Bombay, Baby!

By Suchita S.

I love Bombay!

The sea {even though it isn’t particularly clean}, sea-link, the people and the hustle-bustle of life, the boutiques, the nightlife, the energy! Whether you’re in Juhu or Bandra, Colaba or Lower Parel, if it’s 7 in the morning or 4 at night, you’ll find someplace to go to. To quote my cabbie “Yahaan par koi nahi sota, bacchay bhi do-teen bajey tak kheltey hain!”. Bombay has its mix of people- our lovely ‘Emporio aunties’ find their counterpart in the Marwari luncheon ladies of South Bombay {I know it defies etiquette, but you’ve gotta listen to their conversations!}. DU folks are well represented by the eclectic crowd shopping at Colaba Causeway {an alternative to Janpath- great for budget friendly accessories}, and then there’s the Bandra lot- professional, hardworking fellows- a bit like Gurgaon perhaps? Generalizations aside, the best part about Bombay is you can fit-in anywhere! The pace of life here is too fast, too competitive for anyone to take notice of you. Everyone minds their own business, and everyone’s busy doing their own thing! And there’s a reason they call it the City that never sleeps….

My trips to Bombay would be incomplete without recommendations from my friend, Maneka Chotirmall. This hot-shot Marketer & Bombay resident always has a list of fantastic places for me to explore! From restaurants to stores, places with the best view to lounges and bars where you can hang out with friends, she’s always on the look-out for anything and everything exciting and new, and my visits are super fun thanks to her.

First things first |

Assuming you’re from Delhi, Bombay isn’t a “holiday” destination. It’s the best city to go to for a quick break from work-life in Delhi. But it’s as hectic as life here; there’s traffic {worse than Delhi’s, and everything is far far away!}, chaos, too many people, and far too many things to do, so make sure your trip is well-planned.

2-3 days is the duration I’d recommend for a trip to Mumbai, if you’re going for a break. 

If you’re there for work, have a look at the EAT & CHILL section- an overnight trip leaves you with barely any time to do anything.

Do not leave Bombay without dining/wine-ing at a place with a view of the sea. I’m a total water-baby {its a Picean thing}, a sucker for stunning scenery {who isn’t?!}, and with the Arabian sea melting into the horizon, the lights of the sea-link shining against its steel bars, and the streetlights along Marine Drive adorning it like a ‘Queen’s Necklace’ {quite literally, because that’s what it is called}, between Aer, Dome, Cafe by the Beach- you must make a stop somewhere just to see this beautiful city at night!

GOOD FOOD | 

Indigo Deli {Lower Parel & Colaba}: Indulge in their vast spread of coffee and tasty breakfasts, as well as dig into their selection of South Indian and Mediterranean food. Indigo Deli is everyone’s home and the servers are super friendly, extremely accommodating to your dietary needs, and allow you to play Monopoly Deal. 

When in South Mumbai, make sure to stop by Le Pain Quotien {fondly known as LPQ} for a quick bite of wholesome salads and sandwiches on homemade bread. The open spaces, wooden architecture and natural light in LPQ contribute to a relaxing atmosphere compared to the high-paced Mumbai lifestyle.  

Take pleasure in a glass of Red wine after a long day at The Table {Open for lunch and dinner}. The tapas styled restaurant offers Italian, French and Oriental foods which gives you choices depending on your appetite. The Yellowfin Tuna Tataki, and Warm Chevre Salad is simply divine and a must try.  

Trishna | For classic butter pepper garlic crabs and other Indian infused seafood.

Theobroma | Has the most amazing brownies 

Country of Origin | A patisserie on Nepean Sea Road offers high-quality teas, chocolates, freshly baked bread, desserts, and a wide range of dips to enjoy with vegetables or crackers. Their cakes take a new look served beautiful in a jar, a novel concept in Mumbai. 

Sugadaddy, an upcoming dessert bar on Hughes Road, serves high-quality frozen yogurt, fresh juices, and wholesome smoothies. It is the perfect place to get imaginative with your choices.  Sugadaddy allows you to decide how to indulge in their product. Do you want to be nice and top your frozen yogurt with fruits and nuts or be naughty with home-made Ferrero Rocher sauce Oreos, and Peanut Butter?

MUST TRY : Suzette  {nariman point, close to The Trident}~ Their classic French crepes and salad are superb. Owned by a French couple and their friend, this place is small and slightly hard to find. But when you dig into your savory crepe and sip on a glass of ice-cold iced tea, your days stress will melt away. Maneka took me here for dinner on my last trip, and I had such a good time! 

CHAI /COFFEE/SIT BACK & RELAX |

Located in bustling Churchgate, Tea Center is simple space offering their customers a large variety of teas.

Positioned in South Mumbai, Kitab Khanna serves the missing needs for book lovers with the assortment of English and Indian literature. Surrounded by books it is the perfect place to enjoy reading with a cup of Turkish Apple Tea or the unique Bhel Puri sandwich.

With numerous contemporary bistros emerging, Sea Lounge in the Taj Mahal hotel has stayed in the 90’s and is an ideal place to sip a cup of tea. Overlooking the ocean a tray of dainty English desserts such as scones and mini-muffins with jam is brought to your table simplifying your experience of high tea. 

MUST TRY: Pali Hill Cafe {pali hill}~ I had time to kill before I caught my plane, and I’m so glad I got a chance to check out this adorable cafe located in Pali Hill. Again, slightly hard to find {but that’s with all the good places, right} so keep your eyes and ears open. But this is worth all the scouting because the food and coffee is excellent. I devoured a walnut and apple muffin & a tall glass of cold coffee. The muffin was so good, I got a couple of them packed for home {my mom loves me more now. Seriously!}. Carry a book, go with a friend- but drop by Pali Hill Cafe. 

SHOP |

Ensemble: Indian couture with classic and contemporary designers. 

Bombay Electric {Colaba} is quaintly designed with a unique courtyard which carries an array of edgy designers from Manish Arora and Rajesh Pratap Singh. 

Tiffany Tiles {colaba}: Located in this tiny lane in Colaba, the signage for Tiffany Tiles is restricted to a small little board you’ll find dangling from the wall. Walk up a flight of stairs, open the doors to this quirky tile store and you’ll know why I call it a secret find. You’re probably thinking- Jeez, who goes to Bombay to buy tiles?!- but the workmanship they have on display will get you ‘oo-ing’ and ‘ah-ing’ like a 13 year old girl. Even my guy-friend was impressed with the collection on display. If you’re looking at something unique for your house, you’ve gotta drop by Tiffany Tiles!

Curio cottage & Aquamarine {colaba}: Ladies, this one’s for you. Affordable, quirky, sterling silver jewelry has two super-hot destinations- Curio Cottage and Aquamarine. Even though they’re touted as competitors, the designs they house are pretty different. Curio Cottage is more edgy & eclectic, while Aquamarine has classic & wearable designs. I’ve shopped at both the stores, and they’re a MUST DO if you’re in the mood for picking up some cute jewelry for yourself.  

CHILL |

If you’re planning a night out with friends, make sure one of your destinations includes a place with a fabulous view of the sea. Food, drinks, good friends, and the city of lights set beside the sea- I think that’s an evening well spent!

Dome  {Intercontinental Hotel}: Located on Marie drive, perched at the top overlooks the Queens Necklace. Dome, dressed in all white is perhaps the best place to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea while enjoying their distinguished Long Island Teas. 

Aer {Four Seasons}: Another classy roof top bar located at the Four Seasons in Lower Parel. Enjoy an early dinner with wholesome sushi and thin-crusted pizzas. At night Aer turns edgier when the French wine, Mojitos, and Martinis gets serving alongside the music of Avicii and Coldplay. 

Cafe by the Beach {Chowpatti}: So this is literally a cafe by the beach. I didn’t have time to see this at night, but I dropped by in the morning before a meeting. It’s the closest you’ll get to the sea, and I’d highly recommend you stop by this place during sunset. The view will take your breathe away!

{View of the sea from Cafe by the Beach}

{That’s Haji Ali Mosque in the distance. View from Aer, Four Seasons Hotel}

PARTY | 

Bombay is the ideal ‘Party City’- whatever your definition of partying is. From clubs to restaurants, long walks by the beach to a mid-night drive through the suburbs, you have plenty of options for everything. The clubs shut at around 2.30 am, and the city is super safe. So if you have a bunch of friends in Bombay, make it a good night by partying at China House {Grand Hyatt}, WTF in Khar {for a retro night out. Its super affordable}, Bonobo {they play a lot of electro/techno}, Elbo Room, Gadda Da Vida {Novotel Hotel- it’s right by the sea}.

Luckily enough, work takes me to Bombay pretty often and I make a point to see new places every time I’m there.  So stay tuned- because this destination will have regular updates. :)

If you have any questions, or would like to make any recommendations, drop me an email on suchita@littleblackbookdelhi.com. I’d love to check out your recommendations the next time I’m in Bombay! 

Happy traveling!!