Eat, Drink, & Shop: Here's Everything You Can Do In Kala Ghoda

Popular amongst the locals for its cutesy cafes and a hub for designer labels, and a puller for tourists during February's iconic Kala Ghoda festival - Kala Ghoda is one of the most artistic and historic hoods in Mumbai. Why it's called Kala Ghoda? Well, no suspense here and it's pretty straightforward - it gets its name from the majestic black horse statue that sits proudly in this hood. (Of course, there's in-detail history about this too wherein the old horse was replaced by a new one in 2017, head to Wikipedia for more!)

We've compiled a mega list of all that you can do when in Kala Ghoda or if you're a non-Mumbaikar who's visiting Kala Ghoda during the art festival.  

Where To Shop

Westside: For EVERYTHING!

No introduction is needed here! From budget-friendly home products to stylish clothes and shoes, Westside is a go-to for all our shopping needs. It's a 2-storey one, so of course, it's HUGE! The Kala Ghoda one has a Starbucks too inside it, so sip some coffee post your shopping session. 


Booster Store: For Budget-Friendly Bobbleheads

If you're a superhero fan - then you'll love this tiny little store that sits right out Fab India. You can find an array of superhero bobbleheads at just INR 450 and keychains too! Think Groot, Captain America, Joker, Lionel Messi and lots more.   


Mulmul: For Celebrity-Approved Minimal Indian Wear

Luxury, elegance and pretty pastels - Mulmul's store is just beside the iconic Kala Ghoda graffiti. Plus, their luxurious window display sure makes you stop by at least once and take a glance at their collection. Started in 2018, these guys started with the main objective of curating luxury laden and cultural rich garments - not just for Indian consumers, but globally. 

Celebrities and well-known personalities like Alia Bhatt, Hina Khan, Ananya Pandey are often spotted wearing their chic minimal Indian wear. 

Artisans: For Exploring A Handmade Paradise

A gallery-cum-store, Artisans is a haven and a social enterprise for handmade heritage beauties and artisanal collections from across India. Expect lots of unique and unconventional finds like traditional sarees, shawls, accessories, artisanal jewellery, bamboo decor, Khadi apparel, paintings and more.  


Translate: A Haven For Handwoven Ikat

Translate is a lifestyle label and a concept store that specialises in handwoven Ikat apparel and home. Every piece in their store aims at reviving the age-old art of Ikat and seamlessly merging it with everyday wear breezy kurtas, apparel or home essentials. Their Kala Ghoda store has an array of kurtas that are apt for your office or for those who love minimal prints. Their collection starts from INR 3000 and upwards for stoles and INR 6000 and upwards.                  

Bombay Shirt Company: For The Perfect Crisp Shirts

Known for their customisation services and well-tailored shirts, their store is right at the start of the main Kala Ghoda lane. Like most their outlets, this one too has a design station right at the centre, where you can pick everything from fabric to buttons or collar style. Their services start from INR 3000 and upwards. 


Pernia Popup Shop: For Designer Wedding Wear

Well, if you're a bride to be and looking for a one-stop shop for all your designer outfit needs, this is where you need to head (along with Sabhyasachi's Kala Ghoda outlet)!  Find designer lehengas, Indo-western kaftans, cocktail gowns, contemporary kurtas and lots more. They've got something for every budget with collection starting at INR 10,000 and goes up to two lakh or more even. 

Faaya: For Luxury Gifting

Known for their luxury gifting solutions, you'll spot Faaya in a tiny corner of the Kala Ghoda lanes. Find chic cutlery sets, platters, servers that are ideal for weddings, special occasions, festive gifting and more. But yes, be ready to splurge a little as their collection might burn a tiny hole in your pocket. Oh and they also offer personalised gifting solutions where you can chat with their team, ideate and curate hampers as per your needs.    

Kapoor Lamp Shades: For All Your Lighting Solutions

Lighting spaces since 1948, Kapoor Lamp Shades is an iconic light store in their hood. From vintage chandeliers to floor lamps and from ceiling statement lights to wall lamps, there are tons of options for every type of home and space. Not just homes, they even provide lighting solutions for offices, malls, commercial spaces, hotels, etc. 

Where To Eat


Sequel: For All Things Healthy & Vegan

Clean eating, organic fare and minimal dining area - Sequel in Kala Ghoda - offers a diverse menu with healthy food and beverages. Think probiotic drinks, healthy smoothies, vegan teas, wholesome pancakes, classic Avocado toast, Buddha bowl and lots more. Every dish on their menu effortlessly mirrors their gluten-free and organic eating philosophy.  

The place opens up by 8 AM, so if you're a breakfast person, a visit here would be a good start to your day. 

La Poz: A Must-Visit For Vegetarians

I recently visited this place, and if you're a vegetarian, then this place is a must-visit. Whimsicle lightings, subtle hues and hints of greens - their ambience is #ZenVibes. Definitely try their organic buckwheat crepe, hand-rolled tortellini with white truffle oil and their heavenly and creamy Philadelphia cheesecake.      

Cafe Military: An Iconic Parsi Restaurant

Established in 1933, this iconic and legendary cafe has been wining hearts since its inception. Sitting in the busy lanes of Dalal Street, Cafe Military specialises in Parsi and Mughlai cuisine! So, meat lovers, definitely visit this joint when in Kala Ghoda. Expect authentic dishes like Mutton berry pulav, fish cutlets, vindaloo gravy, and the lip-smacking mawa custard. Enjoy this while sipping a pint of beer. 

Delhi Highway: For Wholesome Thali Experience

Teleport yourself to the streets of Delhi and paranthe wali gaali by enjoying a meal at Delhi Highway. True to its name, they've got an array of chaats, kebabs, parathas etc. to satiate your tastebuds. However, their speciality is their Maharaja thali that includes starter, chole, paneer, lachha paratha, tandoori roti, dal, rice and more. If you're in a mood for something wholesome, this thali is satisfying and wholesome.     

Zen Cafe: A Perfect Cafe To Work From

If you enjoy working from a cafe, you must check out this hidden gem in the quaint lanes of Kala Ghoda. Minimal setup, dusky hues and wooden finish, this place surely stays true to its name. From vegan desserts to heavenly hot chocolate to Italian delicacies and pizza platter - Zen Cafe is ideal for romantic dates as well. They've got seating up as well, and lots of charging points for your laptop and mobile. And yes, you can use their wifi for free as well.    

La Folie: To Satiate Your Sweet Tooth

Known for their luxe desserts and authentic bean-to-bar chocolates, La Folie has got an outlet in Kala Ghoda too that you must visit. You can shop for chocolate bars, macrons, cookies and other baked goodies. What makes their Kala Ghoda outlet specials? Their display of luxurious and edible art in form of artsy bonbons, and more. 

What To Do

Enjoy A Tea Experience At Sancha Tea Boutique

A Disneyland for tea lovers, Sancha Tea Boutique offers a whopping 75 varieties of tea that varies from natural and soothing flavours ranging from spicy and floral to woody and grassy. It was first founded in 1981 by the master tea taster Sanjay Kapur. Their Kala Ghoda space is cosy, grammable and full of colours. Their staff is super friendly and will offer (free) tasting sessions as per your needs. White classic masala to white and from matcha to green - they've literally got everything you'll want as a tea lover. 

PS: don't miss out on their Pinteresty teapots. 

Get Gramming At The Majestic Stairs Of Asiatic

From being a part of major Bollywood movies to attracting thousands of tourists - Asiatic Library - is just a 10-minute walk from the Kala Ghoda. They've got a treasure of over 100,000 books in multiple languages including Sanskrit, English, Latin, Greek, French, German and more. Apart from books and periodicals, you'll also find ancient manuscripts, coins, maps, prints, artefacts and more.

Explore Modern Art At Gallery 7

A house to an array of modern art and contemporary paintings, Gallery 7 is considered to be one of the most premium contemporary art destinations in India. A brainchild of husband-wife duo Arun and Chandra Sachdev - Gallery 7 showcases the work of young talents and classics like M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Jogen Chowdhury and more.   

Laze Around At The Oval Maidan

A bunch of doggos, green grass and HUGE natural space in a city like ours - Oval Maidan is a nice place to head for a walk, picnic or simply sit by and see the majestic Rajabai towers.

Pro-Tip: It's super crowded on Sunday so make sure you don't head here during that day.   

Lastly, Appreciate The Artistic Gothic Art

From the iconic Bombay High Court and Rajabai Clock Tower to the Army and Nacy building and the University of Mumbai, Kala Ghoda is home to some of the most stunning and artistic buildings featuring the intrinsic Gothic style of architecture. And a walk in this hood is simply one of the best ways to explore this piece of history.  

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Writer at LBB, Mumbai | Exploring Mumbai and everything around it like nobody's business!