Mumbaikars’ social media channels are buzzing with the arrival of The Odyssey’s cast. After launching their much-awaited film at PVR in Phoenix Palladium, the cast headed out on a gastronomic exploration like any tourist. However, beyond the glitz and glamour of Mumbai’s endless fine dining destinations, a humble 107-year-old cafe in Colaba caught the attention. Cleaverly chosen for its Greek inspired name, Olympia Coffee House became the most talked-about spot in Mumbai after Hollywood director Christopher Nolan and actors Tom Holland and Matt Damon paid it a visit. The footage shared by Universal Pictures of India showed the trio enjoy a simple chai and bun maska that generations of Mumbaikars have continued enjoying.
Olympia Coffee House, Colaba
The humble Irani cafe stands as a statement of a bygone era yet continues to be a beloved among Colaba locals. Founded in 1918 by Syed Mohammed Merab as a combined eatery and provisions store, Olympia Coffee House sold biscuits, sweets, and household essentials alongside prepared food. In the 1950s, Merab transferred ownership to four of his employees, Abdul Rahim Suleiman, Abdul Rahim Choudhary, Ghulam Rasool, and Wali Mohammed. Today, the third generation of their families carry the legacy forward. Moreover, the modest interiors with wooden counters, marble topped tables, steel chairs and waring outer sign remains largely unchanged.
Beyond the viral order
While the surrounding Colaba has considerably shifted over the decades, Olympia Coffee House has not moved with it. The same goes for its menu too. While Nolan, Holland, and Damon spent roughly 10 to 15 minutes for light snacks, netizens couldn’t help but decipher their order on Instagram. The table included a simple chai in glass cups, a butter slathered bun maska, dry fruits crusted phirni and a Irani cafe classic, lagan nu custard. However, this humble order never needed a Hollywood endorsement, the timeless taste is reason enough for its regulars to keep going back for it.
Nevertheless, regulars who know it well enough never forget to order a plate of spiced keema with sliced soft and buttered pav, or slice pav as they call it. And, a true Olympia veteran always orders a single fried omlette to go along with their keema. Mumabi redditors further recommend trying their spicy mutton masala fry, rich mutton bheja fry, creamy dal gosht and khichda which stand on par with its famed kheema. Beyond the taste, the meat haven is also beloved due to its unchanging affordable nature to its delicious offerings.
100 and not out
The café’s reputation among regulars rests on more than its age or its famous drop-ins. Olympia Coffee House survived the 26/11 attacks of 2008, when gunfire broke out near the neighbouring Leopold Cafe. Staff reportedly pulled down the shutters and kept customers safely inside until authorities arrived to evacuate them. Today, it is not only an iconic and underrated go-to but an integral part of Mumbai’s changing history and story.
Key Information
📅 Monday to Sunday
⏰7 AM to 12 AM
💸₹500/- for two
📍Olympia Coffee House, Rahim Mansion 1, SB Road, Colaba, Mumbai
