Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Bagdadi: Colaba's Century-Old Eatery Impresses All
Bagdadi is a very old restaurant in Colaba, South Bombay.
It was started by Banne Sukhe in the late 1890s to serve workers building famous landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace.
Over the years, it has served many famous people, including actors and cricketers.
The restaurant is known for its big portions and reasonable prices.
It offers dishes like shami kebab pav, mutton nihari, and dal fry.
The restaurant has a simple, old-fashioned look with wooden benches and a big menu board.
Today, it serves a mix of students, tourists, and long-time patrons.
The owners, Atique and Saud Ahmed, aim to keep the restaurant's quality and affordability, even as they consider expanding in the future.
Bagdadi, a century-old eatery in Colaba, was founded by Banne Sukhe to serve labourers building the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace.
The restaurant is known for its traditional Mughlai food, including shami kebab pav, mutton nihari, and dal fry, served in generous portions at affordable prices.
Notable patrons include actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Julia Roberts, as well as cricketers like Ravi Shastri and Suresh Raina.
Bagdadi has maintained its old-world charm with a simple wooden structure, bench-style seating, and a large menu board listing dishes in English and Urdu.
The restaurant's clientele has evolved over the years, now including college students, lawyers, tourists, and long-time patrons, with a focus on sustaining its legacy and quality.
- Who
- Bagdadi, a century-old eatery in Colaba, South Bombay, founded by Banne Sukhe.
- What
- A traditional Mughlai food restaurant serving labourers, traders, actors, and cricketers.
- When
- Established in the late 1890s, officially registered as a tea stall in 1936.
- Where
- Colaba, South Bombay, near the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace.
- Why
- To serve labourers and workers building the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace, offering affordable and hearty meals.
- Established
- Late 1890s
- Founder
- Banne Sukhe
- Current Generation
- Fourth (Saud Ahmed)
- Signature Dishes
- Shami kebab pav, mutton nihari, dal fry, chicken fry masala
- Notable Patrons
- Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Julia Roberts, Ravi Shastri, Suresh Raina
- Pricing
- Rs 90 - Rs 280 per plate
- Location
- Colaba, South Bombay