Colaba, Mumbai — Sometimes, the soul of a city reveals itself not in its monuments, but in its food. And in Mumbai, when the city’s heartbeat slows after midnight, BadeMiya’s grills come alive — sizzling, smoking, and serving with a warmth that feels less like a business and more like a tradition.
It was a tired evening for me when I landed in Colaba. A stroll to the Gateway of India, some idle time watching anchored ships and parrots fluttering in the lamps, a quick coffee from a street vendor, and some browsing through Colaba Causeway’s fashionable stalls — all of it had drained me. Back at the hotel, I surrendered to sleep, only to wake up startled. The clock struck 1:30 AM. My body was rested, but my stomach growled — I had missed both lunch and dinner.
Where could I possibly eat at such an hour?
And then, like an instinct, one name came alive: BadeMiya.
“Sir, abhi khana toh mil hi jayega… BadeMiya hai na,” the hotel guard smiled knowingly, as if reading my thoughts.
The Midnight Pilgrimage
At half-past one, Colaba’s iconic roadside eatery was buzzing like a carnival. Cars from far and wide lined the street. Friends leaned on hoods, balancing plates, laughing between bites. Families tucked into kebabs. Youngsters fresh out of late-night drives found comfort in rolls and curries. BadeMiya was awake when the city slept — feeding not just hunger, but the spirit of Mumbai’s night.
I ordered a mushroom roll. Sitting nearby was a middle-aged man, supervising quietly yet attentively. I joined him, and soon, conversation rolled as smoothly as the food.
“Sir,” he said with a gentle smile, “if we don’t care for our customers with the best of everything, then what value is there in carrying forward the name my father built with such hard work?”
It struck me: BadeMiya was not just food, it was a legacy.
A Legacy of Taste
Seventy years ago, a young boy started this joint with little more than a corner stall. Today, his son and now his grandson keep the fires burning. “People come not only from Mumbai but from Pune, Nashik, even Kalyan and Bhiwandi,” he said proudly.
I raised an eyebrow. “At this hour? From Nashik?”
He chuckled, pointing around: “Look at those cars, sir. They drive down here just to add some excitement to their night. Taste and hospitality pull them.”
And I could taste why. Every bite of my roll was fresh, flavorful, perfectly spiced — Mughal aromas of saffron and rose water mingled with the unmistakable zing of Mumbai street food.
Hospitality That Never Sleeps
What impressed me more than the food was the service. Amid the chaos, the staff remained cool, attentive, and swift. Plates came steaming in minutes; no one felt neglected, even at 2 AM. Hygiene and quality, often a casualty of roadside eateries, were visibly upheld here.
“Sir, this hall you see,” he added, gesturing to the bustling extended space, “we made it to cater to the growing demand. BadeMiya must keep evolving, but without losing what makes us special.”
It was a quiet declaration of pride — not just in business, but in identity.
Mumbai’s Answer to Global Midnight Cravings
Across the world, cities are defined by their midnight kitchens — tacos in Mexico City, ramen in Tokyo, döner kebabs in Berlin, pizza al taglio in Rome, po’boys in New Orleans. In that illustrious company, Mumbai’s BadeMiya stands tall — a place where food is not just served but celebrated, deep into the night.
For shift workers, drivers, insomniacs, and dreamers, late-night food is survival. For travelers and wanderers, it is memory. BadeMiya has become both.
More Than a Food Joint
By the time I finished, my hunger was gone, replaced by contentment. Still, I caught myself glancing at the menu, wishing I had space for one more kebab, one more bite.
Before leaving, the supervisor, who introduced himself as Atik, said something that lingered with me:
“It’s not just our generation, sir. Even the next one is preparing to spread BadeMiya’s taste and hospitality further. My father created it, we sustain it, and they will carry it forward.”
I wished him luck and walked back towards the Gateway of India. The sea breeze felt fresher now — or perhaps it was the quiet satisfaction of having witnessed not just a late-night meal, but a slice of Mumbai’s living culture.
Because as I realized that night, BadeMiya is not just food. It is delicious hospitality — Mumbai style.
( Ashok Choudhury is an advertising copywriter and freelance writer with a passion for travel and storytelling. He enjoys exploring new places, meeting people, and sharing his experiences through words. The views expressed are personal)
