Mumbai Uncovered: A Few Days of Food, Faith, History & Living Heritage

• Bombay Fort heritage walking tour: Explore the oldest parts of Mumbai on a guided walking tour through the historic Fort area, where religion, culture, food, architecture, and community intersect. Along the way, you’ll visit churches, see landmarks like the Gateway of India, sample a traditional street beverage or lassi, and learn where many of the city’s best museums are located.

• Elephanta Island: Take a scenic boat ride to Elephanta Island for a day immersed in ancient history. The island is home to remarkably carved cave temples dating back centuries, as well as playful (and clever) monkeys—so keep a close eye on your belongings and snacks.

• Markets and temples tour: Dive into the sensory heart of Mumbai on a markets and temples tour that winds through jewelry bazaars, flower markets, and narrow gullies filled with the aromas of freshly prepared food. You’ll also step inside hidden Hindu temples (shoes off), navigating dense crowds in an energetic, unforgettable experience.

• Kala Ghoda and the Jewish Quarter: Spend time in the Kala Ghoda neighborhood browsing boutique shops and charming cafés, then explore the nearby Jewish quarter with its synagogue and rich cultural history. Don’t miss the Jewish-owned vegetarian restaurant, which also has a delightful market offering pastries and unique kitchen trinkets.

• Colaba Causeway and Fashion Street: If you’re staying near the Taj or the President Hotel, walk to Colaba Causeway for classic street shopping and bargaining for jewelry, souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing. Continue on to Fashion Street on MG Road, where hundreds of stalls sell everything from shoes to watches—haggling is part of the fun.

• Bandra and Linking Road: Head to Bandra, one of Mumbai’s trendiest and more upscale neighborhoods, for shopping along Linking Road, which stretches toward Santa Cruz West. End the day with a stroll through Jogger’s Park, enjoying ocean breezes and people-watching; many air-conditioned shops will warmly offer tea, snacks, or water.

• Marine Drive and Nariman Point: Walk along Marine Drive at sunrise or sunset, ending at Nariman Point for sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. At night, the city lights sparkle along the curve of the promenade, while early mornings offer peaceful, meditative views of the water.

• Modern malls and food courts: For a taste of contemporary Mumbai—and a touch of familiar Western comforts—visit one of the city’s impressive malls. Phoenix Palladium and R City Mall offer excellent food courts, bookstores, and shopping, while Phoenix Market City is the largest mall in Mumbai. For potential celebrity sightings, head to Infiniti Mall on New Link Road in Andheri.

Some of my favorite spots for a bite to eat are:

• Ashok Vada Pav Stall (Prabhadevi): This tiny roadside stall near Kirti College is famous for serving some of the best vada pav in the city. Get there early, expect to wait in line, and order at least two—it’s that good and absolutely worth the wait.

• A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Idli House (Matunga): With two locations—one near King’s Circle and another close to Matunga’s Central Railway Station—this legendary spot is a must for South Indian food lovers. The idli and dosa with sambar are consistently outstanding, comforting, and deeply flavorful—eat it traditionally with your hands (and a spoon) for the full experience.

These next three are all near the Kala Ghoda area and vary from fine dining to casual to iconic.

• Trishna: Frequently listed among the world’s top restaurants, Trishna is renowned for its premium seafood and refined coastal Indian flavors. It’s also a favorite among Mumbai’s film and cultural elite, making it both a culinary and social landmark.

• Knead by Chef Moshe Shek: A stylish, Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian café, Knead is modern, hip, and refreshingly light. It’s a great stop when you want something flavorful but less traditional, without sacrificing quality or creativity.

• Leopold Café (Colaba / Kala Ghoda area): An iconic Irani café with deep Zoroastrian roots, Leopold Café blends old Bombay charm with European influences. It’s a place where history meets everyday life, offering a broad menu that truly has something for everyone.

The next two options are on the modern side of dining in Mumbai:

• Thai Cuisine & San-Qi at the Four Seasons: Thai food in Mumbai is exceptional, but be warned—the spice level is often hotter than expected. For a more fusion-forward and elegant dining experience, San-Qi at the Four Seasons offers a polished setting with dishes that cater to a wide range of palates in a beautiful space.

• Mall food courts (multiple locations—see the above section on popular malls): Mumbai’s mall food courts are surprisingly excellent and offer a chance to sample a wide range of regional dishes in one place. This is an easy, casual way to try favorites like chole puri alongside other Indian comfort foods.