Image Source: The Indian Express
In the heart of Bandra, where the old world meets the new, stands a culinary institution that has served more than just food—it has dished out memories, movie offers, and morning chai to legends. Lucky Restaurant, now 87 years old, is more than a place to eat. It’s a living archive of Mumbai’s cultural evolution, a space where Shah Rukh Khan once received a film offer over biryani and where Salman Khan still swears by the mutton special.
Established in 1938 by Iranian immigrant Syed Ali Akbar, Lucky Restaurant has grown from a modest seven-item menu to a sprawling eatery with 240 seats, private rooms, and a leafy garden. Its story is as rich as its keema pao, and its legacy continues to thrive under the stewardship of the third generation.
A Fortunate Turn That Sparked A Legacy
The origin of Lucky Restaurant is as serendipitous as its name. Syed Ali Akbar, then a tea seller, took a different route to work one day and stumbled upon a struggling car showroom. A friend suggested renting the space for a restaurant, and Akbar paid Rs 375 for three months’ rent. That decision, guided by a saint’s earlier advice to return to Bombay, became the cornerstone of a culinary empire.
Highlights from its early days:
• Initial investment of Rs 3,000 secured through milk wholesalers’ credit
• Original menu featured mutton biryani, keema pao, roast chaap, korma, dal, and tarkari
• Biryani was priced at eight annas for half a plate and Re 1 for a full
The restaurant’s name, Lucky, was chosen to honor the fortunate series of events that led to its founding.
Bollywood’s Favorite Table
Lucky Restaurant’s connection to Bollywood is legendary. On a busy night decades ago, Shah Rukh Khan was enjoying biryani when a film producer at the next table offered him a role. Years earlier, Salim Khan, newly arrived in Bombay, would start his mornings here with tea.
Celebrity anecdotes include:
• SRK’s spontaneous film offer over dinner
• Salman Khan’s enduring love for Lucky’s biryani
• Frequent visits from production houses and film crews
The restaurant’s location at Mohammad Rafi Chowk is often referred to simply as Lucky Junction, a testament to its cultural imprint.
A Menu That Marries Tradition And Innovation
Over the decades, Lucky Restaurant has expanded its offerings while preserving its Mughlai roots. From Chinese dishes to tandoori specials, the menu reflects Mumbai’s evolving palate.
Signature dishes include:
• Mutton biryani, still the crown jewel
• Keema pao, a breakfast staple
• Roast chaap and mutton chop
• Tandoori chicken, added after A1 Grill popularized it in Bombay
The restaurant’s ability to adapt while staying true to its heritage has kept it relevant across generations.
Family, Faith, And Food: The Husaini Legacy
Today, Lucky Restaurant is run by Syed Safar Ali Husaini, 84, and his son S Mohsen, 57. Safar Ali began working at the restaurant at age 10, lifting shutters at dawn before heading to school. A graduate in Botany and Chemistry, he remains the soul of the establishment, greeting guests with warmth and stories.
Family milestones:
• Three generations of Husainis have managed the restaurant
• Expansion to Goregaon in 2007 with another outlet and hotel
• Staff and clientele reflect Mumbai’s cosmopolitan spirit
The restaurant’s garden, filled with cockatiels and finches, adds a touch of serenity to the bustling Hill Road corner.
Looking Ahead: Preserving A Culinary Landmark
As Mumbai continues to modernize, Lucky Restaurant stands as a reminder of the city’s layered history. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to remember, to discover, and to feel lucky.
Final reflections:
• Lucky Restaurant blends nostalgia with flavor, making it a must-visit
• Its legacy is built on community, consistency, and cultural resonance
• From film offers to family breakfasts, it remains a cornerstone of Bandra’s identity
Sources: Indian Express.
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