A couple of weeks ago, we traveled to Mumbai — a city full of energy, creativity, warmth, and one of the most exciting food scenes we’ve experienced in a long time. One of the absolute highlights of the trip was meeting the people helping shape a new generation of Indian dining.
Our first fine dining stop was Papa’s — an intimate 12-seat... More
A couple of weeks ago, we traveled to Mumbai — a city full of energy, creativity, warmth, and one of the most exciting food scenes we’ve experienced in a long time. One of the absolute highlights of the trip was meeting the people helping shape a new generation of Indian dining.
Our first fine dining stop was Papa’s — an intimate 12-seat chef’s counter tucked away above Veronica’s bakery in Bandra. From the outside, you would never expect what’s happening upstairs. But once the evening begins, you quickly realize this is far more than just dinner.
Papa’s was created by the team behind The Bombay Canteen, Veronica’s, and Bombay Sweet Shop — led by Chef Hussain Shahzad together with founders Sameer Seth and Yash Bhanage with his wife Nikoulina Berg. What they are building in Mumbai feels incredibly special: restaurants that are modern and ambitious, while staying deeply connected to Indian flavors, traditions, and stories.
The restaurant is also a tribute to the late Floyd Cardoz — a chef, mentor, and huge inspiration to the team. His influence can still be felt throughout the entire experience.
What made the evening even more meaningful for us was that the night before, Chef Hussain had welcomed us into his home and cooked some of the dishes he personally grew up with. Then, at Papa’s, we experienced refined and playful fine dining interpretations of those same flavors and memories. You could feel the emotion behind every course.
Everyone gathers around one counter while the team cooks, serves, explains dishes, and shares stories throughout the evening. Madhu, the general manager, also played a huge part in the experience with incredible hospitality and beautifully curated pairings that elevated every dish even further.
And the food… unforgettable.
Indian flavors presented with creativity, precision, and confidence — without ever losing their soul.
What stayed with me most about Mumbai was this energy: people creating things with passion, pride, and a real vision for what Indian cuisine can become. Only love!!!! Less
