Soon Mumbai will taste its first (beef-free) Burger King Whopper. Like others that went before it, the international quick service restaurant chain will feed the city’s curiosity, and perhaps succeed in doing brisk business. But as anyone who has lived in the city, or had a vada pav or three on its streets will tell you, Mumbai — despite its flirtations with global favourites — will never lose its local flavour. Grilled corn-on-the-cob in season, bhel all year round, pani puri by the dozens and kebabs that send smoke signals to hungry customers at sundown will continue to rule the maximum city.
Along its beaches like Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu, or at the khau galis — lanes in different parts of the city lined with food stalls of every kind — lovers and friends, families and weary office-goers will tuck into plates of cheap, filling familiarity. Elsewhere, the sound of laughter and the wafting smells of Mughlai food will fill Mohammed Ali Road long after the streetlights flicker to life. At eateries like Noor Mohammadi, Hindusthan Hotel and Sarvi Seekh Kebab, it will be business as usual as regular patrons and tourists queue up for yet another helping of biryani , rounding off the meal with phirni and fruit salad. Come Ramzan, the atmosphere will be even more electric... All you need to savour the city’s many delights is a cast-iron stomach.
Photo: Paul Noronha