| Bombay, or Mumbai as it is now known, is a city on the west coast of India, in the state of Maharashtra, and is the largest city in India and second largest in the world. Although the true capital of India is New Delhi, Bombay is the financial, commercial and entertainment centre of the country. In spite of the name changes, many references to the old name persist, particularly in some of the established organizations and clubs, in the Old Bombay city and in much of the cuisine terminology, most famously in the perennial western favorite, Bombay Duck. The variety and quality of Bombay restaurants are very high, as would be expected from one of the world's major cities.
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Bombay has a long history as a natural port and trading centre. Occupying a key position in the spice trade routes of old, the city built up a reputation for fine food and produce, both for export and domestically. Today, Bombay is a booming metropolis and as such has a more cosmopolitan feel than many Indian cities as a result of people from all over the country come to settle and work in the city. As an international financial centre, many people from overseas have come to regard the city as home too and many more travelers visit for extended periods, either on holiday or to conduct business.
Contemporary international influences have seen a rise in the number of international restaurants which serve a wide variety of world foods. The traditional Indian dishes themselves have been influenced throughout the years, from the colonial times of the Portuguese and British to the Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Mughal culinary styles and flavors. All brought together, the availability of excellent dining options in Bombay make the city a gastronomic delight and Bombay is widely regarded as one of the world's great culinary centers.
There can be few world cuisines more written about, discussed or loved than Indian cuisine and within the country each region has its own specialities, basic ingredients and styles of cooking which have been perfected over generations. What is great about Bombay to lovers of Indian cuisine is that as the largest city in the country, not only are local regional dishes available but a selection of the best dishes from all over India can be readily sampled too. If a taste of India is the objective then Bombay is the solution.
The cuisine of North India and South India differs considerably, most notably in the use of wheat bread in the north and rice in the south as a basis for many dishes. Bombay is situated on the border between north and south and therefore enjoys the best of both regional styles. The northern styles of rich but not too spicy food, influenced by Mughal tastes and the surrounding Maharashtra and Gujarat regions are popular in the city but the spicy soups and stews of the southern culinary styles are just as readily available.
North Indian tandooris, Goan Vindaloo, parsi dhansak, muslim kebabs, and Mangalorean seafood are all available in Bombay restaurants and there is no excuse for not indulging in all the best cuisine the country has to offer during any stay in the city.
Popular local specialities available in the best Bombay restaurants include Dhan Sak, a dish of mutton, lentils and vegetables, which is a favorite for celebrations and family meals, and Khicheri, a plain rice and lentil dish. Bombay is an island and enjoys a rich seafood catch, utilized in some of its most famous dishes which include Min Vela Curry, a mix of pomfret, mullet, and mackerel with spices, coconut and tamarind, and of course Bombay Duck, which in spite of its name is a dried fish dish.
As with the rest of India, vegetarian dishes are available in abundance within Bombay restaurants and vegetables form an essential part of the staple diet of the population. Vegetarian Marathi platters, or thalis, are popular options and consist of dishes such as curries, rice, and sweets. The thali style of dining in Bombay is very common and provides a balanced meal of chapattis, pulses, vegetables, curd, rice, and salad with an additional sweet if desired.
Bombay has its fast food options too in keeping with the busy lifestyle demands of much of the population. A range of hot and spicy snacks such as Pav bhaji and Bhelpuri are on offer from street vendors and some Bombay restaurants. Coffee shops and tea stalls are also popular with residents and visitors alike.
Although no visitor to Bombay should leave without sampling the finest Indian cuisine, as a major international city, there are dining options to suit every taste and style, from the finest French and Italian restaurants to Thai and Chinese options. Multi-cuisine restaurants are available too, many of which form an integral part of the top hotels in Bombay. In these restaurants, diners can enjoy a whole selection of different world food options, often in an informal buffet style.
Dining in Bombay is definitely a social experience, perfect with a partner, with friends, with family, or with work colleagues, and the environments within Bombay restaurants form the ideal backdrop to a memorable dining experience. Whether for the ultimate in high end formal dining with the best in personal service, or for an informal business lunch or meeting with friends, there is the perfect Bombay restaurant for the purpose.
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