Three Hours in South Mumbai – The Original

Below is the original draft of an article I wrote for Dealmaker Magazine in October 2008.  The published article is here but they cut out a lot of the original content which, in my opinion, makes the article flow better.  There were some space restrictions on their part so it is understandable. 

 

Just an initial note – Bombay is not a hub for any major airlines, just a destination so layovers are very rare. Even when they do happen, it is extremely tough for guests to leave the airport (those damn Bombay police, etc.). What I have laid out below will be for businessmen (or women!) who have meetings in the financial centre of Bombay.

 

So Bombay is a huge city, ~15mm people and even though it is geographically medium-sized, the traffic is absolutely horrendous. Make sure that when you do come over here, you have your Company get you a car and driver. The yellow and black taxis are charming, but only for 10 minutes. After that it gets old.

 

On that note, let’s focus on the financial centre of the city – South Bombay or Nariman Point. This is where most of the bankers/lawyers/traders and other miscellaneous finance folks sit. Another thing to remember about Bombay (and India in general) is that service, like the traffic, is always backed up and slow. Additionally, people tend to show up at least 15 minutes late for all business appointments – punctuality is not our best asset.

 

7:00pm – As you head out of your meeting, remember to give yourself time for the typically old and dilapidated elevators to pick you up and take you down. Hop into your car (you must have a car and driver of course!) and have the driver take you to the area known as Kala Ghoda where you will find multiple art galleries selling everything from Indian Paintings to Indian Music. It is a relatively small area but full of small alleyways. Drive around to get a feel of the hustle and bustle of Bombay street life and look out for the following art galleries Jahangir, Museum and Hacienda in which you will find beautiful pieces of Indian art.

 

8:00pm – After walking around a bit and buying some art, you will need a cool drink. Hop into the car and head over to the Intercontinental Hotel to the rooftop bar, Dome. Here you will find the elite of Bombay sipping on gin and tonics beginning to unwind from the hot and hectic day. Expect to see a mix of the hip and elite youth in their Gucci shoes and D&G sunglasses as well as the Uncles and Aunties in more traditional garb. The bar looks over Marine Drive and the bay past it. While the sun doesn’t set on this side of the Bay, the reflection of the sunset is brilliant.

 

8:30pm – Time to grab some grub. Back to Kala Ghoda for a phenomenal seafood meal at Trishna restaurant. Make sure you try the Garlic Butter Crab and the Hyderabadi Fish but also ask the waiters what is good that night. The Butter Crab is to die for! This is also one of the few places that has fast service so make sure you eat here if you have limited time.

 

9:30pm – The nightlife only starts at around 10:30pm or 11:00pm but if you want to catch the early crowd in a lively atmosphere, you should head to Woodside Inn in Regal Circle (in Colaba). Before you head in, though, take a drive down the Colaba Causeway and try to spot the difference between the locals and the foreigners. At Woodside, make sure you try Kingfisher beer, a staple in the sub-continent. If you are still hungry, the hot chocolate soufflé is a must.

 

Honorable Mention – if you have another night in Mumbai, make sure to eat at Flavours of the East in Kemp’s Corner. A pan-asian restaurant with a decidedly Indian influence. Make sure you ask Chef Nachiket for the Chef’s Special.