Are you someone who loves exploring a city’s past, those old iconic spots that have now faded into history? Then this piece might interest you. We recently came across an old menu card from 1935, shared on X (formerly Twitter), from a restaurant called Light of Asia in Mumbai. Sadly, this iconic eatery shut its doors in 2018. This restaurant served coffee for as little as 2 annas. Don’t believe us? Read on to know more.
A 1935 Menu From Mumbai’s Light Of Asia Resurfaces
A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a menu from Light of Asia Restaurant dated 1935. The restaurant, located in Mumbai, then Bombay, caught us completely by surprise. Can you believe a cup of coffee was being sold for just ₹2? From the same menu, we noticed that the restaurant served hearty Indian dishes like mutton biryani and curry for as low as ₹6 and ₹4, respectively. What’s more, it even offered classic British dishes. In fact, a full English breakfast including poached eggs, toast, bread, butter, jam, and tea was priced under ₹10. Fascinating, right?
According to the menu, the restaurant stood opposite the General Post Office at Kothari Mansion on Mint Road, a location that held great importance during the British Bombay era and continues to be considered part of Mumbai’s heritage even today. The menu also featured unique items like Bovril soup, tomato and onion with chips, ham sandwiches, and Ovaltine cups, a British milk flavouring drink that was extremely popular at the time.
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A Restaurant Popular During The British-Rule
During the 1930s, when India was under British rule, Bombay was part of the British-ruled Bombay Presidency and had a strong British presence. This meant that Light of Asia catered not only to Indian army and naval officers, but also to several British officials and visitors, making it a local spot for many foreigners. What’s even more interesting? The restaurant also served “special” teas, coffees, and hot cocoa, all priced under ₹5. While we are not sure what made them special, just seeing those names makes us try these hot beverages.
Furthermore, Light of Asia did not just serve food. The menu also listed perfumes, scents, lavenders, eau de cologne, scented soaps, and even cosmetics for sale. Besides that, they offered fresh cakes, pastries, and biscuits, sold either loose or in tins. Amazing, right?
This menu truly captures the old-world charm of Bombay’s old cafes and restaurants. Reading it makes us wish we could walk into Light of Asia today, order a hot cocoa, buy a tin of biscuits, and just lose ourselves in that retro atmosphere. But sadly, the restaurant is now permanently closed.
So, what do you think of Light of Asia? Would you have liked to visit such a place?
Cover Image Courtesy: Just Dial/ Website
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