Chef Pooja Dhingra’s guide to the best breakfast in Mumbai

The massively popular Bandra café has a tall reputation already. Pooja swears by their simple five egg white omelette with spinach and cheese, paired with a slice or two of some excellent homemade sourdough bread. The menu features a range of egg preparations, by the way, as well as hashbrowns, wraps, and the smoothie bowls that they call superbowls, among other things.
Boojee’s one of the few cafes that’s actually open at the crack of dawn, making it a favourite amongst the early morning freaks – I mean, runners. They’ve got three outlets, but it’s still nearly impossible to get a table for a reason.

Price: ₹1,200 for two
Timings: Mon-Sun, 7am-11pm
Address: Shop 3 A, CHS, New Kantwadi, Perry Cross Road, Near Carter Road, Bandra West, Mumbai. Note that there are other outlets.

Veterans of this South Bombay joint appreciate it not just for its quality of food, but its versatility too. Pooja recognises that. KGC’s one of her favourite breakfast spots for chilli cheese eggs, but it also takes the cake as the best wine bar in the city for her. Speaking of cakes, KGC nails breakfasts on the sweeter side too, what with the amusing desi waffles.
Don’t be mistaken: this isn’t a half-baked attempt to recreate a European bistro or emulate an al fresco Italian trattoria. KGC is quintessential Mumbai on a hot summer’s day.

Price: ₹1,200 for two
Timings: Mon-Sun, 8am-midnight.
Address: 10, Rope Walk Ln, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Don’t want to carb-load at breakfast, you say? Pooja can sympathise – for her, there’s no balanced meal better than the oatmeal and fruits at Bokka Coffee in Bandra. Known for their specialty brews, the breakfast-heavy spot is perfect for actual coffee connoisseurs. From the people behind The Bombay Salad Co, it’s a safe bet that whatever you eat at Bokka is bound to have thoughtfully used ingredients. There’s choices for protein-conscious folks, mango chia pudding right around the summer, and bagels – leaning on slightly nicher breakfast picks in India.

Price: ₹800 for two
Timings: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm
Address: Shop no. 6 and 7, Silver Croft, 16th Rd, near Khane Khas, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Mokai has been taking the internet by storm with their skits featuring celebrities, including Shanaya Kapoor, Orry and more. At their new and improved Pali Hill location, you whisk your own matcha at a zen garden-esque wellness bar while sporting swanky red light therapy face masks. It’s also not just style over substance. Pooja loves their scrambled eggs with chilli oil, one of the many Asia-inspired dishes served. It’s on the pricier side, but it makes for the perfect Sunday breakfast. We say that with actual confidence given there’s a nook that literally has a bed for power naps. 

Price: ₹1,400 for two 
Timings: Mon-Sun, 8am - 11:30pm 
Address: 600, 601, 602, Hill Crest Building, Ground Floor, Dr Ambedkar Road, Arvind Store, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai