Mumbai's Historic Irani Cafe B Merwan & Co Closes Its Doors
Grant Road's beloved Irani cafe, B Merwan & Co, has shut down. The iconic establishment, which served customers for 112 years, posted a simple notice on its shutter. The handwritten message reads, "We are closed. We thank you for your patronage." It carries the date January 1, 2026.
Social Media Sparks Nostalgia and Speculation
News of the closure spread quickly on social media. The Facebook page Zoroastrian Heritage shared a post by Viraf Langrana. This post featured a photograph of the notice. It triggered an emotional response from former patrons.
Many people shared fond memories of the cafe's famous treats. They recalled the mawa cake, omelette pav, and bun maska. One user wrote about visiting daily in 1978 for chai and biscuits costing just 25 paise. Another mentioned taking dozens of mawa cakes for family and friends as a regular ritual.
Alongside the nostalgia, several theories about the closure emerged online. One user claimed municipal authorities revoked the cafe's licence. The alleged reason was the use of wood-fired ovens. Authorities supposedly asked the owners to switch to gas or electric alternatives. Another user suggested rumours of a possible takeover. However, none of these claims have received independent verification.
A Century-Old Legacy Comes to an End
B Merwan & Co opened its doors in 1914. Founder Boman Merwan Nazarabadi migrated from Iran to Bombay seeking a better life. He established the cafe opposite Grant Road station. This strategic location attracted commuters from distant suburbs like Virar, Andheri, and Borivali.
His grandson, Boman Nazarabadi, once described the cafe's early days. He said Bombay had no places for quick snacks back then. He joined the business in 1951 after college, working with his brother Soroush. As the third generation to run the cafe, he expressed pride in maintaining tradition. He noted many Irani places had changed into Chinese restaurants or beer bars. He firmly believed "the old is gold."
The cafe earned fame for its moist mawa cakes, which often sold out by afternoon. Regular customers cherished its classic interior. They remembered the glass-topped wooden tables, distinctive Irani chairs, and red-checked tablecloths. Its affordable prices stood out in Mumbai's expensive food scene.
Uncertain Future After Previous Temporary Closure
This is not the first time B Merwan & Co has closed. In 2014, it shut briefly for repair work. Many feared it was a permanent closure then, but it reopened weeks later. Whether the current shutdown marks the final end remains unclear.
Bakers across Mumbai expressed uncertainty about the situation. Yazdani's proprietor Perzon Zend said he had no confirmed information. He spoke fondly of B Merwan's mawa cakes. De La Paix's Gustad Irani mentioned hearing murmurs about the closure. He stated he did not know if a final decision had been made.
The closure of B Merwan & Co represents more than just a business shutting down. It marks the end of a cultural landmark that served generations of Mumbaikars. For now, the handwritten notice on the shutter tells the simple, sad story.
