The first time I read about Kala Ghoda was through Homegrown in its nascent stages. Back in 2016, I was still just a reader; one who was working in a magazine in Kerala and aspiring to write about the alternative culture of my state in the way that Homegrown did for Mumbai. The idea of Kala Ghoda: a hip, creative locale that existed in the teeming city like Mumbai, with art galleries, creatively designed stores, and concept cafes, was fascinating to me. Over the years, even after visiting Mumbai in person and experiencing the place, the fascination has remained unwavering. After all, there is always something new being added to the face of Mumbai's crescent-shaped art district.
Usually, we rope in experts from respective cities from around India to lead the charge with our Homegrown Guides, but when it comes to Mumbai, we needn’t look beyond our founder Varsha Patra. After all, the Homegrown approach of capturing alternative narratives, and highlighting unique ventures stemmed from her love for seeking out and curating innovative homegrown projects and the creatives behind them. We asked Varsha to help us discover Kala Ghoda through her eyes; as a place that invites you to open your senses and take in experiences that transcend the idea of what fashion stores, and restaurants are, and offer experiences that go far beyond the norm.
Check it out below:
Jaywalking
A brand that has become synonymous with Indian streetwear attire, Jaywalking has a massive 1500 sq. ft store located in the iconic Rhythm House Building in Kala Ghoda. The third brick and mortar store for Jaywalking was expertly conceptualised by Shiraz Jamali Architects and FN Design Studios, according to a feature by Design Pataki. Staying true to Jaywalking and its founder/designer Jay Jajal’s signature style - they created an avant garde retail space that is akin to an underground art gallery. With its white walls and cement and wood flooring on first on ground and first floor respectively, the physical space sets the tone to display the founders personal curation of art, as well as to best display the brand’s limited edition drops, that are wearable art too. While they have kept the bones of the store pretty basic, they have elevated it by experimenting with textures and materials. Using fabrics as a way to accent the store through drapes and even cladding for their columns, they have blurred the limits of the line that exists between fine and functional art.
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JODI
A brand whose original prints and polished silhouettes have made it the go-to for effortlessly chic individuals from India and beyond, JODI opened their store launched earlier this year in Kala Ghoda. JODI was founded by long-time friends Gauri Verma and Karuna Laungani from Pune. Their first Brand Exclusive Outlet in Mumbai now fits seamlessly into the culturally rich locale teeming with creatives, while also enriching its ever-evolving face. A true physical manifestation of JODI’s ‘Indian high street with a heart’ title, the store was created with Harshad Bhagwat of Volume Design. Accented with the details drawn from traditional Indian folk art styles like Gond, Kalamkari and Bhil that JODI’s designs feature, it is a space that invites you to slow down, take in the details and make the most of the high-street, slow lifestyle brand that is inspired by the founders shared love for craft, culture, fashion and travel.
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Bombay Shirt Company
The Bombay Shirt Company’s store in Kala Ghoda offers a seamless blend of online and offline shopping experiences, specialising in their signature approach of creating bespoke shirts for both men and women. The Kala Ghoda flagship store provides customers with the opportunity to explore the brand’s many fabric options and customise all elements of shirts, down to the fastenings. While it initially launched as an online-only business in 2012, Bombay Shirt Company now has numerous brick-and-mortar store, from its first store in Kala Ghoda to subsequent stores in other Indian cities, and even one in New York. These outlets highlight the brand’s philosophy of blending stylish, modern designs with a sustainable made-to-order approach, minimising waste by only producing garments upon order. The Kala Ghoda store in particular emphasises an experiential retail approach, with design elements like a communal table where customers can collaborate with stylists. Additionally, the store features a Shirt Simulator, allowing customers to visualise how their customisations will look before placing an order.
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Bhavya Ramesh
Bhavya Ramesh’s jewellery store in Kala Ghoda blends artistic expression with cultural symbolism, making it a great experiential destination for both design enthusiasts and jewellery lovers alike. The store stands out with its unconventional design: with its sculptures inspired by Indian mythology doubling as displays, and the entrance being fashioned like the mouth of a serpent - an emblem of transformation that is twisted throughout the brand’s overarching design language collections. Inside the store, one is likely to find an eclectic range of pieces, from earrings and necklaces to nail clips and ornate sunglasses, all reflecting Bhavya Ramesh’s fascination with the intricate aesthetics and nuances of her craft. Beyond a retail space, the store reflects the label’s core value of self-expression and using jewellery as a means of doing so.
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CORD
A label crafting breezy attire that blend minimalist design with bohemian influences, and featuring well crafted clothing, bags and accessories, CORD has become a crowd favourite since its inception. The brand’s flagship store in Kala Ghoda features two storeys. While the upper floor displays a selection of women’s wear, from dresses to jumpsuits and everything in between, the basement showcases their array of crafted leather goods, from slings to laptop sleeves. Known for its premium craftsmanship, CORD emphasises timeless styles, meticulously crafted details, all with an eye on functionality.
Studio Moonray
Reflective of their polished aesthetic, the Studio Moonray Flagship store located in the heart of Kala Ghoda, sets a minimalistic luxurious setting to best display their conscious, luxe, contemporary fashion. Founded by the mother-daughter duo Karishma and Avantika Swali, Studio Moonray’s store offers more than just apparel - it embraces sustainability, inclusivity, and artisanal craftsmanship. Known for its presence on celebrity red carpets and sustainable design principles, this flagship collection features everything from separates to tailored evening wear. The Kala Ghoda store also features a special made-to-measure service, reflecting the brand's commitment to customization and artisanal detailing.
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Papa Don't Preach
Candy-hued and bejewelled, Papa Don’t Preach’s Kala Ghoda store is a whimsical, immersive experience that is an extension of the label’s bold personality. Founded by Shubhika Sharma, the store merges fashion with fantasy, drawing design inspiration from fantasy lands like JRR Tolkien’s Hobbiton. Designed by the designer’s sister Shimona Bhansali, founder and principal designer at Design Hex, the boutique is a riot of playful colours, vibrant embellishments, and dotted with unusual animal-like, gender-neutral mannequins, maximalist accent pieces, and a rounded and engraved door straight out of The Shire. The space has been crafted eco-friendly materials, emphasising sustainability along with storytelling. Customers can explore a mix of contemporary, bridal, and ready-to-wear collections, showcasing the brand’s love for statement-making designs with a quirky flair. Spreading over two floors - the store balances aesthetics with functionality, ensuring a seamless retail experience.
Valliyan
The flagship store for Valliyan, a statement jewellery brand founded by Nitya Arora, is located in Kala Ghoda’s iconic Rhythm House, sharing space with Kunal Rawal and Jaywalking. Known for their eclectic designs, the pieces from the label combine traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary global influences. Valliyan's offerings range from ornate, Rococo-inspired earrings to playful tropical motifs, making them a favourite for fashion-forward individuals and celebrities. Their offline store captures Arora’s passion for blending heritage with modern trends, presenting lightweight yet elaborate pieces crafted by skilled artisans. The store is almost a tropical paradise, where the crafted jewellery from the label is meticulously arranged, waiting to be tried and experienced. The studio space even features a cosy nook that can transform into a speakeasy of-sorts.
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Otra
Otra offers a deep dive into Latin American cuisine, drawing inspiration particularly from the founder's Puerto Rican traditions. It is the brainchild of Chef Alex Sanchez and Malleyka Watsa, following the success of their popular restaurant Americano. Otra’s menu showcases dishes like mofongo and tostadas, prepared with masa from heirloom corn sourced from locally. The restaurant also emphasises sustainability by integrating reclaimed wood from family farms into the design. Guests can enjoy a crafted selection of cocktails using mezcal and tequila, perfect companions to its small plates and tropical desserts like the Pina Colada soft-serve sundae.
Americano
Americano, also led by Chef Alex Sanchez, offers a fusion of California-inspired cuisine with a focus on simplicity and fresh ingredients. The restaurant has found place in many best restaurant lists over the last few years. They provide cosy, relaxed ambiance, and is complemented by a cocktail menu that draws on local flavours. Their signature dishes include wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and sharing plates, with all elements being made from scratch, as well as innovative cocktails such as the Sasoon Sling and Alibugger, crafted by expert mixologists.
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Trishna
A legendary seafood destination in Mumbai, Trishna is renowned for its butter garlic crab, prawn koliwada, and other coastal delicacies, specifically Mangalorean cuisine. Its understated, but old-school fine-dining ambiance allows the food to take centre stage, with dishes cooked to perfection using spices and flavours typical of the Konkan Coastal belt and extends down South.
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Ayub’s
A casual eatery that offers a no-frills, street-side dining experience, Ayub's has limited seating but offers quick service and delectable fares. Known for its signature kathi rolls and baida rotis, the restaurant attracts late-night crowds and food enthusiasts seeking affordable yet delicious fare. Beyond just kebabs, their menu features options like paneer tikka, murgh reshmi kebabs, and more, making it popular among both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Their takeout service, often enjoyed on-the-go or even in parked cars, adds to the charm of the experience.
Chetna
Chetna is one of Mumbai’s oldest restaurants, specialising in traditional thalis and regional Indian fare. Established in 1946, the Vegetarian restaurant serves a range of regional dishes, including Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Maharashtrian options. The thali experience is highly recommended, featuring generous portions and unlimited refills for approximately. The restaurant also offers a cosy ambiance and is conveniently located near the Jehangir Art Gallery, making it a perfect spot for a hearty meal after exploring local art and experiences that the locale offers.
Fountain Sizzlers
Fountain Sizzlers is a beloved dining spot in Kala Ghoda, known for its cosy ambiance and their extensive menu of mouth-watering sizzlers. Located at 57 Mahatma Gandhi Road, this restaurant specialises in a variety of sizzlers that range from Continental to Asian dishes. Diners rave about the Tenderloin Garlic Steak and the varying forms of Sizzlers. Fountain Sizzlers also boasts live music, enhancing the dining experience, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
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Kala Ghoda Cafe Wine Bar
Nestled in the vibrant Kala Ghoda area, the Kala Ghoda Cafe Wine Bar is an inviting retreat that combines a cosy atmosphere with a thoughtfully curated wine selection. This bar, an extension of the beloved Kala Ghoda Café, opened its doors in mid-2018.The interior features warm wood panelling, plush armchairs, and vintage decor, reminiscent of classic Irani cafes, which enhances its old-world charm. The wine list boasts a diverse range of about s, including Indian and international selections, all available by the glass, carafe, or bottle, encouraging patrons to explore new wines without the pressure of commitment. In addition to the excellent wine, the menu includes delightful bar bites that pair perfectly with the drink offerings that range from chicken yakitori to blue cheese pizza.
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Folk
A small restaurant located in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, that showcases a diverse array of regional Indian cuisines, Folk was launched in April 2023. Founded by Chef Jasleen Marwah and her partners, Folk started as a Kashmiri eatery but has since expanded to include specialties from across India, such as Kokni fish fry and Awadhi kathal ki shaami (jackfruit kebabs). The restaurant offers a warm atmosphere with minimalist decor, with seating for around 50 guests. The restaurant emphasises plating up authentic flavours through traditional recipes and fresh ingredients sourced nationwide. Since it’s inception, Folk has become recognised for its commitment to celebrating the richness of Indian cuisine, moving beyond typical Mughlai dishes to offer a more varied culinary experience that dives deeper into the multitude of culinary experiences India has to offer.
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Cafe Military
Cafe Military is a vintage Irani café known for its delicious offerings and its charming, old-world vibe and decor, and is a nostalgic favourite for regulars. It has become renowned for its authentic Parsi and Irani cuisine. Established in 1933, it features red-and-white chequered tablecloths and Victorian accents and is a go-to spot for treats like Bun-Maska, Kheema Pav, Akuri (spiced scrambled eggs), and Mutton Sali Boti. With quick service and its great location, Cafe Military remains a quintessential part of Mumbai's culinary heritage
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La Folie Du Chocolat
The experiential space in Kala Ghoda for La Folie is a haven for chocolate lovers, having transformed from its original identity as La Folie Patisserie. The atmosphere is that of a Parisian café with modern decor, featuring millennial pink tones that create a chic yet cozy environment. The cafe is dedicated exclusively to all things chocolate, and showcasing the talents of Chef Sanjana Patel.The menu here features an array of chocolate confections and vibrant bonbons inspired by global flavours - like the vegan coconut caramel from Bali and a unique Japanese creation called Oishi. Additionally, they offer a chance to purchase their artisanal chocolate bars that feature flavours that range from Smoked Pink Sea Salt to Strawberry Cheesecake and beyond.
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Pass the Salt
A newly opened Italian eatery in Kala Ghoda, celebrated for its authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and unique thin-crust options. With an emphasis on fresh, organic ingredients, Pass the Salt has quickly become popular choice for the crowd that flocks to Kala Ghoda.The menu features an extensive array of pizzas, including a standout French onion pizza, and other delights like sandwiches. The restaurant prides itself on a distinctive flaky pizza base and flavorful sauces, making it a favourite for pizza enthusiasts. Coffee lovers will also appreciate their carefully crafted brews.
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