The biggest cities have the best-kept secrets. Discover Mumbai through the insider spots that keep tradition alive and make it special.
CAFE MADRAS
In August 1950, Gopal Kamath bought Cafe Madras from a friend. The earliest menu was similar to what you can order today at this no-frills, wholesome, heritage eatery. Waiters have rattled off the “idli, vada, sada dosa, masala dosa, rava dosa, upma, rasam vada” litany for 70 years now. The recipe for panpoli, a dessert made out of bananas and jaggery, hasn’t changed since the restaurant’s inception, but in 1960, the Mysore sada dosa was a new addition.
In the ’70s, Matunga seemed almost entirely peopled by folk from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Mundus and pavadai (long skirts) were what most people wore. Today, if you walk past the colourful temples, catching snatches of the aroma of freshly ground coffee, into the hurly burly of Matunga’s famous flower market, echoes of the past remain. Within the vegetable market, fresh, seasonal produce is unloaded and displayed in tourist-brochure snapshots of colour. You will discover alien gourds and condiments beloved of the South Indian community.
But like the changing demographics of what was once called ‘mini Madras’, Cafe Madras has also had to change. Typically Tamil preparations were taken off the menu as the Tamil population declined. Deep-fried treats like banana bhajias were retired a decade ago, no doubt in resonance with the early morning walkers who stand patiently outside, calculating the number of satisfied customers leaving to estimate their wait. The promise of Cafe Madras’s kaapi makes it worthwhile. The clientele includes industrialists and movie stars. Everyone waits their turn.
DN ROAD USED BOOK SELLERS
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July/August 2018 من Harper's Bazaar India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July/August 2018 من Harper's Bazaar India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Unyielding And Unmatched
In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.
SEEN AND HEARD
Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.
THROUGH HER EYES
Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.
WEARABLE ART
Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.
AS LONG AS TIME
Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.
MILANO MAKEOVER
Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.