Dating back a century, Sarvi in Mumbai is a restaurant most people only stumble upon by chance. Maybe you might have heard the name adjoined with tender seekh kebabs trickling down the grapevine. Situated in a corner right opposite the Nagpada Police Station, this unassuming joint with its run-down entrance, peeling walls, and an absent signboard is considered a somewhat landmark in town.
You will not hear about this place in your weekly restaurants to try newsletters but might from a friend whose elder brother grew up when Mumbai was Bombay! Spanning 3000 square feet, this eatery has huge windows looking out the streets where they grill minced meat kebabs in long skewers. You can smell its deliciousness wafting through the fairly crowded streets outside. So far, I have not met anyone strong enough to resist its call of temptation!
What should you order at Sarvi?
With nearly a hundred items detailing its menu, Sarvi is most known for its seekh kebab platter. The Irani kainchi seekh kebab (named because of its scissor-cut-like pattern) grilled over a charcoal grill is complemented with lemon wedges, a handful of fresh mint leaves, onion rings, a delicious green chili pepper chutney, and soft tandoori rotis. This delectable coalescence is by far (and agreed and attested by locals) the best I’ve had in the city!
If you finally make it past the kebab platter, we recommend you try the mutton paya soup (lamb trotter soup). With melt-in-the-mouth pieces submerged in a perfectly spiced broth, it is not here to mess around. You should also try the butter chicken with naan served here. Not too sweet and cooked in a rich buttery sauce, this comfort food makes the perfect addition to your spread. Following this gluttonous indulgence, we would propose you order the caramel custard for something sweet after.
If you are here for breakfast, like all of Mumbai’s beloved Irani Cafes, it doesn’t stray far from tradition and serves finger-licking keema pav. You can pair it with a glass of Paani-Kam chai (sweet and milky tea). However, it is advisable to come early as they only serve breakfast till 10:30 am.