Save this list for the days your palette seeks a diverse Indian adventure

Mumbai, often hailed as a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is a bustling metropolis where the diversity of Indian cuisine truly comes to life. From the fiery spices of Andhra Pradesh to the delicate sweetness of Bengali sweets, Mumbai's culinary landscape is a testament to its cosmopolitan spirit. The city’s dynamic food scene allows one to savour the smoked kebabs of Lucknow, the fragrant biryanis of Hyderabad, the coastal delicacies of Kerala and the rustic flavours of Rajasthan, all without ever leaving its boundaries.

For all you food enthusiasts currently reading this piece, I guess we can all agree true food exploration always begins at the basics. And for us Indians, the basic just happens to be ‘Indian cuisine’, a behemoth title that encompasses a number of regional flavours and cuisines. If you are anything like me, reading about these cuisines is not enough. It’s time to pick up the spoon and taste our way through Indian regional cuisine. To make this exploration easier, check out our bona fide list of the best spots to visit for an authentic meal of any cuisine of your choice.

Simply scroll down to make your pick.

Bengali Cuisine

Oh! Calcutta
Oh! Calcutta offers an elegant dining experience with delectable Bengali dishes like Dab Chingri and Smoked Hilsa. The extensive menu might overwhelm you, but the attentive staff is always ready to help you choose the perfect meal. If Bengali cuisine is a new territory for you, you can definitely rely on this spot to help your cause for food exploration.

North-Eastern Cuisine

Thotrin Cafe
Don’t judge a book by its cover is the perfect adage for this eatery. Thotrin Cafe in Kalina is your go-to for authentic North Eastern cuisine in Mumbai. Despite its small size, it serves delicious dishes with spices and herbs from Manipur and Nagaland, perfect for anyone who loves spicy food or wants a comforting chicken noodle soup. With a special focus on authentic ingredients and home-style cooking, savouring an authentic North-eastern meal doesn't get better than this.

North-Indian Cuisine

Taftoon
Taftoon celebrates the flavours of the Grand Trunk Road, offering authentic recipes with a modern twist. From rich soups to Indian-infused cocktails, Taftoon has something for everyone, making it a culinary journey through time. Spanning from the hilly regions of Kashmir to the lip-smacking delicacies of Punjab, you can be rest assured that you’ll get to sample the best of North Indian delicacies here.

PS: Check out our detailed review for Taftoon here.

Coastal Cuisine

Gajalee
Gajalee is renowned for its extensive menu of seafood dishes from the Maharashtra coast. Specialties include tandoori crab, prawns, and lobster, as well as the famous Bombay duck, served either as bombil fry or stuffed with prawns. Pair your enticing seafood platter with a refreshing glass of solkadhi and enjoy a summer afternoon lunch here sometime!

Mahesh Lunch Home
Mahesh Lunch Home is a must-visit for authentic Mangalorean seafood enthusiasts and for those who are trying to understand the nuances in seafood preparation across the coastal line. With four locations in Mumbai, it serves dishes like Surmai Curry, Prawns Tandoori, and Fried Kane, along with Thai and European options for a diverse dining experience.

South-Indian Cuisine

Avartana
Avartana offers a menu that lists out numerous innovative South Indian dishes prepared with a flair of global techniques. Featuring tasting menus with dishes like beetroot and curd cheese or chargrilled pork belly, Avartana provides a modern and playful dining experience for all those who visit and have an adventurous yet gastronomic meal time in mind. You can also check out our full review for the restaurant here before you actually head over!

The Tanjore Tiffin Room
If innovation is not the priority and you only wish to enjoy in the comfort of soulful South Indian cuisine (just the way amma prepares it) your best bet is to visit The Tanjore Tiffin Room. Their impeccable curries and diverse menu will redefine your understanding of South Indian cuisine.

Gujarati Cuisine

Tuskers, Sofitel
Tuskers at Sofitel offers a Rajasthani and Gujarati culinary experience with daily changing lunch thalis and dinner sets. The extensive a la carte menu features specialties like Dal Kachodi, Khichya, and Mutter Khasta Roll, complemented by an impressive bar. Choose to feast like a king with their thalis, or opt in to savour their lip-smacking chaats and starters, offered in their ala carte menu. Either way if Gujju food is on your mind then Tuskers needs to be on your Google Maps.

Maharashtrian Cuisine

Aaswad
Every Mumbaikar is awar of the not-so-hidden gem that Aaswad is. Famous for its misal pav, which was also titled ‘the world’s tastiest vegetarian dish’ in 2015, this eatery draws a crowd so large you will definitely require patience before you actually get to sit and eat. But despite the long queues, the wait is worth it for a taste of iconic Maharashtrian dishes, like kothimbir vadi, Maharashtrian thalis and other snacks.

Diva Maharashtracha
Diva Maharashtracha serves exquisite Maharashtrian cuisine alongside other regional dishes. Their Kothimbir Vadi is a must-try, making it the perfect place for a meal with authentic flavours and great cocktails.

While this is just the tip of the ice berg named Indian cuisine, we definitely urge you to begin your food adventures from here and wait for us to release a part two with more exciting prospects to add to your bucket list!