Ambani Family’s Culinary Simplicity: From Idlis to Pankis
In a world where billionaires are often associated with fine wines and truffle risottos, Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man, prefers the heart of Matunga East for a crisp Mysore masala dosa or a delicate rice-flour pancake called panki. In an era obsessed with luxury, the Ambanis’ enduring love for South Indian food and Gujarati chaat joints feels refreshingly grounded.
From the late Dhirubhai Ambani to Mukesh Ambani, and now to Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, certain culinary traditions have stood the test of time. At the centre of this palate nostalgia are two Mumbai gems: Cafe Mysore and Swati Snacks, both frequented by everyone from everyday commuters to India’s most influential business family.
Cafe Mysore: A Dosa Legacy Since 1936
Nestled in Mumbai’s Matunga East, Cafe Mysore isn’t a flashy, influencer-hyped joint. It’s unpretentious, iconic, and renowned for its authenticity. Established in 1936 by Rama Nayak, one of the pioneers of Mumbai’s Udupi food movement, Cafe Mysore has become synonymous with perfectly crisp dosas and soft, cloud-like idlis.
Mukesh Ambani has been visiting Cafe Mysore since his college days, and legend has it that he once had food from there flown to Paris for a business meeting. The restaurant’s menu highlights include tangy rasam and the signature Mysore masala dosa, making it a beloved breakfast spot for both locals and billionaires.
Anant’s Wedding Connection
The bond between Cafe Mysore and the Ambanis extends beyond food. At Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding celebrations, a heartwarming video surfaced of Cafe Mysore’s current owner, Naresh Nayak, and his mother, Shanteri, being warmly welcomed at the Ambani residence. Radhika Merchant was seen saying, “Every Sunday, we eat your food in our house.” The newlyweds even touched Shanteri’s feet as a gesture of respect, elevating the humble dosa-makers to honorary VIPs.
Swati Snacks: Where Panki Reigns Supreme
If Cafe Mysore is the Ambanis’ breakfast haven, Swati Snacks is their evening indulgence. This Gujarati vegetarian eatery, famous for its chaats and traditional snacks, has modest interiors but an extraordinary legacy. Mukesh Ambani reportedly discovered panki—a steamed rice-flour pancake cooked in banana leaves—here, priced at just ₹230.
According to Asha Jhaveri, owner of Swati Snacks, the Ambanis have been loyal patrons for decades. “We are three generations of the Ambani family who cannot live without ordering from Swati Snacks every week,” Mukesh Ambani is quoted as saying. From standing in queues to sending staff for takeaways, their loyalty remains unwavering.
Swati Snacks operates two outlets each in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, with a cloud kitchen network. Its menu is a celebration of Gujarati favourites: panki, dahi batata puri, sev puri, and the fan-favourite aloo chaat.
A Varanasi Pitstop: Chaat and Tradition
Ahead of Anant and Radhika’s Mumbai wedding celebrations, Nita Ambani visited Varanasi. Along with presenting the wedding invite at a temple, she was spotted enjoying aloo chaat at a local food stall. “Mukesh would have loved it,” she remarked, a comment that reflects the family’s deep-rooted affection for street food.
Relatable Simplicity Amid Opulence
In a world of curated Instagram meals and overpriced tasting menus, the Ambanis’ love for dosa corners and panki platters stands out. While they could dine in seven-star obscurity, their enduring affection for Mumbai’s culinary gems makes them surprisingly relatable. Behind the power summits and stock surges lies a family that still queues up for their fix of street food and timeless South Indian comfort.
