Mumbai: Kid-Friendly Lunch Places

Mumbai is the culinary capital of India for sure but like in many developing nations, you have to be a little cautious about where you eat, ensuring that the hygiene and safety standards are up to the mark. You will have no problem at any of the many five-star hotels across the city that offer everything from Thai to Italian to Polynesian and of course, Indian, but let’s face it, that does tend to burn a bit of a whole in the pocket. Plus, you don’t get to really experience the city that way. Here are our picks for some casual places to take the bubs with kid-friendly features:

Le Pain Quotidien (LPQ):

A Belgian chain that has made its debut in Mumbai, right off Apollo Bunder in Colaba. For the Francophiles amongst you or those who simply enjoy a well-brewed cappuccino and an open-faced tartine, this is a great choice. LPQ has quickly become a favorite brunch destination but it is quite small so avoid peak time (weekend brunch) or expect a bit of a wait. Communal tables monopolize the central part of the space so get ready to knock elbows with South Bombay’s hipsters, or wait for your own table.They have high chairs but no kid’s menu. Karam had the lasagne the last time we were there and I daresay it was the most delicious thing on the table. They also do a great range of desserts as a reward for well-behaved kids (and adults!).

Soam:

I don’t send people here because this place is something to write about. I recommend it because it is a clean and well-appointed restaurant to sample some of the best in local, vegetarian food. A large portion of the menu is items from the neighboring state of Gujarat but they also offer some great Mumbai street foods (not off the streets, hence, the recommendation) and popular dosas (originally from the South). The kids will enjoy paper dosas which come out as big as 2 feet long and is basically a crusty rice crepe. No high chairs.

Copper Chimney, Worli

If you are looking to sample authentic North-Indian and Mughlai cuisine, the butter chicken and naans and roomali rotis (literally “handkerchief” because of its softness) that you have heard about, this is the place to go. There are other locations but the one at Worli is the best. This food is NOT for the faint-hearted not so much because of the spice factor but because of its creamy richness. If your kids have an adventurous palate, go wild with the menu or the extensive buffet, if not, they will manage with a reshmi kebab (chicken marinated in cream cheese and grilled to perfection), rice and yogurt. The atmosphere is warm and pleasant and the smell of fresh spices will linger with you for days (as proof that you went to India). Not exactly budget dining but a reasonable price point given the quality of the food.

California Pizza Kitchen:

For those of you longing a good slice of pie or who cannot navigate the local food, head over to California Pizza Kitchen, always a safe bet with the kids. You can find one in Bandra and one on High Street Phoenix, just next to Hamley’s (you see why this is a popular choice?). Pizzas, pastas, salads, some with an Indian twist.

Moshés, Cuffe Parade:

Located in an old Bungalow in South Bombay’s prestigious Cuffe Parade neighborhood, Moshés offers a Mediterranean (ish) menu, with small plates for the family to share and a great wine list. What makes it great for kids? It has an outdoor patio which means that the kids can stretch out a bit, one of the few places with such a luxury in densely packed Mumbai.

China Garden, Kemps Corner:

You may or may not know that “Indian Chinese” is its own cuisine in India, blending the best of the flavors of India and its neighboring China. Eateries all over the world have been trying to replicate the taste of “Indian Chinese” to appeal to the Indian diaspora in those countries, but with no success. Therefore, in Mumbai, you must stop in at China Garden, a Mumbai institution at Kemps Corner and sample such favorites such as the sweet corn chicken soup, the fried wantons and the delectable chocolate mousse.

Don’t forget to try a gourmet and kid-friendly brunch at Blue Frog. And finally, even if you are not going to get this adventurous, at least watch this fun video of what Mumbai Street Food really looks like: