Kheema Pav is a versatile dish that resonates with the diversity of Indian cuisine. With countless regional variations, this humble dish is often underrated. The minced meat preparation incorporates common ingredients like onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of whole spices. The uniqueness emerges from the marinade, spice level, and meat quality, resulting in a delightful range of flavors.
Table of Content
1. Hotel Grant House
Hotel Grant House, a 67-year-old Fort lunch home, takes pride in its Kheema Pav, served alongside Maharashtrian and Andhra fare. The kheema is slow-cooked in a copper handi, arriving at your table within minutes. Its remarkable taste is attributed to a closely guarded secret recipe that has intrigued patrons for decades.
- Cuisine: North Indian, Malwani, Seafood
- Timings: Monday-Saturday: 7am – 11pm; Sunday: Closed
- Location: Police station, next to Haj House, near MRA Marg, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: Rs. 600
Noteworthy: Experience the mysterious allure of Hotel Grant House’s secret Kheema Pav recipe, a true culinary gem.
2. Cafe Military
Cafe Military, an Irani eatery, offers Kheema Pav with an emphasis on the mutton’s flavor. Served with unbuttered pavs, sliced onions, and lime wedges, this moderately portioned delight is a snack rather than a full meal.
- Cuisine: Parsi, Fast Food
- Timings: Monday-Saturday: 8:30am – 9:30pm; Sunday: Closed
- Location: Alli Chambers, Nagindas Master Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: Rs. 500
Insider Tip: Savor the dominant mutton flavor in Cafe Military’s Kheema Pav, designed for a delightful snack experience.
3. Sindhful
Sindhful, specialists in Sindhi cuisine, presents a gravy-rich mutton Kheema Pav flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and coriander. Infused with whole spices and chili, this aromatic dish pairs well not only with pav but also with rice.
- Cuisine: Sindhi, North Indian, Chinese
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 11am – 11:30pm
- Location: Haji Mansion, Shop no.6, Same Lane As, 5th Road, Social, Khar West, Mumbai 400052
- Cost for two: Rs. 300
Try Something Unique: Experience the rich flavors of Sindhful’s Sindhi-style Kheema Pav, a departure from the traditional.
4. Cafe Excelsior
Cafe Excelsior, a cozy Irani cafe in Fort, offers prompt service and a distinctive touch to their Kheema Pav. The minced meat is pre-squeezed into the mutton mince, infusing it with coriander, curry leaves, and green chilies. Notably, house-baked bread replaces traditional pav.
- Cuisine: Parsi, Fast Food
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 9am – 8:30pm
- Location: Kitab Mahal, 23, AK Nayak Marg, opp. Excelsior Cinema, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: Rs. 800
Unique Twist: Indulge in the prompt and flavorful Kheema Pav at Cafe Excelsior, where house-baked bread takes center stage.
Social, a chain of bars, offers a unique take on Kheema Pav. Rich buttered pavs complement the aromatic whole spices in the Kheema, creating a harmonious blend. The tender pavs are ideal for sopping up every last bit of flavorful Kheema.
- Cuisine: North Indian, Chinese
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 9am – 1:30am
- Location: B K Boman Behram Marg Shop 24, Ground Floor, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: Rs. 1700
Unconventional Delight: Explore the unexpected delight of Kheema Pav at Social, where rich flavors meet aromatic spices.
6. Prithvi Café
Prithvi Café, nestled within beloved theater venues, offers a generous and high-spiced portion of Kheema Pav. A treat for spice enthusiasts, this preparation is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
- Cuisine: North Indian, Fast Food
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 10:30am – 10:30pm
- Location: 20, Janki Kutir Apartment, Alongside Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Mumbai 400049
- Cost for two: Rs. 600
Spice Lovers’ Haven: Prithvi Café’s spice-laden Kheema Pav promises a memorable taste experience.
7. Kyani & Co
Kyani & Co, a charming Irani café, offers a milder Kheema, catering to various palates. The marinated mince is fried and served, accompanied by ginger-garlic paste, onions, tomatoes, and curd.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 8am – 7pm
- Location: Jer Mahal Estate, 657, Jagannath Shankar Seth Road, opp. Metro Inox Theatre, Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines, Mumbai 400002
- Cost for two: Rs. 300
Balancing Act: Kyani & Co offers a milder Kheema to cater to diverse taste preferences.
8. Koolar & Co
Koolar & Co, a Matunga Irani café, offers a popular and wholesome Kheema Pav. Notably low on grease and oil, this dish is a crowd favorite even as early as 7am.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food, Iranian & Parsi
- Timings: Monday-Saturday: 7am – 11pm; Sunday: 6am – 11pm
- Location: 541, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai 400019
- Cost for two: Rs. 400
Morning Delight: Start your day with Koolar & Co’s satisfying and healthier version of Kheema Pav.
9. Stadium
Stadium, a quaint Irani café, offers a fiery mutton Kheema with a slow burn that lingers. Opt for the ghotala version for a creamier option with scrambled eggs, complemented by soft paves.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food, North Indian & Chinese
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 8am – 11pm
- Location: Railway Station, Stadium, 76, Veer Nariman Road, near Churchgate, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020
- Cost for two: Rs. 500
Heat Seekers’ Paradise: Stadium’s fiery Kheema offers a slow burn and a delightful creamier option.
10. Pack-a-Pav
Pack-a-Pav, a chain of sandwich shops, offers a unique version of Kheema Pav. Coarsely ground and minced meat is slathered in chili garlic sauce, basil, and hung curd between pavs. A hint of whole spices and caramelized onions elevate this dish to new heights.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food & North Indian
- Timings: Monday-Tuesday: 12pm – 12am; Wednesday-Sunday: 11am – 3am
- Location: Pali Hill, Mumbai 400050
- Cost for two: Rs. 150
Elevated Delicacy: Enjoy the creative twist in Pack-a-Pav’s Kheema Pav, featuring flavorful ingredients and unique preparation.
Conclusion:
Mumbai’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse flavors and traditions. Whether you’re craving the hearty comfort of Misal Pav or the savory delight of Kheema Pav, the city offers an array of eateries that cater to your palate. These iconic dishes reflect Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage and the fusion of regional cuisines that have made the city a gastronomic paradise. From the bustling streets to cozy cafes, each bite is a journey through the tastes and aromas of this dynamic metropolis.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. What is Misal Pav? Misal Pav is a popular Maharashtrian street food known for its spicy and savory flavors. It consists of a spicy red curry made from sprouted beans, garnished with farsan (a mixture of savory snacks), onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s typically served with pav, a type of bread roll.
2. Where can I find the best Misal Pav in Mumbai? Mumbai boasts numerous eateries serving delicious Misal Pav. Some well-known places include Aswad in Dadar, Vinay Health Home in Charni Road, Mamledar Misal in Thane, The House of Misal in Dadar, and Panshikar Mithai Kendra in Girgaon.
3. What is Kheema Pav? Kheema Pav is a flavorful minced meat preparation served with pav. The meat, usually mutton, is cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of whole spices. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item.
4. Where can I find the best Kheema Pav in Mumbai? For the best Kheema Pav in Mumbai, consider trying Hotel Grant House in Fort, Cafe Military for an Irani twist, Sindhful for a Sindhi-style experience, and Cafe Excelsior for a unique take. Other notable places include Social, Prithvi Café, Kyani & Co, and Koolar & Co.
5. Are these dishes suitable for vegetarians? Misal Pav is traditionally made with sprouted beans and does not contain meat, making it suitable for vegetarians. However, Kheema Pav is a non-vegetarian dish made with minced meat, typically mutton.
6. What are the timings of these eateries? The timings of these eateries may vary. It’s recommended to check their specific timings on their websites or contact them directly to get the most accurate information.
7. Are these eateries budget-friendly? Yes, most of these eateries are known for offering budget-friendly options. The cost for two people can vary, but they generally provide value for money considering the quality and quantity of the food.
8. Can I find variations of these dishes in other Indian cities? Yes, you can find variations of Misal Pav and Kheema Pav in other cities as well. However, each region might have its unique twist on these dishes, influenced by local ingredients and culinary traditions.
