Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Bademiya: Mumbai's 79-Year-Old Kebab Landmark Born from Rs 20 and Guru's Blessing
Imagine a tiny food stall in Mumbai that started almost 80 years ago with just 20 rupees and a dream.
The man who started it, Mr. Yaseen Shaikh, was inspired by his religious teacher.
He made delicious kebabs, and soon, even important people like the governor loved them!
He even got a special permission to sell food even though he didn't have a regular shop.
His nickname was 'Bademiya,' and that's what everyone started calling his stall.
Over the years, the stall grew bigger and bigger.
They added more foods, opened nice places to sit and eat, and now, his grandchildren are running the business.
They even plan to open shops in other cities and countries!
It's a story about how a small beginning can become something famous and loved by many people for a long, long time.
Bademiya, a 79-year-old kebab landmark in South Mumbai, started with founder Mohammed Yaseen Shaikh and a Rs 20 loan from his guru.
The stall initially operated behind the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Colaba, gaining popularity with Navy men and eventually receiving a special license.
The name 'Bademiya' originated from his guru's advice to keep a beard, leading to Yaseen being called 'Bademiya' by customers.
Over the decades, Bademiya has expanded significantly, adding a vegetarian counter, multiple dining spaces, and new outlets, with plans for international expansion.
The business is now run by the third generation of the family, who are hospitality graduates, upholding the founder's vision of a united business despite separate residences.
- Who
- Mohammed Yaseen Shaikh, the founder of Bademiya, and his family, now including the third generation.
- What
- The origin and growth of Bademiya, a 79-year-old roadside kebab stall that has become a landmark in South Mumbai, known for its late-night service and celebrity clientele.
- When
- Founded approximately 79 years ago, with ongoing expansion and plans for the future.
- Where
- Started behind the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Colaba, Mumbai, with subsequent expansions and new outlets in Mumbai and potential international locations.
- Why
- Started with a Rs 20 loan from a guru after the founder's initial business failed, growing through loyal customers, a special license, and eventually expanding the menu and locations.
- Founded
- Approximately 79 years ago
- Founder
- Mohammed Yaseen Shaikh
- Original Location
- Behind the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Colaba, Mumbai
- Current Operating Hours
- Until 4 am on weekdays, 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays
- Signature Dish
- Mutton Seekh Kebabs
- Expansion
- Multiple dine-in spaces, outlets in Kala Ghoda and Bandra, planned expansion to Andheri, Juhu, UK, and Dubai