Kyani & Co.

Kyani & Co. is one of Mumbai's last great Irani cafes, running since 1904 near Metro Cinema. Come for bun maska, Irani chai, keema pav, and caramel custard in a wood-and-marble room that hasn't changed in decades. Open roughly 7 AM to 8 PM, but go early; the good stuff sells out by evening.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What are Kyani & Co.'s hours?

It opens early, around 7:00 AM, and closes in the evening around 8:00 PM (some listings say up to 8:45 PM). Crucially, much of the food sells out by around 5 PM, so treat it as a morning and afternoon spot rather than a dinner destination.

Is it cash only?

Older Irani cafes often lean cash-first, so carry some rupees to be safe, though many now accept UPI. DRAFT — verify current payment options on arrival. Either way, the bill is small enough that cash is easy.

Does it get crowded?

It can fill up, especially at breakfast and weekend mornings, but the turnover is quick and it's rarely a long wait. Going early morning gets you a calmer room and the full menu before items run out.

What should I order?

Bun maska with Irani chai is the classic starting point. Regulars also rave about the keema pav, the mawa cakes, and the caramel custard. It's simple, old-school Parsi-Irani cafe fare, so keep it classic rather than chasing anything fancy.

Is it expensive?

Not at all, and that's part of the charm. Dishes like keema pav run around ₹75 and chai is pocket change. Two people can have a full, satisfying meal for a few hundred rupees. It's genuinely one of the best cheap eats in South Mumbai.

How old is Kyani & Co.?

It dates to 1904, making it well over a century old and one of the oldest surviving Irani cafes in Mumbai. The bentwood chairs, marble-top tables, and glass cabinets are part of the experience; you're eating inside a piece of living Bombay history.

Is it vegetarian-friendly?

There are vegetarian options like bun maska, brun maska, cakes, and custard, so vegetarians won't go hungry. That said, some of the signature dishes like keema are meat-based, so it's a mixed menu rather than a pure-veg cafe.

Where exactly is it?

It's on JSS Road (Jer Mahal Estate) opposite Metro Cinema, near Marine Lines. Marine Lines and Charni Road stations on the Western Line are both a short walk. It's easy to combine with a Crawford Market or Fort walk.

Nearby in Ask Mumbai

• Zaveri BazaarMarket0.32 km · 4 min walk
• Crawford MarketMarket0.63 km · 8 min walk
• Marine DriveAttraction0.77 km · 10 min walk
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusAttraction1.01 km · 13 min walk
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Heritage GalleryMuseum1.06 km · 13 min walk