Mumbai Food
It is generally felt that Mumbai deserves its reputation for having the best restaurants in India.
As a melting pot for generations of immigrants, the history of the entire subcontinent can almost be traced through the city's restaurants.
Some of the delicacies on offer are Parsi food from Persia, fast-food from America, or Italian and Chinese food imported by migrants during the British imperial era.
However, some of the city's best and most well-known eateries may surprise you. For example, the Bade Miya is a kebab cart, but is in fact one of the city's most popular vendors. In the evening, the proprietor takes over the street with chairs and tables, for customers sampling the tandoori chicken naan, seekh kebabs and paneer masala.
Another spot for excellent fast-food on a budget is Cream Centre. A bit like the local middle-class McDonalds, its location on Chowpatty beach only serves to make it more popular. On the menu are all things quick and yummy, ranging from Mexican nachos to Russian salads, but you'll have to get here early as no reservations are accepted.
Slightly more upmarket, but still excellent for budget-stretching, is the Lotus Cafe. Its all day buffet make this a gem of a find, located as it is right in the foyer of the Marriott Hotel. Breakfast is served, followed by lunch and then dinner. The food is local in flavour and the cafe won't shut its doors until after midnight.
The reputation of Trishna makes this restaurant worth considering for a special treat. Specialising in seafood, the menu is not lacking in variety and innovation, with shellfish ? particularly the prawn and lobster ? available for inspection before they are cooked. Trishna has been described by Lonely Planet as a "legend", for its longevity, creativity and overall 'yum' factor.
For a bit of celebrity, head to Tendulkar's. Founded by the cricketing ace Sachin Tendulkar, the decor is reminiscent of being surrounded by a game of giant cricket. The snow white booths and pillars give an avant-garde feel to your meal, which may include dishes from India, China and Europe as well as Mr Tendulkar's mother's recipe for Bombay Duck.
If you're all curried-out, try Cafe Churchill. The tiny café has filled its surprisingly broad menu with European-inspired dishes. It's very popular at lunchtime, but arrive later in the afternoon and find a bit of respite with a lasagne or bowl of Irish stew and a long sit down.
The relaxed attitude to alcohol in Mumbai means you should usually be able to wash down your curry with a beer, although if you are travelling alone or with friends and looking for a drink you may need to find a restaurant to spend the evening in, as nightclub entry can be restricted to couples.
Many central restaurants have a bar area in any case and the cafes will often also sell alcoholic drinks.
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Eating & Drinking
