Asian cuisine keeps rising in popularity across India. In recent years, a host of high-quality fine dining restaurants have transformed our perception of Asian food, from a quick and inexpensive meal to a gastronomic experience worthy of a special occasion. Nowhere is this more evident than in Mumbai, a city that loves good food, and is not shy of spending if the experience is worthy.
Here are the most popular Asian restaurants in Mumbai that you should definitely give a try when in the city:
1. By the Mekong, Lower Parel
By the Mekong is a fine dine Asian restaurant high up on the 37th floor of St. Regis, a 5-star hotel in Lower Parel, Mumbai. It has floor to ceiling windows with stunning panoramic views of the bustling city. The walls are covered with Asian artefacts and the plush restaurant also has a private dining space with partitions. You’ll want to turn up in your best attire. The restaurant’s name is derived from the Mekong River that flows through China and Vietnam. The menu is a blend of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. Some signature dishes to try at this award-winning restaurant are Wok-Fried Bean Curd Tossed in a Teriyaki Sauce, Crispy Lotus Root and the Sichuan White Fish.
Chef’s recommendation: Peruvian Sea Bass in chili sauce, Jujube and Lotus Seed Soup with truffle oil, Prawns & Squid tossed in XO Sauce
Where: By the Mekong, The St. Regis Mumbai, 462, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Lower Parel
Approx cost for two: ₹ 4000
2. E.A.S.T Sahara Star, Vile Parle
E.A.S.T or East Asian Spice Trail, located in Sahara Star hotel, opposite the domestic airport in Mumbai is bound to give you a rich experience of Asian cuisine in an ambiance that pays tribute to the rich culture of South East Asia. It has live stations and tepanyaki grills that churn out Chinese, Thai, Japanese & other Asian dishes. You can savor Green Silken Soup, Sushi, Dimsums, Pakchoy and Golden Garlic.
Chef’s recommendation: Vegetable Baifan, Asparagus Phyllo, Ginger Chocolate Mousse.
Where: Sahara Star, Vile Parle East
Approx cost for two: ₹ 4000
3. Hakkasan, Bandra West
Hakkasan was one of the first upscale Chinese restaurants that altered the landscape for Chinese cuisine worldwide when it opened in 2001 in London. The same luxurious experience can be had at Hakkasan’s Mumbai restaurant on Waterfield Road, Bandra. This restaurant has a modern take on authentic Cantonese cuisine. If you like sea food, you can try the shrimp rolls, shrimp dumplings and taro. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to desserts, with its popular coconut ice cream, chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, and more. It also has a select wine list that blends well with the exquisite taste of the food.
Chef’s recommendations: Pak Choi Dumplings, Peking Duck, Pepper Squid, Duck Salad, Stir Fry Chicken
Where: Waterfield Road, Bandra
Approx cost for two: ₹3900
4. China Bistro, Chembur, Worli, and Thane
China Bistro has been consistently ranked as one of the best Asian restaurants in Mumbai since it opened in 2012 in Thane. China Bistro has two more restaurants, in Chembur and Worli. They serve delicious Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai fare at affordable prices. The sushi, baos and dim sums are easily some of the best in the city. The roasted lamb here is a bit of a specialty.
Chef’s recommendations: Fish in Mustard sauce, Dynamite Prawns & Chocolate Fountain.
Where: Worli
Approx cost for two: ₹1350
5. Yauatcha, Bandra Kurla Complex
Yauatcha, a London-based dim sum establishment in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city. We adore this spot because of its pureness and the variety of dim sum dishes available. Celebrities from Bollywood often dine here, making it one of the top destinations in a city that loves to glam it up.
Chef’s recommendation: Fruit Passion Mocktail, Peking Dumpling, Mooncake, Mango Mascarpone Gateau,
Where: Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.
Approx cost for two: ₹ 3000
6. San Qi, Worli
San Qi restaurant is located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli, Mumbai. San-Qi serves up a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and North Indian cuisines. Their kitchen is led by chefs from Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and other places for a genuine flavor of Asian food. You should try the Phor Phia Pak, Hara Bhara Kebab, Peking Duck, Truffle Edamame, Raan Kebab, and more. The chicken dim sums at San Qi receive rave reviews as well.
Chef’s recommendation: Seafood Uramaki, Crispy Mock Duck, Teppanyaki, Meat Beliram, Penang Curry Pomfret
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Worli
Approx cost for two: ₹ 4000
7. Umame, Churchgate
Umame is located on the first floor of Eros Cinema building in Colaba. The Crunchy Avocado Sushi and the mushrooms with Basil Cream at Umame have a following of their own. The restaurant is known for its Sushi Boat. You can also try the Edamame Truffle Dumpling, Burnt Chili Tamarind Soup, Miso Soup and, of course, their Edamame rice.
Chef’s recommendation: Sushi boat (with various types of sushi), General Tsao’s Chicken, Sea Bass in Glazed Teriyaki Sauce, Khaosuey
Where: Eros Theater, Colaba
Approx cost for two: ₹ 2000
8. Shizusan, Phoenix Market City
Shizusan is located in Phoenix Market City, Kurla and its stunning ambience will steal your heart. It is one of the rare restaurants in Mumbai to serve Singapore Chili Crab and Black Pepper Lobster. Diners love the sushi served at Shizusan and the Dynamite Shrimp Sushi is famous as well. Another dish that you should try when there is the Hibachi Sticky Fried Rice. You won’t go wrong with the Nasi Goreng either.
Chef’s recommendation: Massaman curry, Dynamite shrimp, Bao
Where: Phoenix Market City, Kurla
Approx cost for two: ₹ 2500
9. Edamame – A Pan Asian Kitchen, Versova, Andheri West
This restaurant provides a fine-dining outlet with a unique culinary experience. The place offers a wide range of Asian dishes ranging from Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and more. Besides, the menu spreads over a wide range of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, desserts, and others made with fresh ingredients. The ambiance is warm and inviting with modern décor and attentive staff. Some of the popular food items include Dimsum, Baos, Sushi, Momos.
Chef’s recommendation: Crispy sweet and spicy lotus roots, Teriyaki open bao mushroom, Barbeque open boas mushroom, Kung pao cottage cheese, classic fried turnip cakes.
Where: Shop 1, Gwalior House, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai
Approx cost for two: Rs 1,200
10. Flamboyante, Cuffe Parade
This place offers a casual dine-in experience where one can enjoy exotic food. The menu features different types of options ranging from Mughlai, Chinese, Asian, and North Indian delicacies. The place provides tasteful décor and comfortable seating arrangement. The place has live sports screenings and live entertainment too. The place specializes in Wasabi Prawns, Khau Suey, Mississippi Mudpie, Pani Puri.
Chef’s recommendation: Mississippi Mudpie, Chilli Garlic Potatoes, Khau Suey, Wasabi Prawns, Nalli Nihari, Mezze Platter
Where: Shop No:7, Ground Floor, The Arcade Building, Gate 2 World Trade Centre Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005
Approx cost for two: Rs 2,000
11. Madeira and Mime, Powai & Veera Desai Area
This food hub provides an excellent nightlife with energetic and addictive vibe. It has a beautiful interior, catchy décor, and some comfortable seating. Meals are prepared from fresh ingredients. The youngsters look forward to this place for a fantastic time. The restaurant is well known for its Asian cuisine. Some of their special food items include Teppanyaki Chicken, Potato Cheese Ball, Cheese Poutine.
Chef’s recommendation: Teppanyaki Chicken, Potato Cheese Ball, Cheese Poutine, Mini Vada Pav, Mumbai Sandwich, Penne Pesto
Where: Trans Ocean House, Lake Blvd Rd, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076
Approx cost for two: Rs 3,000
12. Ping’s Café Orient, Lower Parel
This place is known for its excellent exquisite dining experience. The restaurant provides pan-Asian cuisine ranging from Chinese, Oriental, Japanese, Vietnamese, and others. The place is pro at serving piping hot dishes, keeping the taste intact. This place is home to people from different age groups. Besides, the ambiance is quirky and stylish. Some of the special dishes are Drunken Noodles, Korean Fried Chicken Bao, Steamed White fish, Dynamite water chestnut
Chef’s recommendation: Drunken Noodles, Korean Fried Chicken Bao, Steamed White fish, Dynamite water chestnut, Thai Red Curry, Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dim Sum
Where: NRK House, 1, Senapati Bapat Marg, near Kamala Mills gate, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
Approx cost for two: Rs 2,000
