Cinematic Indian
Café
Tour: Iconic Spots to Visit

7 min read

Posted on 22/05/2024

Article

Cafés and Restaurants

Bollywood

Quick Summary

Ever dreamt of dining where your favourite Bollywood stars romanced or struck a deal? Well, you can stop dreaming because some of these iconic cafes and restaurants are waiting to be explored in real life! Get ready as we take you on an enriching journey through some of India's most renowned cafes and restaurants, all immortalised on the silver screen of Bollywood. From Mumbai's legendary Leopold Café to the heritage Coffee House in Kolkata, we're serving up a platter of cinematic history alongside mouth-watering food. Read on to find out more about these places, where reel life intertwines with real flavours!

Deep Dive

Indian cinema has a deep connection with cafes and restaurants, dating back to the '60s and '70s when 'café culture' was introduced. These places have been essential in Bollywood, witnessing love stories over chai, providing backdrops for dramatic scenes, and setting the ambience for crucial conversations. As a result, many cafes have become cult favourites due to their appearances in movies. Let's explore these legendary eateries!

A Taste of History at Leopold Café

Leopold Café, located in Colaba, Mumbai, is one of the most famous cafes in the city that gained mega-fame after starring in the movie 'Shantaram'. The café has been around since 1871 and is an iconic landmark in Mumbai, buzzing with energy.

Walk in and you'll be greeted by the aroma of their legendary Irani chai, frothy beer, and a variety of Continental, Chinese and Indian snacks, including their signature Leopold Chicken.

Legends and Literature at Indian Coffee House

Kolkata's Indian Coffee House is more than just a café, it's a cultural institution for the people of Bengal! This legendary chain, born in the 1940s, has become synonymous with artistic refuge.

Originally perched on College Street in Kolkata since 1942, this place has been a part of numerous movies including the popular "Detective Byomkesh Bakshi". It has also hosted the luminaries of Indian literature, philosophy and art who have fuelled their creative fires here including legends like Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen. Imagine sipping coffee where famous poets and writers once debated and dreamed!

Rustom’s Parsi Bhonu

Retro Vibes at Café Mondegar

Nestled on Colaba Causeway since 1932, Café Mondegar in Mumbai is a full-blown retro experience that has hosted several Bollywood movie scenes over the years.

Grab a seat here, order their classic pizzas or some drool-worthy nachos, and raise a glass of beer as you admire the walls adorned with murals by the iconic Indian artist Mario Miranda.

Revisit the Golden 50s at Mocambo Park Street

Kolkata's Park Street is known for its rich colonial history. But it's also home to a culinary time capsule — Mocambo Restaurant! Established in 1956, this gem has been featured in the movie 'Kahaani' starring Vidya Balan.

Mocambo's claim to fame goes beyond the silver screen though. It's considered one of Kolkata's oldest and finest restaurants and a true beacon of Continental cuisine in the city.

Irresistible Chai ki Chuski at Café Irani Chaii

Brewing magic for over 80 years, Cafe Irani Chaii in Hyderabad isn't just famous for its namesake Irani chai (a must-try!) and bun muska, but also for its brush with Bollywood fame in the movie 'Rockstar'.

And the magic doesn't end there. Café Irani Chaii tempts with crispy samosas that shatter with a satisfying crunch and their melt-in-your-mouth Mawa cake that keeps you coming back for more.

Suruchi Restaurant - A Vegetarian Delight

Ever wondered where Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma fuelled their fiery ambition (and maybe a little romance) in Band Baaja Baaraat? Look no further than Suruchi Restaurant in Karol Bagh!

You simply cannot miss their authentic vegetarian North Indian buffets and thalis. Suruchi's become a must-visit for Delhi's food enthusiasts, and after one visit, you'll understand why.

Breakfast with a View at Keventer's

If you thought Darjeeling was all about breath-taking sceneries, you might want to think again. It's also home to a café straight out of a Bollywood dream — Keventer's! This cosy spot stole the show in the Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra-starrer Barfi!

Nestled amidst the mountains, Keventer's offers a stunning panorama that'll leave you speechless. But don't let the views distract you from the deliciousness! Here, you can choose from a world of breakfast options from traditional English breakfast to their signature chicken or pork platter.

Legacy and Style in Every Bite - Khyber Restaurant

Mumbai's got a culinary gem that's been tantalising taste buds since 1958 — Khyber Restaurant! This legendary spot in Kala Ghoda is also a Bollywood hall of fame, having been featured in the movie Kala Patthar.

But the red carpet treatment doesn't stop there. Khyber's been serving up authentic North Indian cuisine for decades. You can dig into their melt-in-mouth kebabs, aromatic curries, and biryanis so flavourful they deserve a standing ovation.

A Foodie Pilgrimage Through Indian Cinema

All in all, Indian cinema's love affair with cafes and restaurants has turned everyday eateries into legendary hotspots. So, the next time you’re planning a visit to one of these cities, make sure to add these cafes and restaurants to your bucket list. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of your favourite Bollywood star while you’re there!

blurb

According to locals, the first Indian to receive a Nobel prize in Economics was a regular visitor to Kolkata Coffee House. You guessed it right! It was none other than Amartya Sen.

Café Mondegar in Mumbai was established by Parsi settlers who came from Iran in 1932.

Keventer's originated in Darjeeling as a getaway for Britishers seeking respite from the intense heat of mainland India.