Tis the season of celebrating the best, and the latest list to be out is Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2025 list. From the most interesting museums to trails to iconic metros to stellar eateries, this list has it all. And for this year, the Indian establishment to make its way to the prestigious list is the Mumbai based eatery Papa’s.
Headed by Chef Hussain Shahzad, who happens to be an alum of the ever-so-famous Eleven Madison Park, Papa’s Bombay is a 12-seater chefs’ counter restaurant that will simply blow your mind. Perched in a Bandra attic, Papa’s Bombay has also gained a cult following within a year of opening its doors. To enjoy this 13-course delight, you need to make bookings on the first day of every month. It starts at 11 am sharp and gets lapped up in seconds, making it exclusive.
The name Papa’s pays tribute to the late influential Indian-American chef Floyd Cardoz, who was Chef Shahzad’s mentor and was fondly called Papaji. Remembered as the ‘godfather of modern Indian cuisine’, Chef Floyd was the first chef born and brought up in India to lead the kitchen at a prominent New York City restaurant. In 2015, when he opened The Bombay Canteen, Chef Floyd brought in Chef Shahzad. The duo then collaborated for the Goan and Portuguese restaurant in Mumbai O Pedro, which was started by Chef Floyd, honouring his Goan legacy, and Chef Hussain was made the executive chef.
Commenting on the announcement Sameer Seth, Founder & CEO, Hunger Inc. Hospitality says “Papa’s is about breaking conventions – taking the essence of Indian hospitality and reimagining it in a way that feels intimate, immersive, and unexpected. Being on TIME’s World's Greatest Places 2025 list reaffirms our belief that hospitality is not just about what’s on the plate, but about how it makes people feel. This recognition fuels our passion to keep pushing boundaries and crafting experiences that are uniquely Indian, yet universally memorable”.
Papa’s is the latest venture from Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the team behind The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Bombay Sweet Shop, and Veronica’s. The cosy eatery is designed to feel like a private dinner party at the chef’s home, and offers an unparalleled experience in hospitality and gastronomy. The thought behind the process reflects quite beautifully in the interiors as well. The space is filled with conversation-starting knick-knacks and art deco memorabilia, further creating a warm and inviting vibe.
The menu at Papa’s Bombay is a beautiful reflection of Chef Hussain’s journey. It blends global techniques with Indian flavours to create a fine dining experience, albeit without the fuss. There is a strong emphasis on seasonal and local produce, and each dish is infused with personality. And then, there are personal anecdotes from Chef Hussain about each dish’s origins, ingredients, and inspirations, making this experience come alive.