I took a trip to Mumbai over the weekend, and ate a hearty meal of Indian curries, basmati rice and garlic naan.
To be clear, I didn’t actually fly to the bustling metropolis in western India — a weekend round-trip from Buenos Aires would have been impossible. I’ve been enchanted by India since my visit in 2009 and hope to return someday, but this time I satisfied my craving a different way: by dining at a local restaurant named “Mumbai” in Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Mumbai — the city where Bollywood was born.
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the birthplace of the Bollywood film industry and a lively cultural hub. As one of the world’s most populous cities, it serves as India’s commercial and entertainment center and attracts visitors for its rich, colorful cultural life.
The other Mumbai — the restaurant in Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Since an actual trip to India was out of reach, Juan and I drove to our favourite Indian restaurant in town, fittingly called “Mumbai.” It had been a while since our last visit, and a sudden craving for hot, well-spiced curries, steaming basmati rice and freshly baked garlic naan drew us there on a cool spring Saturday night. The fact that authentic Indian staff serve the food made the experience even better.
Located in the heart of Palermo Viejo
Situated at Honduras 5684, Mumbai sits on an unassuming corner of Palermo Viejo. Outside, a modest sign and long red-and-white curtains hint at the restaurant’s Indian identity. Inside, the atmosphere changes completely: rich fabrics, warm lighting and a few tasteful statues and photos create an intimate, authentic setting reminiscent of a regal Asian interior. Tabletop candles and black-and-white images of historical Indian scenes add to the mood without feeling overdone.
Reliable favourites on the menu
Juan and I usually stick to the same comforting dishes: chapati, chicken tikka masala (chicken cooked in the tandoor and served in a spiced sauce), goshi sagwala (mutton and spinach curry), plain basmati rice and fragrant garlic naan. These staples are familiar and satisfying, and the restaurant prepares them consistently well.
Quick note on “curry”
The word “curry” is commonly used in the West as a broad term for many dishes from South and Southeast Asia that use complex spice blends or herbs. These dishes can come from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Thai and other cuisines, and also from regions influenced by those culinary traditions. The term covers a wide range of flavours and preparations rather than a single specific recipe.
Chicken Tikka Masala — a versatile classic
Chicken tikka masala features marinated chicken pieces roasted in a tandoor and served in a masala sauce. There isn’t a single definitive recipe: different kitchens use different combinations of ingredients, and a survey of many recipes found that chicken was the only consistent element. That variety is part of what makes the dish interesting.
Exploding flavours on the plate
The creamy, buttery notes of chicken tikka masala pair beautifully with warm garlic naan, creating layers of flavour that pop with every bite. Mutton curry combined with plain basmati rice produces an unexpected balance: the hearty, robust taste of the mutton softens against the clean, neutral rice, revealing a subtle sweetness and harmony that’s deeply satisfying.
Every time I leave Mumbai I’m full and content, having savoured every grain of rice and every spoonful of curry. The food leaves me so satisfied that I could easily fall asleep afterward. If you’re in Buenos Aires and enjoy Indian cuisine, I highly recommend giving this place a try.
I rate Mumbai 8.5/10 — it consistently meets my expectations and offers authentic flavors in a warm, inviting setting.
Take yourself on a virtual trip to Mumbai and delight in its mouthwatering dishes!