Situated in the vibrant heart of Mumbai, The Bombay Canteen is renowned not only for its delectable dishes but also for honoring India’s rich culinary heritage. Since its inception in 2015, this restaurant has transformed the presentation of Indian cuisine, seamlessly merging nostalgia with innovation to provide an extraordinary dining experience. Recently, it was recognized as the Best Indian Restaurant in the country by The World Culinary Awards.
These awards are determined by a combination of public voting and expert nominations, highlighting the finest achievements in culinary arts. They celebrate everything from celebrated chefs and restaurants to groundbreaking food concepts and exceptional hospitality, showcasing the best culinary talent on a global scale.
The Bombay Canteen faced competition from notable establishments like Delhi’s Indian Accent, Olive Bar & Kitchen, and Plum by Bent Chair, as well as Bombay’s own Masque and Masala Library. Last year, Indian Accent was crowned the top winner.
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Founded by Chef Floyd Cardoz, Yash Bhanage, Sameer Seth, and Thomas Zacharias, The Bombay Canteen was created to honor India’s diverse regional flavors. The founding team was committed to presenting familiar Indian dishes with a modern twist, utilizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their ambition was to provide not just a meal, but a cultural experience with every dish, reflecting the traditions of home-style cooking from various Indian states.
From the beginning, The Bombay Canteen set itself apart by offering a menu that showcases the breadth of Indian culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of Kerala to the bustling streets of Punjab. Each dish, while rooted in tradition, is creatively reimagined to surprise and delight diners.
What distinguishes The Bombay Canteen is its dedication to using indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods in innovative ways. The restaurant’s ever-evolving menu celebrates India’s regional diversity, highlighting dishes inspired by local flavors, obscure recipes, and seasonal produce.
One of the restaurant’s standout offerings is the Desi Tacos, which substitutes the traditional taco shell with a Gujarati flatbread known as thepla, filled with an array of Indian-inspired toppings. Another favorite is the Keema Kaleji Toast, featuring spiced minced lamb and liver atop freshly toasted bread, blending comfort food with street-style essence. The restaurant also prioritizes lesser-known ingredients such as foraged greens from tribal areas, rare grains, and ancient vegetables, which enhance the authenticity of the menu.
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The Bombay Canteen’s commitment to seasonal ingredients is further illustrated through its “Canteen Calendar,” which features new dishes throughout the year, aligned with fresh, available produce. For instance, during the monsoon season, diners may encounter bhutta (corn) prominently featured, while summer dishes highlight the vibrant tastes of mangoes, kokum, and jackfruit.
In under a decade, The Bombay Canteen has emerged as a staple of Mumbai’s culinary landscape and a representation of India’s evolving food scene. Its focus on revitalizing traditional Indian cuisine and commitment to utilizing local, seasonal ingredients has garnered numerous awards and recognition, securing positions on prestigious global restaurant lists.
