Every Mumbaikar knows that few things match the comfort of a warm bun maska and strong Irani chai. This article takes you, station by station, from Churchgate to Mira Road through the city’s most beloved Irani cafes. Whether you are a purist or just chasing nostalgia, here are places that bring the magic of chai culture and vintage charm.
Stadium Restaurant (Churchgate)
Timings: 8:00 to 23:00
A quiet classic with high ceilings and bentwood chairs. Famous for bun maska, caramel custard, mawa cake, and brisk service. Ideal for nostalgic quiet time or small group visits.
Cafe Irani Chaii (Mahim)
Timings: 8:00 to 23:00
A modern take on Irani tradition, with toast, honeyed bun maska, and strong chai. Clean, cosy, and full of young energy without compromising on simplicity.
Kyani & Co. (Marine Lines)
Timings: 7:00 to 19:00
One of Mumbai’s oldest Irani cafes, crowned with high ceilings and vintage décor. Known for akuri, wine cake, and kheema pav. Some dishes are non-veg so order as per your preference.
B. Merwan & Co. (Grant Road)
Timings: 7:00 to 19:30
Heritage café since 1914, serving bun maska, mawa cakes, and old-school desserts. No frills, just nostalgia in marble tables and bentwood chairs.
Sassanian Boulangerie (Marine Lines / Grant Road area)
Timings: 7:00 to 21:00
A century-old bakery turned café with puffs, dhansak, bread pudding, and classic Irani chai. Bakery treats here are universally loved.
Café Excelsior (Fort)
Timings: 8:00 to 23:00
A family-run classic since 1919, steps from the old Excelsior Cinema. Known for brun maska, chai, and a quiet corner that feels like Mumbai’s living room.
Ideal Corner (Fort)
Timings: 12:00 to 22:00
Best for hearty Parsi fare like dhansak and salli boti. Vegetarian options are solid, though meat dishes are local favourites.
Café Military (Fort)
Timings: 10:30 to 21:30
A rustic veteran founded in 1933, famed for kheema pav and dhansak. Mostly non-veg, but chai and sodas here are universally comforting.
Jimmy Boy (Fort)
Timings: Temporarily closed
Open since 1925, it offered refined Parsi dishes and heritage décor. Currently closed, so check status before visiting.
Yazdani Bakery (Fort)
Timings: 7:00 to 19:00
A takeaway-only icon since 1953. From brun maska and mawa cakes to handmade breads from diesel ovens, this place is steeped in nostalgia.
Café New York (near CST)
Timings: 7:00 to 1:00
A century-old Irani café near CST, remembered for cutlets, chai, and its lively yet old-world atmosphere.
Qutuz Irani Tea Hotel (Malad)
Timings: 5:00 to 1:00
An authentic Irani tea hotel in Malad, famous for bun maska, chai with malai, and hearty breakfast options. A rare suburban gem.
Final Thoughts
These Irani cafes are more than food stops – they are chapters of Mumbai’s history. Carry cash, arrive early for fresh bakes, and enjoy the slow charm of Irani chai culture.
If it’s nostalgia-dipped in bun maska you crave, start with the Stadium Café, then ride west to Mahim’s warm Irani Chaii, and onwards to Matunga’s vintage Koolar and Gulshan. Swing by Grant Road for Merwan’s enduring classics, then Sassanian and Kayani at Marine Lines. Fort’s trifecta, Yazdani, Excelsior, and Britannia, round off with sweets, brun, and berry pulao.
