture and the smell of freshly baked bread! The best thing about this place is its simplicity, a small menu, and the dollops of butter they put in the Maska Bun to brighten your day! 

Meal For Two | Rs 150
Location | 11/11A, Cawasji Patel Street, Fort Mumbai-1, Near Horniman Circle

4. Army Restaurant

This place is not listed on any website and from the name of it, does not strike as a typical Parsi place! The wait staff proudly announces that the Bun Maska and Keema Pao are one of the best dishes Army Restaurant prepares, along with a portion of Pallonji’s Raspberry Soda. 

Engage in a tete-a-tete with the jovial owner, gulp down some Parsi food and fall in love with the vibe this place exudes! 

Meal For Two | Rs 100
Location | 144-146, Esplanade Mansion, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort

5. B. Merwan 

Established as far back as 1914, this Irani cafe is located right outside the Grant Road Station, and this place opens early in the mornings for breakfast and starts getting its fill of customers as soon as the shutters open! Do order their Mawa Cake as this place serves the softest, creamiest and flavourful cakes ever and we guarantee you won't return disappointed!

Meal For Two | Rs 100
Location | Ali Bhai Remji Road, Opposite Station, Grant Road East, Grant Road

6. Cafe Excelsior

Standing tall between the ancient buildings of the Fort area in Bombay is Cafe Excelsior which has withstood the test of time dating back to 1919. From being famous for their Mutton Burgers to some outstanding authentic Parsi dishes, this place is a landmark.

The interiors have remained constant over time with rickety chairs and tables that haven’t been changed in decades, but this is wherein lies the simplicity of this beautiful cafe. Head over and dig into some Bun Maska, Mutton Cutlet, Dhansak and Irani chai right away!

Meal For Two | Rs 700
Location | 23, AK Nayak Marg, Opposite New Excelsior Cinema

7. Britannia & Co.

If you were in Bombay and Parsi food was on your agenda, then Britannia & Co. is the one legendary place which you just cannot miss! Mr. Boman, the 90-something energetic owner, still makes it a point to visit every table and tell you all about what the restaurant has gone through. 

From soldiers barging in during World War II to reclaiming this joint from the forces, a visit to Britannia is a walk down history lane. Their menu comprises some legendary dishes including Berry Pulao, Mutton Dhansak, Raspberry Soda and their caramel custard!

Meal For Two | Rs 1,000
Location | Wakefield House, 11 Sprott Road, 16 Ballard Estate

How many are you checking off your list when you land up in Mumbai next?!