Have you visited these 100-plus-year-old restaurants of Amchi Mumbai yet? Hitesh Harisinghani visits 10 restaurants that started up in Bombay (as the city was known then) a century ago or earlier.
Pancham Puriwala, 1848
Located near what was then called Victoria Terminus, it is probably the oldest restaurant in Mumbai. Famous for their Puri Bhaji, the eatery run by the Sharmas, has been feeding Mumbaikars perfect puris for almost 175 years.
Cafe Leopold, 1871
A 150-year-old Irani restaurant in Colaba, owned by the Jehanis -- made famous by Gregory Roberts' Shantaram -- has an enormous menu serving amazing food and drinks. Its was one of the places the terrorists attacked on the dreadful night of 26/11 in 2008.
Bagdadi Restaurant, 1889
Situated behind the famous Taj Mahal Hotel on Tulloch street, Colaba, their Khamiri Rotis (sourdough tandoori rotis) are bigger than their plates. A gem you can't miss if you love Mughlai food. Owned by the Ahmed family.
B Bhagat Tarachand, 1895
Traditional Zaveri Bazaar is the environs of this vegetarian restaurant (called BBT) that was first established 1895 in Karachi by Tarachand Chawla and moved to Mumbai post-Partition. They describe their food as ghar ka khana.
Kyani & Co, 1904
Another atmospheric Irani joint, at Dhobi Talao, Kyani is famous for its red-checked tablecloth-covered round tables, Bun-Maska, Kheema and, of course, Irani Chais. Khodadad Shokriye arrived from Yazd, Iran, to start up the cafe.
Sassanian Boulangerie, 1913
The interiors of the quaint restaurant, at Marine Lines, owned by a series of Iranis, take you right back to the 1900s. Enjoy their puffs, cakes, pav with garma, garam chai
Olympia Coffee House, 1918
The 107-year-old Colaba cafe, at Rahim Mansions, begun by Syed Mohammed Merab, is much adored for its meat dishes -- Bheja Fry, Mutton Fry, Dal Ghost.
Sarvi Restaurant, 1920
A stone's throw away from Nagpada Police station in Byculla, the eatery till date doesn't have a name on its outside. Indulge in scrumptious Mughlai food without feeling guilty. Haji Ghulam Alli Sarvi from Iran began it.
Noor Mohammadi Hotel & Restaurant, 1923
Another legendary non-veg heaven, this time in Bhendi Bazaar, first owned by Abdul Kareem, who hailed from UP. Most famous for actor Sanju Baba chicken & its succulent Shami Kebabs. Ustaad Zakir Hussain and M F Husain visited often too.
K Rustom & Co, 1925
Known for miles around for ice cream served in between biscuits, it's a must have if you're in south Mumbai. Only cash accepted here... Still very old school!