Mumbai’s dining scene doesn’t end when dinner is over. From inventive Indian cuisine at Bombay Canteen to expertly crafted cocktails at Americano, here’s how I spent one unforgettable evening exploring two of the city’s best culinary destinations.
Bombay Canteen
Located in Lower Parel, Bombay Canteen has built a reputation for celebrating regional Indian ingredients and recipes in creative ways. What makes the experience special isn’t just the food, but the warmth and hospitality that comes with it.
During my visit on a Friday the team went above and beyond, taking the time to walk me through some of their signature dishes and letting me sample a selection of items from the menu. It felt less like a restaurant visit and more like being introduced to India’s diverse culinary landscape by friends.
What to drink at Bombay Canteen
The evening began with a whisky-based cocktail whose name, unfortunately, escaped me. Sitting somewhere between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, it leaned confidently spirit-forward but balanced enough to drink without an accompaniment.
Later, I ended the meal with Side Snack, a tangy vodka-based cocktail that provided a refreshing contrast after several rich and flavour-packed dishes. To finish, the team were kind to offer their dessert cocktails and I couldn’t resist – the Bakery Rum and an Espresso Martini, each showcasing the bar team’s attention to detail and balance. Bakery Rum had the taste of a black forest cake, so if you have a sweet tooth, perhaps this one’s for you.
My favorites were Side Snack for a refreshing start and the espresso martini which was akin to the taste of a South Indian filter coffee.
What to eat at Bombay Canteen
Surti Khawsa Maggi
If there was one dish that completely surprised me, it was the Surti Khawsa Maggi.
Seeing Maggi on the menu immediately caught my attention, but this was unlike anything I expected. Inspired by the Burmese-influenced Khawsa found in Surat, the dish transformed a popular instant noodle into something remarkably sophisticated.
The noodles were served in a fragrant coconut broth, layered with crispy peanuts, garlic and aromatic spices that added both texture and depth. Comforting yet complex, it was nostalgic without feeling gimmicky, and easily became one of the highlights of the evening.
Chicken Sheekh Roll
The Chicken Sheekh Roll was recommended by the team as the perfect starter, and it delivered exactly that. Juicy, smoky and packed with flavour, it was simple, satisfying and an excellent introduction to the meal.
Chilled Sea Bass Sev Puri
Perhaps the most elegant interpretation of Indian street food I tried that evening, the Chilled Sea Bass Sev Puri balanced delicate slices of sea bass with crisp textures and vibrant flavours. It was refreshing, beautifully presented and showcased Bombay Canteen’s ability to reinterpret familiar dishes without losing their identity. This was very similar to the Mango Burrata Papdi Chaat I had the day before at Bombay Sweet Shop. Turns out they are part of the brands and this sev puri was a spin off.
Throughout the evening, the team shared recommendations in Mumbai, and Jaipur, explained dishes and created an experience that felt authentically welcoming rather than rehearsed.
Americano
This was a recommendation from Bombay Canteen, and the waiting times without a reservation can be easily 45minutes to an hour long. The ambience was pretty similar to Bombay Canteen, loud with expats and locals.
As luck would have it, I arrived without a reservation—a gamble in Mumbai, where tables at Americano can easily come with a 45-minute to one-hour wait during peak hours. I was told to wait 30 minutes and I decided I will have a coffee at 7.30PM at Nandan Coffee which was a 10 minute walk away.
The moment I stepped inside, it was easy to see why the restaurant has become one of Mumbai’s most sought-after dining destinations. It was vibrant with locals and expats alike.
Staying true to its name, Americano leans towards Western-inspired flavours, with a focused cocktail menu featuring around 16 signature creations.
I had originally planned to order a classic Whisky Sour, but the bartender recommended the Horniman Sour instead.
While recognisably inspired by a traditional Whisky Sour, the Horniman Sour brought brighter citrus notes alongside a subtle warmth from fresh ginger. The result was refreshing, balanced and just different enough to justify stepping away from the classic.
Unfortunately, my visit lasted only about 30 minutes before I had to leave for an appointment in Bandra.
It was just enough time to enjoy a cocktail and soak in the atmosphere. Watching dishes pass by neighbouring tables only made me more curious, particularly the pizzas and the house tiramisu—both of which came highly recommended.
Sometimes, leaving a little hungry is the best reason to return. Despite the brief visit, it would be a place for polished meals and cocktails with friends or just a late night spot at Kala Ghoda.
Next time, I’ll be staying much longer—and ordering the pizzas and tiramisu.
Final Verdict
Whether you’re visiting Mumbai for the first time or searching for one of the city’s most memorable dining experiences, Bombay Canteen definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. If you have happen to be at Kala Ghoda and want to spend an evening with a cocktail, Americano is the place.