Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna has revealed his favourite restaurant in India, and it comes as a proud moment for Mumbai’s food scene. During a conversation on the podcast Limitless with Ishan Sharma, the celebrated chef shared that his top pick is a humble yet iconic restaurant located in South Mumbai.
When asked about his favourite dining spot in the country, Vikas Khanna said, “My favourite restaurant has to be this restaurant in South Bombay called Soam. I love that restaurant.” His simple yet heartfelt answer immediately caught attention, making food lovers curious about what makes this place so special.
Why Soam Stands Out for Vikas Khanna
Speaking further, Khanna explained that what drew him to Soam was its deep respect for Indian culinary traditions. He praised the restaurant for preserving the essence of Indian home cooking and not trying to imitate Western techniques.
He added that dining there reminded him of the strength and authenticity of Indian food culture. “Our traditional techniques are best and we don’t need to borrow any other techniques to impress Western people. I think I had the best dining experience there,” he said.
For the chef, Soam represents more than just a restaurant—it reflects the power of simple, honest, home-style Indian food.
More About Soam
Soam is an iconic Mumbai eatery that has been loved by food enthusiasts since its launch in 2005. The restaurant is best known for serving authentic Gujarati cuisine along with popular Mumbai-style street food.
What makes Soam even more special is its focus on traditional cooking methods and comforting, homely flavours. Over the years, it has built a strong, loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Next to the main restaurant, Soam also runs a snack shop where customers can buy traditional Gujarati snacks to take home.
Must-Try Dishes at Soam
Soam’s menu is known for its comforting and nostalgic flavours. Some of the most recommended dishes include Ras Poori, Dal Dhokli, Kokam Sherbet, and Raw Mango Slush.
Popular Specialties:
Malai Malpua: A rich Indian dessert made of soft, deep-fried pancakes soaked or topped with thick malai (reduced milk), offering a creamy, indulgent sweetness.
Ganne Ka Juice: A refreshing summer drink made from freshly extracted sugarcane juice, best served chilled with hints of black salt, mint, and lemon.
Biscuit Bhakri: A traditional flatbread made from millet or grain flours like jowar, bajra, rice, or ragi. It is thicker than regular roti and pairs well with simple accompaniments.
Shrikhand Puri: A classic combination of crispy puris served with sweet, creamy shrikhand flavored with cardamom and saffron.
Gujarati Food Platter: A variety of traditional dishes such as dhokla, fafda, khakhra, and khandvi, offering a perfect balance of flavours that define Gujarati cuisine.
Dal Dhokli: A comforting one-pot dish made with spiced toor dal and wheat flour dumplings, slow-cooked to absorb rich, tangy flavours.
Location, Timings and Cost
Location: Plot 15/2, Ground Floor, Sadguru Sadan, Babulnath Road, near Babulnath Temple, Grant Road, Mumbai
Timings: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Cost for Two: ₹950 (approx.)
