The taste of nostalgia

Being someone who enjoys the vivacity of street food across cities and continents, my favourite hidden gem in Mumbai has to be Ayub’s at Kala Ghoda. Many people are of the opinion that it is a mere late-night haunt, but for me, everything about it is so homegrown and personal. Right from its family led recipes, quick service to smiling staff (no matter what time of the day or night) — it is unfussy, real and delicious. In fact, a lot of people choose to make a quick drive through but I prefer the inside seating as well - it has satisfied many of my 2 am food cravings. My favourites would have to be their baida roti and their entire offering of kathi rolls. Don’t be fooled by a lack of vegetarian options — their mushroom cheese roll and paneer bhurjee can give any chicken roll a run for its money!

The condiments that accompany a dish are often the ignored sidekicks and are underestimated but truly make the dish that it is. In true superhero fashion, their green chutney is the perfect accompaniment with the rolls so much so that I can finish their onion and chutney as a meal alone! Another little-known fact is that their Caramel Custard could possibly also be one of the best in the area! My friends and I cannot have one alone and have spent as much on a roll, as on multiple servings of this dessert on many evenings that we’ve spent there.

Ayub’s fast service, great people and late hours make it the perfect haunt for me whenever I am in that part of the town. It also makes me feel like I am a part of a legend that has existed much before my time — something that is always truly humbling for a chef. —Tarun Shetty is an executive chef from Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited.