Nur Cafe – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Kala Ghoda Nur was born from a heartfelt desire to bring slow-cooked, nourishing food to a fast-paced world. The name Nur, meaning "spiritual light" in Urdu, perfectly reflects what this quaint little spot in Kala Ghoda stands for – food that’s not just delicious, but made with love, care, and tradition.
At Nur, you’ll find food cooked the old-school way – in ghee, inspired by traditional household recipes from Awadh and Lucknow, where the founder's father and their family of chefs have deep culinary roots. The dishes here don’t just feed the stomach, they warm the soul.
Ambience
Walking into Nur is like stepping into a charming memory from the '90s. The café is small but beautifully done, with aesthetic walls that reflect vintage charm. It truly feels like a hidden gem, perfect for those who appreciate both ambience and authenticity.
What We Tried – And Loved! Kebab Pao Our meal started with this delightful dish – kebabs stuffed in soft pao, paired with green chutney. A unique combination that hit all the right notes – juicy, spicy, and comforting.
Mutton Seekh Kebab Highly recommended by the chef – and rightly so. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It melt in the mouth, and honestly, one of the best in Mumbai.
Chicken Malai Badami Tikka Soft, creamy, and subtly nutty – a unique twist on classic malai tikka. This dish stood out for its balanced flavors and perfect texture.
Tandoori Butter Chicken An absolute star! Cooked to perfection in the tandoor, this butter chicken had a smoky richness that paired amazingly well with their soft parathas.
Mutton Dum Biryani The showstopper. Fragrant, perfectly spiced, and layered with love – this is the kind of biryani that’s hard to find in Mumbai. Each bite was deeply satisfying. It truly felt like ghar jaisa khana – homely, rich, and soulful.
Drinks & Dessert We washed it all down with:
Fresh Orange Juice – refreshing and nostalgic. Pallonji-style Soda – a blast from the past! Gud Ka Sharbat – a warm and earthy welcome drink that was unlike anything we’ve had before. Desserts:
Gud Wali Mithai – made in-house, with the sweetness of jaggery that just melts in the mouth. Pashtun Halwa (Made in Gud) – rich, sweet, and incredibly comforting. A rare find in the city. Service & Vibe The staff was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food. The owner himself guided us through the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations. You could feel the personal touch throughout the experience. Nur Cafe is more than just a restaurant – it’s a trip back to the roots of Indian cooking. From slow-cooked kebabs to ghee-laden biryani, every dish tells a story. The prices are reasonable, the service is warm, and the food – unforgettable.
⭐ Rating: 10/10 If you’re in Kala Ghoda, this is one spot you can’t...
Read more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Royal Culinary Experience in the Heart of Fort – Café Nur is a Must-Visit!
Opening on 12th June 2025, Café Nur is all set to bring a regal dining experience to the historic lanes of Fort — and after getting a sneak preview, I can confidently say this is going to be one of Mumbai’s most talked-about culinary destinations.
Even before you step inside, you’re welcomed by an art-filled alleyway — beautifully hand-painted shutters bring life to the quiet street, creating a picture-perfect prelude to what’s inside. It’s a walk through art, culture, and anticipation.
Step indoors and you’re instantly transported to another era. The interiors are a visual delight — with raw textured walls, stunning stained-glass arches, and vintage treasures like old radios, framed copperware, and bookshelf niches with retro TVs. Every corner feels like a curated journey through history — elegant yet soulful, minimal yet rich in character.
The food — where do I even begin?
We indulged in a full spread, and every single dish was crafted with authenticity, finesse, and bold flavours:
Mutton Rosh – A soup-like, aromatic gravy that’s comforting and full of depth. The mutton was slow-cooked and tender, making it the perfect warm-up to the meal.
Kebab Pav – A clever Bombay twist: spicy kebabs paired with soft pav that soaks up the juices beautifully.
Butter Chicken – Rich, creamy, mildly sweet with a smoky tandoori base — exactly how it should be.
Khamiri Roti – Soft, fluffy, and perfectly fermented — the ideal vessel for gravies.
Nur Special Mutton Biryani – Fragrant and layered with soft, flavourful mutton. The kind of biryani you remember long after it’s gone.
Mutton Seekh – Succulent, smokey, and packed with spice — one of the best I’ve had in the city.
Chicken Malai Tikka – Creamy, tender, and lightly charred — it melts in your mouth.
Badam Chicken Tikka – A true standout! Smooth, rich, and indulgent with a subtle almond undertone.
Pashtun Halwa – Ghee-loaded and luxurious — this dessert hits the mark with every spoonful.
A special shoutout to Mr. Rahil, the visionary behind Café Nur.
His passion for food and culture is evident in every detail — from the artistic exterior and royal interiors to the carefully curated dishes and personal warmth. He’s not just building a restaurant — he’s creating a legacy experience. And with his personal involvement, every guest feels like they’ve walked into a space built with heart.
If you’re looking for authentic North-West Frontier cuisine, soul-soothing interiors, and an unforgettable dining experience, mark your calendars for 12th June 2025 — Café Nur is not just opening, it’s arriving with purpose.
I know I’ll be back —...
Read moreOur recent visit to Nur Cafe was nothing short of shocking. We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, expecting tender chunks of chicken tikka, but instead, they served us shredded chicken — nothing close to what was promised.
The Nalli Barra was another disappointment. The meat was so tightly stuck to the bone that it seemed like the same bone was being reused.
Then came the Nur Special Mutton Biryani (₹885), which turned out to be the biggest letdown. It was served with just one piece of mutton. When we complained, the staff casually told us that this is their “standard” — only one piece of mutton in a mutton biryani priced at nearly ₹900. Even more absurd, the biryani had no masala at all; it was just plain white rice. Their explanation? “This is special biryani, so we add special masala.” When we pointed out that even mutton pulao has more flavor, they contradicted themselves and said, “It’s special, so we add less masala.”
After much argument, they brought another “piece” — which turned out to be just a bone. When it came time for the bill, the manager offered one small serving of kheer for four people as compensation and asked us to “forgive” them. He then contradicted their earlier statement again, claiming they serve three pieces of mutton in biryani.
This was highly disrespectful — expecting us to overlook being served one piece of mutton in a ₹885 biryani in exchange for a spoonful of kheer each. Even five-star hotels don’t serve such stingy portions at this price point.
Verdict: Overpriced, misleading, and outright disrespectful service. Absolutely not worth your...
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