A foodie's guide to Mumbai’s top Parsi & Irani restaurants

Let me tell you – Mumbai’s Irani cafes and Parsi restaurants aren’t just places to eat. They’re stories. Stories of people who moved to this city with dreams and some aged-old recipes. This is a story of passionate people who are preserving their traditional recipes with love. This is a story of a hundred-year-old Indo-Iranian heritage. Walking around Mumbai, you’ll find these Parsi and Irani eateries.

These little things that make them special

• Many of these eateries are named after Iranian names and surnames – like Yazdani Bakery, Merwan & Co., and Kyani & Co.
• In almost every bakery, you’ll find old photographs, vintage frames, and menu blackboards written with colourful chalk.
• Some have menus under the glass table with some serious rules. For example – you can’t brush your teeth, flirt with the cashier, ask for free advice, or run away.
  
  So now, if you want to try Parsi-Irani food, here's a guide to some of the best spots.
  
  

1. Cafe Irani chai

The only reason to start with this place is – “Chai ke bina hamara dimag nahi chalta.” This spot is as Irani as the name suggests. Order their iconic Irani chai, made with condensed milk, and a buttery bun to go with it. Another must-try? Ankuri – it’s like scrambled eggs, but spices make it so unique.

- Must try: Chicken cheese omelet, Irani chai, Honey toast, Bread pudding, Bun maska, Ginger soda
- Price: Approximately INR 250 for two

2. Kyani and co.

This is one of the oldest restaurants in Mumbai. Inside, you’ll spot a hand-printed advertisement for freshly baked Christmas cakes from 1920. The old wooden staircase leading to the upper floor has been standing tall for over 120 years. Rustic chairs, vintage tables, wooden counters, old photographs of Mumbai, and jars full of biscuits – that’s what makes Kyani so special.

- Must try: Chicken cheese burji, Chicken sali boti, Chicken Irani kabab, Rum ball, Chicken salami sandwich, Raspberry drink
- Price: Approximately INR 300 for two 

Oldest among all, still standing strong

3. Yazdani bakery

“He packs a punch in his pavs.” That’s what one of the photo frames here proudly says. As soon as you step in, you’re welcomed by the scent of fresh bread, cakes, and delicious apple pie. The day’s menu, written in colourful chalk, hangs by the door. Walk in a little further, and the rich aroma of freshly baked buns and cakes fills the air – and your heart.

- Must try: Apple cinnamon pie, Bun maska, Bread pudding, Mawa cake, Carrot cake
- Price for two: Approximately INR 200 for two

Yazdanii- A classical Irani bakery of Bombay

4. Jimmy boy

Old tables, chairs, chandeliers, and 70s songs playing in the background – and you’re digging into traditional Parsi food. This legendary pre-independence spot is packed with typical Iranian flavours. If you're looking for an authentic Parsi dining experience, we highly recommend trying the Lagan nu Bhonu (Parsi Thali).

- Must try: Patra ni macchi, Chicken farcha, Mutton/Chicken dhansak, Berry pulao
- Price: Approximately INR 500 for two

5. Britannia and co.

You’ll find tons of articles online explaining why this restaurant is so popular. Here’s the short version: Britannia and Co has been around for nearly 101 years. One of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Mumbai, Birtania and Co carries a legacy of its own. It opens only for lunch and is best known for its legendary Berry pulao.

- Must try: Patra ni macchi, Keema pulao, Mutton dhansak, Sali chicken, Raspberry drink
- Price: Approximately INR 1000 for two

Boman Kohinoor, owner of Britannia and co. 

6. Cafe military

This cafe will take you back in time. It features antique wooden panels, mirrors, a rustic wooden round clock, glass-topped tables, and foodies like you enjoying their meals. This place is popular with meat lovers, with quite a few options for vegetarians.

- Must try: Chicken dhansak, Kheema pao, Raspberry Soda, Salli boti, Caramel custard
- Price: Approximately INR 500 for two

7. B. Merwan and co.

The moment you step in, you’ll feel relaxed and nostalgic. This simple place has been standing outside Grant Road for over 100 years. It’s said they sell over 7,000 Mawa cakes in a day! Stop by for a quick breakfast if you're out for a morning walk or run nearby.

- Must try: Broon maska, Bun butter, Mawa samosa, Mava cakes, Anda pav
- Price: Approximately INR 200 for two

Berry pulao- Tangy, spicy & lil sweet

8. Ideal corner

This is the only place in Mumbai with a motorbike parked right in the middle of the cafe! It’s the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. This place shuts by 4 PM. You will often find an office crowd here enjoying Parsi lunch in break time.

- Must try: Kheema sali, Bread pudding, Dhandar prawn patio, Mutton cutlets
- Price: Approximately INR 300 for two

9. Soda bottle opener wala

This modern-day Irani restaurant chain operates in many cities across India. It brings back the charm of old-school restaurants with simple decor, nostalgic music, cozy ambiance, and vintage tableware. The drinks here are a must-try (so check for dry days before planning your visit). Since the restaurant is located in major cities, the prices are slightly higher than usual

- Must try: Laganu custard, Parsi dairy kulfi, Berry pulao, Parsi curry, Chicken kheema
- Price: Approximately INR 1600 for two

10. Cafe excelsior

This iconic cafe has been in the heart of Mumbai’s Fort area for over 100 years. Its blue billboard with a Pepsi ad makes it easy to spot from afar. We loved the handwritten menu hanging on the wall—a rare sight these days. In addition to Parsi delicacies, the mutton burger and butter chicken are local favourites.

- Must try: Mutton cutlet gravy, Mutton pattice, Sali boti, Chicken dhansak, Bread pudding
- Price: Approximately INR 800 for two

Lavishly decorated Irani restaurant

11. Sassanian boulangerie

Sassanian Boulangerie is now 111 years old. Established in 1913, it started by selling chai, bun maska, and biscuits. But people loved the flavours so much that the menu grew to include other Parsi dishes, Chinese food, and sizzlers. Make sure to carry cash, as the cafe does not accept cards.

- Must-try: Dhansak rice, Salli boti, Roasted chicken, Chicken puffs, Mawa cakes, Plum cakes, Rose jellies
- Price: Approximately INR 300 for two

Conclusion-

So next time you're in Mumbai, save some time to explore the amazing Parsi and Irani cuisine. To make your experience even more special, book a stay at our newly opened hostel in Mumbai, Andheri. Go on a Parsi cafe-hopping adventure with fellow travellers like you. See you soon at The Hosteller Mumbai!

Because in the end, it’s all about "Khawanu, piwanu machani life."

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