TIME has unveiled its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places 2025, spotlighting 100 must-visit destinations worldwide. Among them is Papa’s Bombay, a cutting-edge 12-seater chef’s counter in Mumbai, marking it as the only Indian restaurant to make this year’s prestigious list.

　　Located in Bandra, this intimate dining space blends nostalgia with innovation, offering a 13-course tasting menu that reimagines Indian cuisine. TIME describes how chef Hussain Shahzad, an alum of Eleven Madison Park, surprises guests with culinary creativity, from serving khurchan (toasted rice bits) tableside to pouring Negroni shots from a hip flask. Signature dishes include Bugs Bunny—wild rabbit marinated with weaver ants—alongside inventive takes on rasam, lamb Wellington, and more.

　　An Immersive, Nostalgic Dining Experience

　　Dining at Papa’s Bombay is more than just a meal—it’s an intimate, immersive experience that redefines fine dining. Set in a cosy 12-seater space above a neighborhood sandwich shop, the restaurant feels like a private dinner party in a 1980s Bandra home. With warm wood tones, vintage knick-knacks, and Art Deco memorabilia, the space exudes old-world charm while maintaining a playful, modern edge.

　　At the heart of the experience is chef Hussain Shahzad, who personally interacts with guests, sharing stories behind each dish. TIME describes how he “walks around with a tray of duck biryani offering khurchan” and pours Negroni shots from a hip flask, blurring the line between chef and host. The 13-course tasting menu showcases unexpected interpretations of Indian flavors, where dishes like Bugs Bunny (wild rabbit with weaver ants) and char siu-shaped modaks surprise and delight diners.

　　The evening unfolds as a multi-sensory journey, with interactive elements such as metal puzzles passed around between courses, carefully curated music, and storytelling that adds depth to each plate. By breaking traditional fine dining norms, Papa’s Bombay transforms Indian hospitality into a theatrical, unforgettable experience.

　　“Papa’s is about breaking conventions – taking the essence of Indian hospitality and reimagining it in a way that feels intimate, immersive, and unexpected,” says Sameer Seth, Founder & CEO, Hunger Inc. Hospitality. He adds that being featured on TIME’s list reaffirms their belief that hospitality is not just about food but the overall experience.

　　The Information

　　Address: 3R3G+JMX Veronica's, Waroda Rd, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

　　Timings: 8 pm to 12:30 am

　　Reservations: Reservations open on the first day of every month at 11 a.m. IST and get snapped up in seconds—proof that Papa’s is not just a meal but an experience. Check here: https://www.papasbombay.com/reservations