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Where do chefs eat when they clock out? In our special series, Off-Duty Chef, we ask some of the most popular chefs about their favourite food spots in and around their cities. From their go-to street food haunts and their childhood favourites to their work lunches and post-work hangs, the series will offer you a glimpse of where your favourite chefs eat, drink and hang out when they’re not feeding others!
Chef Neha Deepak Shah is known for making everyday cooking feel more approachable and exciting. Ever since her stint as the first runner-up on season 4 of MasterChef, she has evolved from a home chef to an entrepreneur and a digital creator. With a loyal following, her fans often look forward to practical kitchen tips and wholesome vegetarian recipes.
But apart from cooking, Chef Shah is also a dedicated food explorer. Living most of her life in India’s largest culinary hubs, aka Delhi and Mumbai, she’s familiar with the best eating joints, fine diners, coffee shops, and more. Serving as the head celebrity chef at Slurrp’s Great Indian Cookout Season 4, the team interviewed her to know her favourite hangout spots. Why don’t you scroll through and try Cheh Neha Deepak Shah’s recommendations in Mumbai and Delhi?
Growing up in Mumbai, can you share your all-time favourite breakfast spots?
Mumbai has some incredible breakfast traditions. My childhood favourite is Dakshinayan, and their idli, medu vadas, and filter coffee are unbeatable. Arya Bhavan does lovely South Indian thalis too.
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For a bit of nostalgia, I love Kyani & Co. for their bun maska and Irani chai. And honestly, a simple vada pav from a good street stall, like the one near Mithibai, is the taste of Mumbai mornings for me.
What are your go-to cafes or tea spots in Mumbai and Delhi NCR?
In Mumbai, I love Subko in Bandra for its handcrafted coffee and breads. They also have some great vegetarian small plates like avocado toast with kasundi mustard or sourdough sandwiches.
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In Delhi NCR, I adore Perch, which is great for tea and light bites, and Fig & Maple is wonderful for creative, produce-driven vegetarian dishes.
Can you recommend some of your favourite eateries in Mumbai that our readers must try?
Mumbai has such a rich variety of vegetarian-friendly dining. Masque is phenomenal, even though they serve non-vegetarian fare, their vegetarian tasting menu is truly innovative. The Table in Colaba also has amazing seasonal vegetarian dishes like wild mushroom risotto or zucchini spaghetti.
For comfort Indian food, Soam near Babulnath Temple and Swati Snacks are absolute gems. Panki, thalipeeth, and handvo are must-tries. If you want a South Indian home-style experience, Banana Leaf in Juhu and Cafe Madras never disappoint.
What are some of your favourite dessert and ice cream places?
Naturals Ice Cream is a Mumbai icon; tender coconut and sitaphal are my forever favourites. I also love the sizzling brownie and Cream Centre.
Do you have any favourite street food joints in Mumbai and Delhi?
In Mumbai, street food is a way of life. Sharma Chaat Bhandaar in Juhu for pani puri and dahi puri, Pav Bhaji at Amar Juice Centre, and sabudana vada or misal pav from local stalls in Dadar are unbeatable. I also love khichiya papad chaat at Girgaum Chowpatty and kanda poha at small stalls in Matunga.
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In Delhi, Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala near Chandni Chowk is a classic, and I can never resist aloo tikki or rajma chawal at small dhabas around Connaught Place. Even Dolma Aunty’s momos,I always go for the veg ones!
Which is your favourite modern diner or contemporary cafe?
Sequel is one of my go-to spots; their acai bowls, quinoa khichdi, and smoothie bowls are beautifully done. Ekaa and Masque both do stunning vegetarian tasting menus that highlight Indian produce in creative ways. I also enjoy Bombay Canteen for its flavourful food.
What excites me most about Mumbai’s food scene is how chefs are reimagining vegetarian food; it’s not seen as a limitation anymore, but as a way to celebrate India’s incredible diversity of ingredients.
What else do you love about the culinary scene in Mumbai? What do you miss most about Delhi?
Mumbai’s culinary scene is fearless and inclusive, whether it’s a tiny thali joint or a fine-dining experience, there’s an authenticity that shines through. I love how vegetarian food here can be comforting, inventive, or luxurious - all at once.
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What I miss about Delhi is the depth of flavour in North Indian cuisine, the chaats, parathas, and winter foods. There’s something about a warm sarson da saag with makki ki roti on a Delhi winter day that stays with you.
