Celebrating Holi with Mumbai's Colourfully Diverse Cuisine
मुंबई में दिल खिल जाते हैं रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं
Hi guys,
How are you all? My exams are on, which means an empty mind and zero interest in anything but sleeping. Anyway, I am in a major writing slump and had to churn out an article for my university assignment. For days I battled with writing it. Finally, an idea stuck with me and so, I wrote. I don’t know if and when they will publish it in the university magazine. But I loved my idea, hence I wanted to share it here. Like a proud mother showing her baby, here is my writing.
Whenever someone says good food, Mumbai isn't the place that comes to mind. It's either Delhi, Lucknow, Banaras or Ahmedabad. Never Mumbai. As a Mumbaikar, I fight everyone who says that Mumbai has bad food. Mumbai like its food is diverse, it caters to every person, no matter their palate, origin or quirks. From chocolate sandwiches, Lays Frankie, chura vada pav to mouth-watering vegan ravioli, Mumbai has it all. Like the vibrant hues of Holi, Mumbai's culinary rainbow shimmers with an extensive range of dishes.
While India is a mainly vegetarian country, our tasty 'not-Indian' vegan food is still a market waiting to be completely tapped. Vegan food is available, but good vegan food? Not so much. Veganism is something m ost of our Indian cuisine already includes, hence it's accessible for all. From our dals, rice and sabjis. Veganism in the form of ramen, pizza, and burgers is something the Gen-Z and millennials Mumbaikars crave. Thank Gourd in Andheri is a vegan delivery service converted into a restaurant that offers flavorful vegan food. From in-house cashew cheese to Buddha bowls and Balinese curry, the restaurant offers accessible pan-Asian and continental food for all modern vegans. People of all ages, who are already vegan due to health or lifestyle choices would love these. Apart from these completely vegan places, Noa by Nutcracker, Kembara, Mag St' cafe and many more offer vegan options on their menus.
A new trend started in Mumbai is the advent of apartments being converted into restaurants or supper clubs. It's when people convert their apartment into intimate food gatherings serving set menus of a cuisine telling a specific story. Here, one gets to dine with strangers but away from the bustle of restaurants and interact with the chefs, who not only share their experience and objective behind creating that dish and why but also, the history behind its evolution. You get to play games with your fellow diners as well. The experience is mainly for those foodies who love fine dining and like to know the thought behind a dish. These supper clubs are great for those who wish to dine with strangers and get out of their comfort zone without getting overwhelmed in a restaurant. One however, has to make reservations well in advance due to filled seats and reasonable prices. House of Mala, a popular Sichuan-style cuisine supper club commented, “At House of Mala, our journey began with a blend of love and passion. We merged our deep love for food and culinary artistry with a fervour for social connection, crafting a unique concept where guests can indulge in not just rare flavours and cuisine, but also immerse themselves in the spirit of community and conversation. For we believe, the most cherished moments unfold around a dinner table.” The Studio, with its Vietnamese course, and Zahvi, with its Korean menu, are a few supper clubs in Mumbai that are worth the try as well. These clubs are a great dining experience for introverts looking to break their bubble, both socially and food-wise.
Mumbaikars at any inconvenience jump to Goa, but Mumbai has some amazing Goan food that we can try when our bosses don't give us the weekend off. O Pedro serves authentic poee, a traditional Portuguese-inspired leavened Goan bread. Sorozai Versova is a new bar and restaurant that offers authentic Goan cuisine like the tawa pomfret, local Goan beers, music and a magnificent view of the beach. Martin's in Colaba offers a pocket-friendly Goan experience for those looking for a short-term escape, with their day-special menus, boasting of Tuesday Prawn Pulao, Pork Vindaloo and Goan Sausages, these places are perfect to feel like you're in Goa, with the food, the music, Mumbai has the weather anyway.
Themed restaurants are one of the several colours of Holi included in Mumbai's culinary palette. Pink Wasabi in Juhu with their secret pink sushi, Queen of Secrets, a pink cocktail made of rum, raspberry elderflower and many more such pink foods will surely dye your palate pink. Bambai Nazariya is a trans-serviced cafe/restaurant that serves great food and even greater service. Dobaraa, Ishaara, as well as Mirchi and Mime, are some of the few growing restaurants that are hiring hearing and verbally-impaired staff, another growing trend and a win for the disabled community. Bulldogs known for their karaoke nights and cheap beer is home to many of Mumbai's bathroom singers and beer drinkers. Doolally, one of my personal favourites, is home to artfully created tap beer, a wide range of games and books, delectable fries and furry friends. Veronica's Chef Hussain Shahzad boasts his restaurant Papa's, an ode to his mentor Chef Floyd Cardoza. This 12-seater restaurant offers a 14-course chef-curated menu of no particular cuisine. Talking about themed restaurants one just cannot forget Amazonia, an Amazon-themed restaurant with vibrant decor, food and an amazing cocktail menu. These places are perfect for people who want to escape the Gokuls, Socials and Soho Houses of Mumbai.
Some food joints that could not be categorised but still very vividly illustrated Mumbai's food and its people. Mool Kitchen in Fort has chefs from over 14 states, to bring food that will taste like home, for all those people who want to eat 'घर का खाना' away from 'घर'. It's also great for anybody who wishes to try authentic cuisine not made by a Mumbaikar or Nepali. Nadara, a hidden gem that lies in Goregaon East is a bungalow converted into a restaurant and bar. Chantilly, a dessert cafe I am overly fond of, serves you nothing but sweet happiness on a plate and is known for its amazing cold butterbeer and mouth-watering cheesecakes that just can't beat anyone in the world.
Mumbai has a lot but something it doesn’t have is good Indian fine-dine, hopefully, something will change soon. Restaurants like Bawri, Avartana and Indian Accent have tried to shake this industry, but when it comes to Indian food, it’s clear Mumbaikars prefer it family-oriented or street-style. "The Indian fine dining list in Mumbai is limited to five-star hotels with their unique takes on different cuisines, but no one has been able to get it right, specifically in the long term aspect. Most restaurants tend to come and go, with the Mumbai foodscape cluttered with all things Pan-Asian", digital lifestyle creator Anoushka Madan talks about the food scene. A fancy vada pav over Anand’s cheese vada pav might not be the fine dine to look out for, but maybe something that tastes worthy of getting out of the comfort of Mausi’s misal?
Mumbai's food is a lot more than just momos, pani-puri (not gol gappa), vada pavs, chocolate dosas and the millions of Iranian cafes serving tasty but overpromoted food on Instagram. Like the diversity of Holi, a million colours, a million people and the million ways of playing it, be it flowers, haldi, lathi or colours, Mumbai's food is also diverse. It's this diversity that makes Mumbai the food hub it is. Try it before you disagree, because just like 'होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं' 'मुंबई में दिल खिल जाते हैं रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं'.
If you made it till the end of the article, I am proud of your attention span. I also hope you liked my article. Can’t wait to hear from you in the comments and my dms! Take care of yourself. See you next time, bye!
Here’s a picture of a cute cat!
