Irani Canteen - By Thanawala (Thakur Village) — Restaurant in Mumbai

Step into a world of nostalgia and authentic flavors at Irani Canteen by Thanawala, a delightful new café opening in Thakur Village on 1st March 2025. Known for preserving the rich legacy of Irani and Parsi cuisine, this eatery seamlessly blends vintage charm with an irresistible menu, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Ambience – A Glimpse into the Past

The moment you enter, you are transported to an era of classic Irani cafés. The interiors exude old-world charm with checkered tablecloths, antique clocks, and wooden chairs, creating a warm and inviting space. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed Irani chai and buttered brun maska fills the air, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a quick chai break.

Menu – A Celebration of Irani & Parsi Delicacies

The thoughtfully curated menu offers a perfect balance of Irani café classics and Parsi specialties, ensuring a delightful experience for both those craving a hearty meal and those looking for a quick bite.

Breakfast Specials

Kickstart your day with the Bun Maska & Irani Chai, a simple yet satisfying combination. For something more indulgent, try the Akuri on Toast, featuring spicy, creamy scrambled eggs on crispy buttered toast. Meat lovers will relish the Keema Pav, bursting with rich, flavorful minced mutton.

Snacks & Quick Bites

The Chicken Puff and Veg Puff are perfectly flaky, while the Chicken Cutlet Pav is crisp, juicy, and packed with flavor. A true highlight is the Chicken Farcha, a spiced, fried chicken delicacy that pairs wonderfully with their signature chai.

Mains to Savor

For a wholesome meal, the Mutton Dhansak served with caramelized brown rice and kachumber salad is a must-try. The Berry Pulao, available with chicken or mutton, strikes a delicious balance between sweet and savory. Vegetarians will love the Veg Dhansak and Paneer Bhurji Pav, both offering comforting flavors.

Desserts & Beverages

End your meal on a sweet note with the silky Caramel Custard or the traditional Lagan Nu Custard. Pair them with Irani Chai or a refreshing Lemon Soda for the perfect finish.

Service & Overall Experience

The staff is warm, friendly, and well-versed with the menu, always happy to offer recommendations. Service is quick and efficient, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Final Verdict

Irani Canteen by Thanawala successfully brings the timeless charm of Irani and Parsi cuisine to Thakur Village. Whether you’re dropping in for a hearty breakfast, a comforting meal, or a simple chai break, this place guarantees authentic flavors and a heartwarming experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Highly Recommended!

Must-Try Dishes:

✔ Irani Chai & Bun Maska ✔ Akuri on Toast ✔ Chicken Farcha ✔ Mutton Dhansak ✔ Berry Pulao ✔ Caramel Custard

A perfect destination to relive timeless flavors and create...

First and foremost. The food we tasted was good. It was not disappointing. What was disappointing though was the hospitality. We visited this place twice. Once for dinner and the other time for evening chai. The waiter who served us at our dinner was polite and helpful, his name was Shahrukh. Nice chap. However, the ambience is such, you don't feel relaxed. I understand there is rush and all, but each and every customer who comes to the restaurant deserves his/her time to enjoy the food as they pay their hard earned money. Here, there is this constant rush from the waiters, boys (not their fault) who clean tables and provide water, and the man who list down the names of the customers. So, you feel that rush to finish food ASAP and leave the table for the other customer. This kills the mood to enjoy the food. During our dining experience, we got the table after the wait of 30 mins, we gave the order and my husband went to wash his hands. In no time, a helper boy came and picked up the glass and the water bottle he had placed like 5 mins ago. He was asked to do it from the man who takes down the names. I had to tell him that we just got the table and we yet to eat the food and we ate drinking the water. Then there was all how it was a misunderstanding and etcetera.

The other day, we had our irani chai, brun maska and ordered mawa cake. Then we decided to order chicken grilled sandwich. When we were placing the order, he said it will take 25 mins and I asked him so should we not order and I think unless and until the customer doesn't ask "kya jaldi mil sakta hain", this sentence is not needed. Also they have very well mentioned on their menu card that they will take 20-25 mins to serve us better, then why bother mentioning?

And then the same old, helper boys rounding the table to pick the dishes as fast as they can. Its annoying and irritating. And as I mentioned earlier, you cannot enjoy the food without being judged or nudged.

I hope they work on their hospitality. It will be a much better experience. Waiting is not a problem but then it should be a pleasant experience as again we pay our hard earned money for it.

Must haves Irani chai Mawa cake Chicken Farcha Chicken grilled sandwich Salli Marghi with...

Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Thakur Village, Kandivali East, Irani Canteen by Thanawala & Co. brings the vintage charm of traditional Irani cafés to Mumbai's suburbs. With its retro ambiance and a menu featuring classic Parsi and Irani delicacies, it aims to offer patrons a taste of nostalgia.

Ambience & Decor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The café exudes a rustic vibe reminiscent of old-world Irani establishments. From checkered tablecloths to antique wall hangings, every detail is curated to transport diners back in time. The cozy seating arrangements and ambient lighting make it a pleasant spot for casual gatherings.

Menu & Food Quality: ⭐⭐⭐ The menu boasts a variety of traditional dishes such as Bun Maska, Mutton Kheema Pav, Berry Pulao, Chicken Cutlet, and Coconut Cookies. While many patrons have appreciated the authenticity and taste of these offerings, there have been instances of inconsistency. For example, a reviewer mentioned that the cutlets served with Berry Pulao were spoiled, highlighting the need for better food preservation, especially during Mumbai's scorching summers.

Service: ⭐⭐

The service experience appears to be mixed. While some customers have praised staff members, for their helpfulness and courteousness, others have reported issues.

Pricing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

With an average cost of ₹350 for two people, the café offers value for money. Considering the portion sizes and the uniqueness of the dishes, it caters well to those seeking an affordable yet distinctive dining experience.

Location & Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Situated at Shop 17-20, Gokul Horizon B, Jivala Pada, Thakur Village, Evershine Road, Kandivali East, the café is easily accessible and open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM . Its proximity to residential areas makes it a convenient spot for locals.

Final Verdict:

Irani Canteen by Thanawala & Co. offers a delightful ambiance that captures the essence of traditional Irani cafés. While the menu features a range of authentic dishes that have garnered appreciation, inconsistencies in food quality and service need to be addressed to enhance the overall dining experience. For those in Kandivali East seeking a nostalgic culinary journey, it's worth a visit, keeping in mind the areas that require...