21 November 2007
City by the Sea
PukkaLiving Guide to: MUMBAI
GET THERE
Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air or Qatar Airways
Only Turkish Airlines fly direct, three days a week; others make a stop first (at Dubai, Bahrain or Doha). Fares start from 520 Euro. Book online at thy.com or call reservations on +90.212.444 08 49 (Istanbul).
EAT
Indigo Deli
Located in South Mumbai, this deli-cum-restaurant serves great Indian/Western cuisine, and is a favourite of a fun crowd. Near Yacht Club and Regal Cinema; +91.226.655 10 10.
Olive Bar and Restaurant
Achingly hip and perfect for a trendy dinner, Olive offers innovative cooking-international food with an Indian twist. Every last Tuesday afternoon of the month they turn into a souk where hot accessories, fashion and homeware items are sold. 14 Union Park, Khar; +91.226.00 82 48.
Haji Ali Juice Shop
Try the produce of this wicked shop near an iconic mosque and you’ll never regret it. Juices are made from fruits with out-of-this-world sounding names like Chikoo, or Falooda (sweet milk, vermicelli, takmaria seeds, topped with ice cream). Near Haji Ali Dargah, Peddar Road, Cumbala Hill. +91-222.492 16 32.
Swati Snacks
Looking for a quick but authentic regional Indian food in a modern setting? This friendly shop offers everything from Dokla (steamed cakes) and Dahi Kachori (vegetable canapés) to Kachi Keri (a mango drink). 248 Karai Estate, Tardeo Road, opposite Bhatia Hospital. +91-222. 492 09 94.
SEE
Mumbai Bazaars
Crawford Market is where you can see anything and everything. You’ll find spices in Mirchi (‘chilly’ in Hindi) Market. Dagina Bazaar is a must for jewelry fans and a trip there can be combined with the nearby Mumba Devi Temple dedicated to the goddess of Mumbai on one end and Gateway to India on the other. Colaba in the south of Mumbai is where all the cafés and shops are, so you’ll want to be there. Try Chowpatty Beach for a nice stroll, and when tired, stop to sip a Mumbai-style sweet masala chai, full of cardamom, like all Mumbaikars do. For all this and other interesting custom-made trips in Mumbai, call Deepa at +91-98677 07414 or find her online at mumbaimagic.com.
SHOP
Curio Cottage
After eating at Indigo Deli, why not visit this curiosity shop nearby, selling fabulous semiprecious jewels a la Bollywood queen style? 19 Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, near Regal Cinema. +91-222.022 26 07.
Neemrana
Think of yourself as the re-incarnation of Nur Jahan, the Mogul empress in whose honour Taj Mahal was built, and dress the part with lovely kaftans and embroidered silk tunics at this pocket-size shop in old Opera House. No. 6 Purshotam Building, New Queen’s Road, Opera House. +91-222.361 44 36.
Kalaniketan
Beautiful silk fabrics and saris… What more can you ask for?
Fabindia
A perfect place to pick up some colourful and unusual Indian textiles, clothing and homewares, from pure-cotton kurtas (three-quarter length tops) and quilts in traditional Indian prints.
Manish Arora Fish Fry
The eccentric Indian fashion designer’s equally ‘unique’ shop. Not for the faint-hearted.
Forest Essentials
For that all important beauty shopping, head to Forest Essentials for their Ayurvedic lotions and potions. They supply to who’s who of the five-star hotels in India, so why should you miss? 12 Tirupati Apartments, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy. +91-223. 290 81 14.
SLEEP
Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel
For old style charm (and a room with a fab view of Gateway to India), nothing beats this big brother of Mumbai hotel scenery. Apollo Bunder. +91-226.665 33 66. tajhotels.com.
InterContinental Marine Drive
Despite the affiliation with the hotel chain, it’s a surprisingly small (60 rooms) and newly opened boutique hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and overlooking the Indian Ocean. 135 Marine Drive. +91-223.987 99 99. intercontinental.com.
Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air or Qatar Airways
Only Turkish Airlines fly direct, three days a week; others make a stop first (at Dubai, Bahrain or Doha). Fares start from 520 Euro. Book online at thy.com or call reservations on +90.212.444 08 49 (Istanbul).
EAT
Indigo Deli
Located in South Mumbai, this deli-cum-restaurant serves great Indian/Western cuisine, and is a favourite of a fun crowd. Near Yacht Club and Regal Cinema; +91.226.655 10 10.
Olive Bar and Restaurant
Achingly hip and perfect for a trendy dinner, Olive offers innovative cooking-international food with an Indian twist. Every last Tuesday afternoon of the month they turn into a souk where hot accessories, fashion and homeware items are sold. 14 Union Park, Khar; +91.226.00 82 48.
Haji Ali Juice Shop
Try the produce of this wicked shop near an iconic mosque and you’ll never regret it. Juices are made from fruits with out-of-this-world sounding names like Chikoo, or Falooda (sweet milk, vermicelli, takmaria seeds, topped with ice cream). Near Haji Ali Dargah, Peddar Road, Cumbala Hill. +91-222.492 16 32.
Swati Snacks
Looking for a quick but authentic regional Indian food in a modern setting? This friendly shop offers everything from Dokla (steamed cakes) and Dahi Kachori (vegetable canapés) to Kachi Keri (a mango drink). 248 Karai Estate, Tardeo Road, opposite Bhatia Hospital. +91-222. 492 09 94.
SEE
Mumbai Bazaars
Crawford Market is where you can see anything and everything. You’ll find spices in Mirchi (‘chilly’ in Hindi) Market. Dagina Bazaar is a must for jewelry fans and a trip there can be combined with the nearby Mumba Devi Temple dedicated to the goddess of Mumbai on one end and Gateway to India on the other. Colaba in the south of Mumbai is where all the cafés and shops are, so you’ll want to be there. Try Chowpatty Beach for a nice stroll, and when tired, stop to sip a Mumbai-style sweet masala chai, full of cardamom, like all Mumbaikars do. For all this and other interesting custom-made trips in Mumbai, call Deepa at +91-98677 07414 or find her online at mumbaimagic.com.
SHOP
Curio Cottage
After eating at Indigo Deli, why not visit this curiosity shop nearby, selling fabulous semiprecious jewels a la Bollywood queen style? 19 Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, near Regal Cinema. +91-222.022 26 07.
Neemrana
Think of yourself as the re-incarnation of Nur Jahan, the Mogul empress in whose honour Taj Mahal was built, and dress the part with lovely kaftans and embroidered silk tunics at this pocket-size shop in old Opera House. No. 6 Purshotam Building, New Queen’s Road, Opera House. +91-222.361 44 36.
Kalaniketan
Beautiful silk fabrics and saris… What more can you ask for?
Fabindia
A perfect place to pick up some colourful and unusual Indian textiles, clothing and homewares, from pure-cotton kurtas (three-quarter length tops) and quilts in traditional Indian prints.
Manish Arora Fish Fry
The eccentric Indian fashion designer’s equally ‘unique’ shop. Not for the faint-hearted.
Forest Essentials
For that all important beauty shopping, head to Forest Essentials for their Ayurvedic lotions and potions. They supply to who’s who of the five-star hotels in India, so why should you miss? 12 Tirupati Apartments, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy. +91-223. 290 81 14.
SLEEP
Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel
For old style charm (and a room with a fab view of Gateway to India), nothing beats this big brother of Mumbai hotel scenery. Apollo Bunder. +91-226.665 33 66. tajhotels.com.
InterContinental Marine Drive
Despite the affiliation with the hotel chain, it’s a surprisingly small (60 rooms) and newly opened boutique hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and overlooking the Indian Ocean. 135 Marine Drive. +91-223.987 99 99. intercontinental.com.
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