Cafe Mommy Joon

Café MommyJoon is a food and hospitality establishment located in the “Bandra West” area of Mumbai, India. The establishment has launched its operations with a focus on serving traditional and authentic Iranian cuisine within an international environment, aiming to provide an experience of Persian culinary culture to residents and tourists in India.

The restaurant is situated on the ground floor of the “Sunrise” building on 24th Road in Mumbai. The core concept of the establishment is to recreate the atmosphere of traditional Iranian homes, offering dishes prepared based on home-style recipes. The name “MommyJoon” was chosen to evoke a sense of intimacy and home-cooked meals. The interior architecture and layout incorporate Iranian cultural elements, a library, and decor that strive to create an atmosphere distinct from typical Indian restaurants.

The Café MommyJoon menu is organized based on classic Iranian culinary categories. A significant portion of the menu is dedicated to various kebabs, which include:
Red meat kebabs: Including Koobideh, Chenjeh, and Barg kebabs, marinated and cooked using traditional methods.
Poultry kebabs: Bone-in and boneless Joojeh kebab, flavored with saffron and Iranian spices.
Rice dishes (Polow): In this section, saffron rice is presented as the primary base alongside various stews and mixed rice dishes, such as Dill Rice (Sheved Polow). The inclusion of “Tahdig” (crispy rice crust)—an inseparable component of Iranian rice dishes—is a feature of the establishment’s service.

In addition to kebabs, another part of the menu is dedicated to authentic Iranian stews (Khoresh), such as Ghormeh Sabzi and Gheimeh, which are served alongside rice according to traditional standards. Furthermore, appetizers such as Mast-o-Musir (yogurt with shallots), Kashk-e Bademjan (eggplant dip with whey), Shirazi salad, and Mirza Ghasemi are included in the ordering list, rounding out a complete Iranian meal.

The establishment’s services are not limited to main courses. The café and dessert section offers the following:
Hot beverages: Traditional Iranian tea, typically served in kamar-barik (narrow-waisted) glasses, is an important part of the establishment’s hospitality culture.
Desserts: Shirazi Faloodeh and traditional ice cream (Akbar Mashti) are included in the menu as classic Iranian desserts, representing a different experience for Indian audiences compared to their local desserts.
Cold beverages: Various herbal and traditional syrups, which are common in Iranian culture, are prepared and offered at this café.

Café MommyJoon operates daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Services include dine-in and takeout options. Due to the provision of Halal food, the restaurant attracts various customer demographics. Structurally, this establishment has attempted to maintain a “café-restaurant” identity by creating a space for reading (a small internal library) and playing relevant music.

In summary, Café MommyJoon operates in the heart of Mumbai as a bridge between the spicy, pungent Indian palate and the mild, saffron-rich Iranian palate, focusing primarily on preserving the authenticity of traditional cooking methods. By targeting the Iranian community residing in India as well as locals seeking diversity in their diet, the establishment has defined its position in the competitive market of international restaurants in Mumbai.