Koolar & Co — Restaurant in Mumbai

Koolar & Co., nestled in the iconic King's Circle in Matunga, Mumbai, is more than just an Irani cafe; it's a living piece of Mumbai's culinary heritage. Stepping into Koolar & Co. is like stepping back in time, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city's rich past.

The ambiance is quintessential old-school Irani cafe. High ceilings, checkered tablecloths, wooden chairs, and the lingering aroma of freshly baked goods and Parsi spices create an atmosphere that is both charming and comforting. It's unpretentious, authentic, and filled with a warmth that only decades of serving the community can imbue. While not luxurious, its character is its greatest asset, drawing in a diverse crowd from college students to senior citizens who have frequented the place for generations.

Koolar & Co.'s menu is a delicious testament to Parsi cuisine, alongside classic Irani cafe staples. Their Bun Maska and Irani Chai are legendary, a perfect combination for a morning ritual or an evening snack. The Parsi Omelette and Akuri (scrambled eggs Parsi style) are flavorful and satisfying. For heartier meals, their Keema Pav is a crowd-pleaser, rich and well-spiced, and offers a unique savory experience. Don't forget to try their baked goods, especially the Mawa Cake – a dense, moist, and utterly delightful treat. The prices are incredibly reasonable, adding to its immense appeal.

Service is sometimes slow but it gives time to soak in the atmosphere , with a no-fuss attitude that is characteristic of these establishments. The staff are seasoned and adept at handling the constant flow of customers, often remembering regulars' preferences. While seating can be limited during peak hours, the quick turnover usually means the wait isn't too long.

Key Highlights:

Authentic Irani Cafe Experience: Step into a bygone era. Legendary Bun Maska & Irani Chai: A must-try combination. Delicious Parsi Cuisine: Excellent Akuri, Keema Pav Affordable Pricing: Great value for money. Nostalgic Ambiance: Full of character and history.

In conclusion, Koolar & Co. is a vibrant and essential part of Mumbai's food scene. It offers not just a meal, but a genuine cultural experience, making it a highly recommended visit for anyone wanting to taste the city's...

The worst experience ever had at a restaurant in Mumbai. We visited on a Sunday evening around 6pm, place was not busy, many empty seats were there. When entering itself we saw a man, probably the owner, with beard and a small pony sitting at a table and talking through the phone loudly. We sat at the table for good 6-7 mins, no one came to take order, so we went to the counter and ordered 2 bun/brun butter cheese, 2 lime sodas, a caramel custard. It took almost 15 mins for the lime to come and then another 20 for the rest, only after we enquired why it was taking long. The waiter showed no interest at any time. When the bun butter cheese arrived, it was not even heated that the cheese slice was unmelted and it just tasted of butter and not cheese. The food was not worth the wait. During the entire 40-45 mins we were there, the man I mentioned earlier was speaking at the top of the voice through phone or to some person sitting at the next table or to the one at the cash counter. He even started shouting many obscene and vulgar words over phone even when there were many customers there, including women. Then the guy at the counter too started shouting along with the other man, even though it was clearly written that ‘no loud talking’ in all caps in a pretty long list of ‘no’s behind the cash counter. It was a whole sordid affair and all we wanted to do was somehow go from the place. The owner and the staff there lacked basic hospitality and I believe, no manners as well, after witnessing the utterance of cuss words in front of people including schoolboys and elder ladies. Visited the place after hearing stories of it being an old thriving establishment. Never...

A visit to Irani Cafe-- The legendary Prithvi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor and Rajkapoor used to come to this Irani restaurant. Still some of the family members visit it occasionally. Koolar & Co. Is a legendary and well loved one Irani cafe on Kings Circle,Matunga, Mumbai. The restaurant started in 1934 and the present owner Mr. Aamir, the second generation is running it now. He is a nice guy with a lot of knowledge about Irani cuisine. The place is popular with film shoots and features in many cine films and ad films.Vaastav, Singham Returns and The Lunchbox are the famous ones that are shot here. I tasted the Irani bun maska which was an Iranian Specialty. The dish constitutes Bun slice sandwiching cheese and honey. Among the refreshments, Irani tea is a delight—it is black tea mixed with lemon squeeze.The cafe also serves a variety of egg based items including bhurjee and omlette, kheema pav and Maggi.

It's a typical Parsi food joint with similar interiors but the owner's love for cinema is evident in the posters of bollywood and hollywood movies on the walls

Every Irani café including this one has its own list of dos and don’t. The interesting one is " Do not Fart". Look at one of the attached pics. These quirky warnings are often a source of great amusement. An old clock, antique furniture, chequered tablecloth, dark paneled wooden showcases and interesting props take you straight to the retro era. Irani cafes provide a slice of life perspective when the world was operating at a much slower pace. A visit to one of these cafes is definitely worth it. Remember,the display...