After nearly a decade of pioneering service in Powai, Mumbai, the acclaimed restaurants Madeira & Mime have permanently closed their doors at their current location. They recently announced the closure via social media, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in India’s inclusive dining landscape.
After 10 Years, Madeira & Mime At Powai To Close This Month
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As per the post on social media, the last day of the restaurant is March 31, 2025. This means that patrons only have this month to soak up the inclusive warmth that the space provides.
Established in March 2015 by two visionary entrepreneur-investors, Madeira & Mime created history as one of the restaurants in India that is staffed entirely by speech and hearing-impaired individuals. The innovative concept revolutionised the traditional dining experience.
Patrons placed orders through sign language using a brilliantly designed menu matrix created by Chaitanya Modak from Inhouse Design, a graduate of India’s prestigious National Institute of Design.
The sister establishment, Mirchi & Mime, follows the same inclusive operational model. Luckily, this sister restaurant is still operational. Together, these restaurants created meaningful employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals whilst delivering exceptional service and cuisine.
More Information About The Restaurant
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The pandemic had previously forced a temporary closure in July 2020, but the resilient establishments bounced back in October of the same year. However, this final closure appears to be permanent at their current location.
These groundbreaking venues were more than just restaurants; they were powerful platforms for social change, challenging perceptions and demonstrating how inclusivity could enhance rather than hinder the dining experience.
Powai residents and visitors from across Mumbai have expressed profound sadness at the closure. Many took to social media to share memories of meaningful interactions with the staff and the unique warmth that defined both establishments.
As Mumbai’s culinary landscape evolves, the legacy of Madeira & Mime will endure as pioneering ventures that successfully combine gastronomic excellence with social purpose. They proved that inclusion isn’t merely a charitable endeavour but a viable business model that enhances the customer experience whilst creating dignified employment for marginalised communities.
The closure marks the end of a physical presence but not of the impact these remarkable establishments made on India’s restaurant industry and social consciousness.
Cover Image Credits: @madmime/Instagram
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First Published: March 24, 2025 3:51 PM