Mumbai's iconic Copper Chimney completes 50 years

Founded in 1972 in Mumbai by JK Kapur, this restaurant has also been visited by Bollywood celebrities like Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu, and Dev Anand, and is known for its lip-smacking North Indian food!

There are people who love food and then there are those who are passionate about it. One such gentleman was Mr.JK Kapur, an Indian filmmaker, producer, and social activist, who later became a restaurateur and started one of the country's oldest restaurant chains, Copper Chimney in erstwhile Bombay 50 years ago. Kapur who had migrated to India from modern-day Pakistan during the partition wanted to share the culinary experience of North West Frontier Province, where most of his childhood was spent. So, in 1972 when he finally decided to open a restaurant, the menu was a reflection of the same.

From a film distributor to becoming a restaurateur

When Kapur migrated to Bombay, he had few resources, and thus to support his family, he ended up doing odd jobs, and eventually got into the film distribution business. Later, he tried his hands at production as well and produced a film named Sagina with Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu.

But food never left his mind. After a few years, he reached out to a friend who used to run a canteen, and together, this duo opened a restaurant. It was a success and after handling it for a while, in 1972, Kapur finally opened the very first outlet of Copper Chimney on his own. Dilip Kumar and Mr. Prem Chaddha were even present at the launch of the same.

Also Read: Mumbaikars! Order from Art of Dum for a feast of slow-cooked Biryani, Tikkas, and more!

A 50-year-old legacy

There are many things that make Copper Chimney iconic in different ways. It was the first restaurant to have a show kitchen and was headed by a female chef, Tari. It was a go-to spot for celebrities like Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. The ingredients are still sourced from the same suppliers and the grade of spices too haven't changed. If we talk about the taste and the quality of the food, they're top-notch, like always.

Food to relish

Copper Chimney recently completed 50 years and to celebrate this, they've come up with a limited edition autograph menu that features slow-cooked dishes across undivided North India, from Peshawar to Delhi. Some of the dishes that we fell in love with were the Mutton Seekh Kebab which was juicy, moist, and soft, and the Kadak Roomali Roti which was crisp and made with perfection. The Chicken Cheese Kebab was another highlight and we loved how creamy it was without being overpowered by cheese. The Stuffed Tandoori Aloos were an equal delight and we loved how it was a perfect combination of crunchy and soft.

For the main course, the Creamy Butter Chicken was our favorite and we appreciated the huge shredded chicken pieces in it and the rich gravy. Another dish that we would love to try again would be the iconic Palak Gooler Kofta. This one featured a massive spinach kofta stuffed with mawa, dried Kashmiri figs, and nuts, and was covered with ‘’Varq,‘’ an edible silver leaf. Having it with the mirch and pyaaz naan was no less than heaven and we can't wait to bite into it again.

In a nutshell, if you love Indian food and want to enjoy a meal that's rich, authentic, and filling, Copper Chimney won't disappoint you!

Where: Multiple outlets across the city
Price: Rs. 4,000 for two

Also Read: Taftoon in BKC, Mumbai, is a warm place to gorge on regional food from North-Indian states!

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