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Celebrating the spirit of Bombay

We are celebrating Bombay Foodie's 50th post with a dinner at Prithvi Cafe. Placed in the courtyard of Prithvi Theatre, this is not just another eatery. Prithvi cafe is an institution, serving its famous non-alcoholic Irish Coffee for eons. Every evening, the outdoor stone tables see a colorful variety of people. Well dressed yuppies, struggling artists, an occassional star : this is a place to sit, relax and gawk. Even the indifferent and callous service is a part of the setting.

The food at Prithvi cafe was never something to write home about. Not until last year. Then Prithvi went for a makeover. And what a change! Instead of coming up with their own menu, Prithvi Cafe went to look for the best street food of Bombay. The new menu at Prithvi is a journey through Bombay's culinary history, an ode to everything and everyone that makes Bombay food what it is today.

Let's start with the breakfast. Prithvi has bun maska (buns and butter) from South Bombay's irani cafes. And then a section on its menu that says "baida lao" - bring on the eggs. For your lunch or dinner, they have sandwiches from American Express Bakery and kebabs from Noor Mohammadi. There's khari biscuit for tea time, and Bombay's very own pao bhaji and vada pao. Chaats come from Sharma Chaat in Juhu.

To end it all, Bombay's much-loved desserts. Icecreams from Bohri Mulla, cakes from Brownie Point and choice selections from Mocha. This is street food and more, as never seen before.

Round it up with Irish Coffee, Prithvi's contribution to Bombay's culinary heritage. I'm glad it's one thing that has not changed.

Comments

Raaga said…
Congrats on your 50th post... am a first timer here and am browsing through many posts :-)
Srivalli said…
Simran, congrats on your milestone!..I know how much it takes to be dedicated to something...its wonderful that you celebrated it at Prithvi Cafe..I have heard so much abt this..yet didn't visit in my short visit to bombay!..the menu sounds so delicious...did you go on all times to enjoy each of them??
Anonymous said…
Thanks Raaga. It was fun writing all these posts.

Srivalli - Prithvi Cafe is a favorite weekend hangout, so yes I've been there many times and tried most of the menu.
I also like stopping by every time I go to watch a play at Prithvi theatre.
Trupti said…
Congratulations on your 50th Post
Shri said…
Congratulations simran!!Hope you enjoyed a lot writing these.All the best for making it 100 soon.
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on your 50th post!
And the menu of Prithvi Cafe sounds really nice ... wud want to visit ther the next time I am in Bombay/Mumbai :)
Uma said…
congrats on the 50th post! Great going!
Bharti said…
Congrats Simran!
What a good idea to have all of Bombay's specialties sin one place. I like the sound of the Bombay language (baida lao). Reminds me of AK in Rangeela!
bha said…
i read everything delicious you ate at Prithvi and I am all longing reading about it, dont knw when wud I taste those divine khari biscuits...and i love pav bhaji....now make me more jealous and tell me what did you go an watch there
Biswajit said…
Congrats! Didn't know Prithvi had a makeover. I bet the service is the same though. And i really really hope they didn't mess with their Irish Coffee....?
i envy envy envy u ..... u know i missssssssssss mumbai ... prithvi ... my first play there was class of 84... and then many more..
and congrats on ur 50th post...
achcha iam curious where do u stay in juhu
Anonymous said…
Thanks everyone for your wishes.

Bhags - I haven't been to a play in Prithvi for a few months. I think the last one I saw was Dauda Dauda Bhaaga Bhaaga Sa (adapted from Three Men and a Horse).

Biswajit - The service is still bad, and Irish coffee still as good.

Swati - I know the feeling. I've seen so many plays at other places and even Broadway doesn't match the cosiness of Prithvi. And I don't live in Juhu, I live further north in the suburbs.

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