Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan!
( This is Bombay, my love )
My epicurean adventure — Bombay 2016
Let me introduce myself — Hello, I am Eshan. A tech enthusiast from Bangalore. I love my food and wanderlust runs through my veins.
Bombay/Mumbai never seized to amaze me. An annual vacation destination since childhood, I have always had fond memories associated with the city. This time, a couple of friends and I decided on a trip to the iconic city — some to rekindle our long association with it, some to see a new place and few others to unwind, sit back and soak it all in. An unplanned trip with a close group of friends is always special, but this one was different, Yeh hai Bombay meri jaan!
From the humble vada pav served by the street to an exorbitantly priced cuppa at The Taj Mahal Palace, we did it all!
Highlights from my gastronomical adventure:
- Swati Snacks, Tardeo — This place had the best Gujju (Gujrati) food I have ever had till date. I enjoyed their srikhand based roti dish. I’m sorry, I do not remember the names of most of the things I ate.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Swati+Snacks/@18.9665772,72.8113056,17z
- Chana Chor/Jor — The tangy spicy snack was the best accompaniment to a setting sun at Marine Drive.
- Bachelorr’s , Chowpatty— The overrated juice shop was a disappointment. The attitude of the waiters didn’t help improve the image. I’d give this one a miss. Stumbled upon a helium balloon vendor, which lead to some very funny videos along the marine drive:)
- Haji Ali Juice Center, Haji Ali Darga— Another overrated juice shop. Cheese-lovers were ecstatic looking at the amount of cheese that went into their pizzas. The super-pricy juices were good and the fruit cream was very tasty. All veg, mostly cheesy!
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Haji+Ali+Juice+Center/@18.9782057,72.8088846,17z
- Star Anise Patisserie, Linking Road — The bakery was a hidden gem amongst the women’s shopping paradise that is Linking Road. We had 2 of their best sellers and they did not disappoint.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Star+Anise+Patisserie/@19.0613827,72.8340112,17z
- Kyani & Co, Dhobi Talao— Our quest to have one meal in an Iranian Cafe was accomplished here. The place reminded me of my earlier experience at B Merwan, Grant Road. The place had a typical century old Irani Cafe feel and I loved it. We tried bun-maska, chai, scrambled eggs, mawa cakes, raspberry soda.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Kyani+%26+Co.+House+Of+Cakes/@18.9442429,72.8265069,17z
- Leopold Cafe, Colaba causeway— We had to visit the famed site of the Mumbai terror attacks. It was sad to see that the management are trying to sell the place and gain PR with the terror attack victim tag. Nevertheless, the potato wedges were tasty and were nicely washed down with a good brew. Cheers!
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Cafe+Leopold/@18.9244131,72.8300865,17z
- Bademiya, Colaba — The place had some very good seekh rolls. The mutton was sold out, and Beef banned. We had to settle for chicken, and it was quite tasty. Enough for a tipsy Leopold or Mondegar customer to enjoy.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Bademiya/@18.9233231,72.8303265,17z
- The Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba —The flagship Taj property was a sight to behold. Good mood and the right company — a reason to celebrate. We entered shy and timid — no tuxedos, no fancy accent and no fancy car to handover to the chauffeur. Ended up enjoying the opulence of the Taj. Selfies and expensive tea apart, I enjoyed the experience thoroughly.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/The+Taj+Mahal+Palace/@18.9217291,72.8308422,17z
- Masala Papad & Pooja Malai Gola, Borivali — Secretly, the malai gola was one of the main reasons I had to go to Bombay. You will find the joint open post 5 or 530 in the evenings near the roundabout. The masala papad was an Indian street twist to a pizza. The malai gola was something else. Something divine. Something I have always had fond memories with. Something that reminds me of Bombay!
https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/19.2310182,72.8533697/19.2308257,72.8533589,17z
- Mamagoto, Bandra — Our friends from Mumbai chose this place. It had a very nice Manga-themed interior, pan-asian Menu. A nice place topped with great company made for a good experience.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Mamagoto/@19.0549427,72.8261701,17z
- Shawarma Roll and Guilt Trip, Carter Road — A stroll by the sea, rickshaw rides past Bollywood star homes, Tendulkar’s memorial and the best Shawarma and cheesecake I have ever had! Period.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Guilt+Trip/@19.071239,72.8216582,17z
- Vada Pav and Bombay Sandwich — The simple food from the streets of this great city that has claimed cult status. Tasty! Highly recommended to anyone visiting Bombay. You should be able to find them in most places within the city. Thumb rule — if the joint is crowded, go there.
- Theobroma, Bandra — The place ticked all the right boxes when it came to bakeries. Highly recommended. Excellent brownies, cakes and coffee!
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Theobroma/@19.0651593,72.8316336,17z
- Le15 Patisserie, Pali Naka — The acclaimed french bakery had wonderful macaroons and cupcakes. YUM!
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Le15+Patisserie/@19.0651593,72.8316336,17z
Well,
This is the end, beautiful friend
This is the end, my only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I’ll never look into your eyes, again
Do let me know about your thoughts and suggestions on this article in the comment section.
I would urge you guys to go explore the city yourselves.
Safe travels. Cheers!