Different neighbourhoods in the city have their own share of great restaurants but Colaba seems to be going through its own little revival when it comes to eating out. Home to some of the best Mumbai has to offer, if you look closely the most common cuisine found here is Asian fare specifically Chinese. We've picked our favourites to suit every budget. These are our Top Chinese Restaurants in Colaba.
Kuai Kitchen
From the owners of Royal China comes Kuai Kitchen, A tiny spot that focuses more on its deliveries but is such a hit in the neighbourhood. Despite the small space, their bright walls and funky graffiti give it a perfect casual dining vibe. With just a handful of tables, there is no reservation system but folks in the area are happy to order in or wait patiently for a vacant table.
Our Recommendations - Gin Chicken, Prawn and Chive Dumplings, Mushroom Pot Rice and the Kuai Special Mixed Vegetables.
Address - 16/A Cusrow Baug, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba
Ling's Pavilion
Despite the new breed of restaurants constantly cropping up, Ling's Pavilion has managed to retain its unofficial crown with patrons swearing by their meals here. For many, it is considered one of the very best Chinese restaurants in the city and is one of those old-school restaurants that is packed through the week. If you're a new diner here then the staff are happy to help with recommendations but you can always ask Baba Ling, the jovial owner who sits by the door for some special off the menu secrets.
Our Recommendations - Spare ribs, Pan Fried Noodles, Mongolian Chicken, Pork Balls With Sticky Rice and Chilli Garlic Chicken.
Address - 19/21 Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Behind Regal Cinema, Colaba
All Stir Fry
Gordon House is a small boutique hotel that has had many restaurants come and go but its claim to fame is their Asian restaurant All Stir Fry. While the menu lists ample choices the star attraction here is their Make Your Own Wok, where you customize your bowl with your choice of meats, veggies and sauce along with either rice or noodles and have them cook it up for you. What makes it unique is that unlike other restaurants, you have to physically fill up your bowl with the ingredients all laid out, tell the chef which sauce and condiments you'd like and wait for him to cook it up before you can go back to your table. DIY at its best. You can also have as many refills as you like for one standard price making it a hearty value for money meal.
Our Recommendations - The DIY Wok
Address - The Gordon House Hotel, 5 Battery Street, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
JIA - The Oriental Kitchen
Not entirely a Chinese restaurant but one that accommodates various Asian dishes with a strong emphasis on Chinese, JIA is the more refined fine dine, sibling of the ever so popular Royal China ( Royal China doesn't make this list purely because of its location, while it is close by, it isn't Colaba. JIA is two floors of seating that is packed to the gills on the weekend and most weekdays. Make no mistake dining here might very well burn a hole in your pocket but it's worth it for an extravagant celebratory meal.
Our Recommendations - Jia's Special Sushi Roll, Lobster Prawn Dumplings, Soft Shell Crab and the Baked Chilean Sea Bass.
Address - 2 Dhanraj Mahal, C S Marg, Colaba
Lemon Leaf
Again not a traditional Chinese restaurant but one with a focus on a mix of Asian cuisines, but Lemon Leaf is an extremely popular restaurant in the heart of Colaba. Attracting patrons from the neighbourhood with their affordable pricing and cosy ambience, it has morphed into a comfortable spot for a meal out with the family. The section downstairs has a small bar and lounge area which attracts a lot of couples but it's also houseful on the weekends and specifically for Sunday lunch. Sushi, curries, rice bowls, noodles and plenty of dim sums found on this menu along with some interesting dishes like a Pilipino Adobo, Sri Lankan fish curries or even their own signature ice creams that in flavours like pumpkin and beetroot!
Our Recommendations - Crispy Pepper Lotus Root, Chicken Sisig, Som Tham Salad, Prawn Hargau.
Address - 4 Mandlik Road, Behind Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba.
Golden Dragon
This restaurant at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is possibly the first restaurant that comes to mind when you think of Chinese cuisine. Golden Dragon with its bountiful menu of Chinese dishes has been delighting its diners for years since it first opened in 1973. It is the ideal spot for a fine dining experience with dishes like Golden Fried Prawns, Soft Shell Crab or Crispy Chili Tofu. The real highlight and one that gets sold out quickly is their special Sunday Brunch menu which is an all you can eat dim sum menu.
Our Recommendations - All their Dim sum, Crispy Aromatic Duck
Address - The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
