The Persians migrated to India from the 8th century onwards. With them came exquisite fashion and delicate culinary art that predates some of India’s. Over the years, many Irani cafes have gone out of business to pursue different career paths; those operational continue to engage the locals and visitors with famed Irani delicacies. Things2Do searched and located these famous Irani cafés in Mumbai.
1Yazdani Bakery
Yazdani is in the busiest area of Bylane and neighbors Flora Fountain, a renowned tourist attraction spot. Yazdani continues to stand the test of time since its doors flung open in the 20th century. To date, locals and visitors continue to flock to the place to relish the different Irani cuisines available.
You can visit Yazdani at any time of the day and enjoy their Irani chai and a serving of famed Irani snacks. Some delicacies you must indulge in are ginger biscuits, bun maska, and plum cakes, which go out of stock during the festive season.
Location: Fort
Cost For Two: Rs 250
Famous For: Mawa Puff and Brun Pav
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
2Café Excelsior
Café Excelsior tops the list of the most popular Irani cafes in Mumbai due to its exquisite customer service and authentic foods made from fresh Iranian spices and herbs. Excelsior is a family affair restaurant of the Mazkoori family. Unlike other cafes in the vicinity with exquisite décor and architecture, this café has a minimalistic design with simple furniture.
Café Excelsior sells major Iranian cuisines that are a favorite among the locals. Also, note that this café does not handle debit or credit cards. It is best to withdraw your cash to avoid foreseeable inconveniences.
Location: Fort
Cost For Two: Rs. 550
Famous For: Brun Maska
Timings: 8 am to 11 pm
3Ideal Corner
Ideal Corner is celebrated for its Parsi cuisine in Mumbai, which attracts people globally for its intricate breakfast menu. Try to visit this café during morning hours because crowds start swelling in the afternoon, which may be an overbearing experience.
Some of the delicacies you will enjoy include chicken and kheema pav. You can also try the famous Pallonji’s Ice Cream Soda. If Iranian food is not your forte, Ideal Corner offers diverse cuisines, including Chinese.
Location: Fort
Cost for Two: Rs 400
Famous For: Sali Chicken, Lagan Nu Custard
Timings: 12 pm to 4 pm
4Café Military
Café Military is among the few traditional Irani cafes in Mumbai, well-attuned to Indian and Iranian history. Its name, albeit unique, came into play when the owner noticed that most of its frequent clients were military people.
Up to date, Café Military sells high-quality food and expert customer service to its clients. Some of the popular dishes here include chicken biryani and kheema pav. Also, you can order your favorite tap beer to complement your food.
Location: Fort
Cost for Two: Rs. 400
Famous For: Sali Boti
Timings: Monday – Saturday, 8.30 am to 9 pm
5Jimmy Boy
Jimmy Boy, one of the few cafes that sells premium Berry pulao in Mumbai, is a must-visit for travelers and locals. Situated near Fort, the café indulges its clients in delicious chicken dhansak and chicken farcha, prepared using traditional Persian spices and ingredients.
Jimmy Boy features ancient décor, apparent in its furniture and chandeliers. Also, the staff is very efficient and is always ready to cater to your needs, at your disposal. If you are fascinated with traditional Parsi meals, try the Parsi thali.
Location: Fort
Cost for Two: Rs. 500
Famous For: Berry Pulao
Timings: 12 pm to 4 pm
6Merwan and Co Café
Merwan Café, one of the oldest Irani cafes in Mumbai, neighbors the famous Grant Road railway booth. Its location makes it the perfect stopover for corporate workers in the area. Merwan is the busiest from 6 am to 10 am because of its Irani chai and tasty buns.
During the evening, the café sells pastries, puddings, and milkshakes. Also, ensure you order the mawa cake; the taste, ingredients, and presentation will leave you in awe.
Location: Grant Road East
Cost for Two: Rs.200
Famous For: Bun Maskaand Macaroon Cakes
Timing: 7 am to 6 pm
7Sassanian Boulangerie
Sassanian Boulangerie, a café that sells authentic Parsi food in Mumbai, is the true definition of grass to grace. The owner started by selling biscuits and tea to passersby, and over time, he got enough funds to open the café.
Like other Persian cafes in the area, Sassanian has managed to beat the fluctuating market standards with its diverse menu, including Sizzlers and Chinese. You can visit Sassanian any time, especially on Sundays or afternoons, and savor their delicious tea.
Location: Grant Road East
Cost for Two: Rs. 200
Famous For: Chicken Puff, Sali Keema, Dhansak
Timing: 7 am to 10 pm
8Kyani Bakery and Co
Kyani café, one of the oldest Irani cafes in Mumbai, hosts various Bollywood stars and celebrities. At first sight, you will notice that it resembles a typical Irani café – old furniture, high ceilings, and cookie jars on the counter. It is in Marine Lines, an area with many offices and colleges, which are the main clients of Kayani.
Location: Marine Lines
Cost for Two: Rs. 300
Famous For: Akuri, Beans on Toast
9Paradise
Paradise is one of the few cafes in India that sells authentic Parsi food in Mumbai. At its inception, the café had an ancient vibe, but over the years, and with constant renovations, it currently has a modern look.
Some foods that fly off the counter at Paradise include dhansak and salli boti. If you are not a fan of Parsi food, you can order any specialties at an affordable price.
Location: Colaba
Cost for Two: Rs. 700
Famous For: Mutton Dhansak
Irani culture has a diverse culinary scene. Both visitors and locals visit the different Irani cafes in Mumbai to enjoy various meals, including bun maksa and Irani chai. If you are in the vicinity, it is recommended to visit any of the Irani Cafes In Mumbai outlined above for the best meals for affordable prices. Follow our insta @ Things2doinmumbai for latest update from the city.