Mumbai, the bustling metropolis on the western coast of India, is known for its vibrant street food scene and diverse culinary offerings. One dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of Mumbaikars is Keema Pao. This delectable combination of spiced minced meat and soft bread rolls, known as pao, has become a beloved street food staple in the city.
Keema Pao traces its origins to the culinary traditions of the Irani and Parsi communities in Mumbai. The dish gained popularity as a hearty and affordable meal option, often enjoyed for breakfast or as an evening snack. Over the years, Keema Pao has evolved to include a range of variations, incorporating different spices, meats, and accompaniments.
In this article, we will explore ten places in Mumbai that are renowned for serving the best Keema Pao, tantalizing the taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
10 Places Known for the Best Keema Pao in Mumbai
- Hotel Grant House:
Hotel Grant House, a 67-year-old Fort lunch home, is known for its secret recipe of Keema Pao. The kheema, slow-cooked in a copper handi, arrives on your table within minutes, enticing you with its flavors. With a mix of Maharashtrian and Andhra fare, this establishment offers a delightful culinary experience.
- Cuisine: North Indian, Malwani, Seafood
- Types offered: Bheja Fry, Sol Kadi, Seafood, Caramel Custard, Biryani, Chicken
- 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: INR 600
- Cafe Military:
Cafe Military, an iconic Irani eatery, serves a plate of Keema Pao with just the right balance of spices. The flavor of the mutton dominates the dish, complemented by two unbuttered pavs, sliced onions, and lime wedges. While it is recommended as a snack rather than a whole meal, the Keema Pao here is a must-try.
- Cuisine: Parsi, Fast Food
- Types offered: Boneless Mutton Biriyani, Chicken Salli, Kheema Fry, Kheema Ghotala, Raspberry Soda, Salli Boti
- Timings: Monday-Saturday: 8:30am – 9:30pm; Sunday: Closed
- Location: Alli Chambers, Nagindas Master Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: INR 500
- Sindhful:
Sindhful specializes in Sindhi cuisine and prepares a gravy-rich mutton Keema Pao that is flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and coriander. The mince is infused with whole spices and chili, creating a delightful and aromatic dish. Sindhful offers a unique twist by pairing the Keema Pao with rice, providing an alternative to the traditional bread rolls.
- Cuisine: Sindhi, North Indian, Chinese
- Types offered: Sindhi Mutton Curry, Potato Cutlets, Arbi Tuk, Mutton Keema Pav, Sai Bhaji, Sindhi Kadi
- 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: INR 300
- Cafe Excelsior:
Cafe Excelsior, a cozy Irani café in Fort, is known for its prompt service and delicious Keema Pao. Here, the mutton mince is flavored with coriander, curry leaves, and green chilies. Unlike other eateries, Cafe Excelsior serves the Keema Pao with house-baked bread, adding a unique touch to this classic dish.
- Cuisine: Parsi, Fast Food
- Types offered: Mutton Cutlet Gravy, Mutton Pattice, Sali Boti, Chicken Dhansak, Mutton Dhansak, Bread Pudding
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 9am – 8:30pm
- Location: Kitab Mahal, 23, AK Nayak Marg, opp. Excelsior Cinema, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: INR 800
- Social:
Although known for its bar offerings, Social surprises visitors with its delectable Keema Pao. Served with buttered pavs, the Keema Pao here is rich in flavors from the whole spices used in the preparation. The tender pavs perfectly complement the flavorful kheema, creating a memorable culinary experience.
- Cuisine: North Indian, Chinese
- Types offered: Mushroom Samosa, Achmeds Mezze Platter, Taco Soup, Crispy Potato Skin, Chicken Paratha, Oreo Mud Pot
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 9am – 1:30am
- Location: B K Boman Behram Marg Shop 24, Ground Floor, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
- Cost for two: INR 1700
- Prithvi Café:
Located within the city’s beloved theater venues, Prithvi Café is famous for its well-priced snacks. Their Keema Pao is generously portioned and packs a punch with its spiciness and richness. This preparation is not for the faint of heart, offering a flavorful experience for those who appreciate bold flavors.
- Cuisine: North Indian, Fast Food
- Types offered: Apple CinnaMonday Muffin, Mix Paratha, Amritsari Masala Kulcha, Plain Croissant, Irish Shake, Chocolate Chip Waffle
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 10:30am – 10:30pm
- Location: 20, Janki Kutir Apartment, Alongside Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Mumbai 400049
- Cost for two: INR 600
- Kyani & Co:
Kyani & Co. caters to various palates by offering a milder version of Keema Pao. The mince is marinated with ginger-garlic paste, onions, tomatoes, and curd before being fried and served. This creates a flavorful yet less spicy Keema Pao, making it suitable for those who prefer milder tastes.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food
- Types offered: Chicken Cheese Bhurji, Chicken Sali Boti, Chicken Irani Kebab, Rum Ball, Chicken Salami Sandwich, Raspberry Drink
- 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: INR 300
- Koolar & Co:
Koolar & Co., an iconic Matunga Irani café, boasts the most popular and sought-after Keema Pao in its menu. The demand for this dish starts early in the morning, with customers flocking to taste its flavors. Koolar & Co. takes pride in serving a Keema Pao that is notably low on grease and oil, catering to health-conscious individuals.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food, Iranian & Parsi
- Types offered: Brun Maska, Chicken Omelette, Caramel Pudding, Chicken Puff, Mutton Kheema, Sunny Side
- Timings: Monday-Saturday: 7am – 11pm; Sunday: 6am – 11pm
- Location: 541, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai 400019
- Cost for two: INR 400
- Stadium:
Stadium, a quaint Irani café located near Churchgate Station, serves a fiery mutton Keema Pao that provides a slow burn at the back of the throat. For those who prefer a milder option, Stadium offers the ghotala version of Keema, which includes scrambled eggs. Both variations are accompanied by soft and thick pavs.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food, North Indian & Chinese
- Types offered: Chicken Omelette, Brun Maska, Kheema Pao, Mawa Cake, Mutton Kheema, Keema
- Timings: Monday-Sunday, 8am – 11pm
- Location: Railway Station, Stadium, 76, Veer Nariman Road, near Churchgate, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020
- Cost for two: INR 500
- Pack-a-Pav:
Pack-a-Pav, a chain of sandwich shops, presents a unique take on the traditional Keema Pao. The coarsely ground and minced meat is slathered with chili garlic sauce, basil, and hung curd between the pavs. With a hint of whole spices and a final garnish of caramelized onions, Pack-a-Pav takes Keema Pao to another level.
- Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food & North Indian
- Types offered: Shammi Pav, Irani Chicken Pav, Herb Chicken, Mushroom, Butter Chicken, Snacks
- Timings: Monday-Tuesday: 12pm – 12am; Wednesday-Sunday: 11am – 3am
- Location: Pali Hill, Mumbai 400050
- Cost for two: INR 150
So, the next time you find yourself in the bustling streets of Mumbai, be sure to savor a plate of Keema Pao and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the city.