I recently travelled to Mumbai for some business and had to spend a little over four months there. I spent most of the days at the vendor’s office in the mornings, which meant I had the rest of the day to myself starting at lunch time. If you know anything about Mumbai, you’d know that spending any amount of time alone in a hotel room quickly gets boring, because there’s so much to do around the city and its streets. I had an idea, and it seemed interesting at that time, so I went ahead with it.

I decided to embark on a gastronomic journey through Mumbai that has pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I made a commitment to dine out for every meal, deliberately choosing restaurants, cuisines, and dishes I’d typically avoid or had never experienced before. This self-imposed challenge has been eye-opening, occasionally uncomfortable, but ultimately rewarding in ways I never expected.

Week 1: Hesitant First Steps

I started my adventure with trepidation at Sequel, a trendy vegan café in Bandra. Their cashew cheese pizza was a revelation, proving that plant-based meals could be satisfying and flavorful. Later that week, I ventured into Souk at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, where the fragrant tagines and couscous dishes transported me to North Africa. The blend of sweet and savory flavors in their lamb and apricot tagine was unlike anything I’d tasted before.

Week 2: Embracing the Unfamiliar

As I gained confidence, I sought out more adventurous options. Nho Saigon in Bandra Kurla Complex introduced me to the comforting world of Vietnamese pho with its aromatic broths and tender rice noodles. At Heng Bok in Bandra, I nervously tried grilling my own meats and wrapping them in lettuce leaves with various banchan (side dishes). The interactive nature of the meal made it a fun, social experience.

The biggest challenge came when I visited Bombay Canteen in Lower Parel, known for its inventive takes on Indian cuisine. Their crispy fried karwanda berries reminded me of the texture of insects – crunchy and tart. While not actually insects, it pushed me to try unfamiliar textures and flavors.

Week 3: Discovering Hidden Gems

By the third week, I was actively seeking out hole-in-the-wall eateries and food trucks. Abyssinian in Fort became an instant favorite. Scooping up fragrant stews with pieces of spongy injera bread was a delightful hands-on experience. The Naan’wich food truck in Bandra, which combined Indian and Middle Eastern flavors in creative sandwiches, produced some of the most innovative dishes I’d encountered.

I also explored cuisines from regions I knew little about. Uzbek Darbar in Byculla introduced me to the hearty, comforting flavors of Central Asia. Their rich lamb plov (a rice dish) and flaky samsa pastries were perfect for a chilly evening.

Week 4: Reflecting on the Journey

In the final week, I found myself craving some of the new flavors I’d discovered. Returning to a few favorites, like the eclectic fusion menu at The Bombay Canteen, I noticed how much more adventurous I’d become in my ordering. Dishes that would have intimidated me a month ago now seemed approachable and exciting.

This experience has fundamentally changed my relationship with food. I’ve learned that:

1. First impressions can be deceiving. Some of my favorite meals came from unassuming places like the tiny Sneha Restaurant in Mahim, known for its coastal cuisine.
2. Trying new things gets easier with practice. The more I pushed myself, the more open-minded I became, even attempting the fiery Andhra thali at Gonguura in Juhu.
3. Food is a window into culture. Each meal taught me something about the history, geography, and traditions of a place, like the Parsi delicacies at Britannia & Co. in Ballard Estate.
4. Dining alone can be empowering. I grew more comfortable with my own company at places like The Table in Colaba, learning to savor meals without distractions.
5. Local experts are invaluable. Chatting with passionate servers and chefs, like those at the experimental Indian restaurant Masque in Mahalaxmi, enhanced my appreciation for unfamiliar dishes.

While my wallet (and perhaps my waistline) are relieved this challenge is over, the impact will be lasting. I’ve discovered new favorite cuisines, developed a more adventurous palate, and gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of flavors Mumbai has to offer.

This month-long experiment has reminded me that growth often happens outside our comfort zones. By saying “yes” to new experiences and pushing through initial discomfort, we open ourselves up to unexpected joys and discoveries. While I may not continue eating out for every meal, I’m committed to maintaining this spirit of culinary adventure. Who knows what new flavors await around the next corner of this vibrant city?