Off the menu: Mumbai and Delhi’s best-kept culinary secrets

There’s something thrilling about being in on a secret—especially when it comes to food. Beyond the printed menus, behind the polished counters, and whispered over candle-lit tables, a handful of dishes and drinks exist only for those who know to ask. These off-the-menu delights are a nod to the most loyal patrons, the true insiders. Here’s your guide to the best-kept culinary secrets across Mumbai and Delhi—your very own cheat sheet to dining like an insider.

Mumbai

Lyla: A Hidden Taste of Mexico

Lyla’s entire menu may be packed with bold flavours, but those in the know ask for the secret Mexican Ceviche Tapas. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and flavour-packed dish made with the best seasonal seafood, bright citrus, and a medley of bold yet balanced ingredients. This isn’t just ceviche—it’s an elevated, shareable experience that keeps regulars coming back.

Gigi: Handmade, Off the Books

At Gigi, a plate of handcrafted pasta is all about refined simplicity—house-made pasta, delicate textures, and an understated umami depth that lingers. If seafood is your scene, whisper a request for the special fish dish, a masterful blend of European and Japanese influences where freshness takes center stage.

EVE: The Phyllo Fix

At EVE (Santacruz, Worli, and Powai), simplicity meets indulgence with two secret phyllo cup bites: Shish Taouk Chicken and Creamy Spinach & Corn. Whipped up for the most devoted guests, these delicate, crispy cups deliver an explosion of flavour in every bite.

Bombay Daak: A Goan Secret in a Glass

Jai, the mixologist at Bombay Daak, has concocted a drink that’s a quiet nod to Goa’s iconic flavours. The Kokum & Fenny Fusion blends raw mango, clear lime juice, tequila, a salt and chili rim, and a garnish of fresh raw mango. It is tropical, tart, and tantalising—if you know to ask for it.

Hylo: The Desi Smash Burger You Didn’t Know You Needed

Smash burgers may be a global trend, but at Hylo, the Desi Smash Burger is a hush-hush creation packed with local flair. Think chapli kebab patties, fresh tomatoes, green chili, all sandwiched in a Hyderabadi naan—a perfect storm of spice, texture, and indulgence.

Ocho Bandra: The Flatbread That’s a Well-Kept Secret

At Ocho in Bandra, the Pesto Mushroom Flatbread is a hidden gem. Chef Amit Mane likens the thrill of a secret menu to the charm of a speakeasy—it’s all about exclusivity. This off-the-menu flatbread takes a familiar favourite and twists it into something richer, more indulgent, and undeniably special.

Ilili: A Turkish Delight

Chef Vipin Kumar of Ilili has an unlisted dish that’s a journey in itself—the Chicken Adana and Lamb Adana Mandi Rice. Ground meat is infused with Turkish spices, grilled to perfection, and served over fragrant mandi rice. A final touch of chicken stock and daqoos sauce ties the dish together, making it an aromatic, flavour-packed find.

Delhi

Comorin: A Mumbai-Inspired Masterpiece

Pulao, but make it secret. The Tawa Mutton Pulao at Comorin is a love letter to Mumbai street food. The inspiration? A pav bhaji vendor who, years ago, repurposed leftover bhaji gravy into a spiced rice dish. Comorin’s version swaps out bhaji for mutton infused with the same depth of flavour, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s as nostalgic as it is innovative.

Miss Margarita by Arriba: The Secret Skewers

Chef Noah Louis Barnes has a smoky, spicy surprise up his sleeve—the Yucatan Adobo Pork Belly & Jalapeño Skewers. Not on the official menu, these skewers bring together slow-cooked pork belly and the heat of jalapeños, creating a dish that’s as indulgent as it is exclusive.

Mezze Mambo: A Vault of Hidden Delights

At Mezze Mambo, Chef Megha Kohli keeps the past alive with a lineup of secret dishes:

Shroom Hummus: Once a menu staple, this creamy hummus, topped with wild mushrooms, goat cheese, and truffle oil, is still made for those who ask.

Sumac Chicken: A bestseller from her Lavaash days, this tangy, spice-rubbed chicken can still make an appearance if you want it too bad.

Peasants Wrap & Hye Rollers: Armenian lavaash rolls, filled with chicken or veggies, are resurrected on request.

Lead image: Ilili

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