Whether it is a steaming hot cup of creamy Irani chai or a hearty plate of freshly baked buns slathered in maska, Irani cafés are a source of comfort. One cannot truly experience the city without visiting one of these humble establishments. Having stood the test of time, here are the top 7 Irani cafés dotted across Mumbai
Kyani & Co, Marine Lines
Established by Khodram Marezaban in the early 1900s, the café is especially popular amongst college students and officegoers. One can indulge in a quick breakfast of sausages and fried eggs or a plate of their famous keema pav. As the day progresses, the tables are filled with cups of Irani chai, plates of bun maska, and freshly baked coin-shaped kharis.
Address: Jer Mahal Estate, 657, Marine Lines, Mumbai
Jimmy Boy, Fort
Close to Horniman Circle, this iconic establishment is famed for serving a seven-course meal - the Lagan Nu Bhonu (wedding thali) that is traditionally served at Parsi weddings. The café that opened its doors to guests in 1925 features other must-try dishes like patra ni macchi, salliboti, keema pav, and chicken berry pulao.
Address: 11, Vikas Building, Near, Horniman Circle, Fort, Mumbai
Britannia & Co, Ballard Estate
Considered the most popular Irani café in the city, Britannia & Co has an alluring charm to it and offers delectable Parsi fare. Located within Ballard Estate in Fort, the Iranian café established in 1923 by Roshan Kohinoor is renowned for its berry pulao and raspberry soda combination.
Address: Britannia and Company Restaurant St, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai
Yazdani Restaurant & Bakery, Fort
The Yazdani Bakery is known for its sweet goods. Often sold out by the end of the day, the apple pie, baked in a diesel-fuelled oven, is the vintage bakery’s number one seller, whilst its mawa cakes, bread puddings, and khari biscuits come a close second. Opened in the 1950s and located near the Flora Fountain, the café is currently run by the family’s third generation.
Address: 11A, Cawasji Patel Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Not available to order online.
Sassanian Boulangerie, Marine Lines
Located in Marine Lines, and set up in 1913 by Rustam Kaikushru Yezdabadi, pre-independence the establishment was a general goods store selling tea, cakes, and biscuits, and was said to be a hotspot for Iranian jockeys before their polo matches. In 1960, it was transformed into a café. The top-ranking dishes of the joint are the dhansak, sali chicken, and lagan nu custard.
Address: Metro, 98, Marine View, Cross Road, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai
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Not available to order online.
Cafe Gulshan, Matunga
Situated in Matunga, the café sees a throng of students from nearby colleges on a daily basis. What makes it a popular choice is its offering of quick bites such as bun maska, keema pav, and caramel custard. The quaint café is one of the few Iranian establishments outside South Bombay.
Address: Balkrishna Niwas, 265, Lakhamsi Napoo Rd, next to Welingkar, Matunga
Cafe Irani Chaii, Mahim
The small eatery in Mahim encapsulates the joy and nostalgia of a bygone era. With checkered flooring, wooden chairs, and small tables with glass tops, the café serves hearty portions of Parsi and Iranian food at humble prices. One must try their chicken cutlet, mutton samosa, and a plate of akuri.
Address: Rosary Building, Mia Mohd Chhotani Rd, Geeta Nagar, Mahim West, Mumbai
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Anithya Balachandran
I am a journalist whose niches are travel, business and luxury. I have been working as a journalist for over a year now, before which I was working in the advertising industry in the digital marketing segment, however, I graduated from film school with a degree in Screenwriting. My passions are literature, art and helping stray animals. When I am not behind my computer screen racing against the clock to meet a deadline, I am on the couch snuggling with my four-legged furry baby.
