Did it survive? This is a question many people asked about Leopold Cafe after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It is hard to imagine, standing here today, that this vibrant, bustling cafe was once a target of such violence. Leopold Cafe is much more than a restaurant. It is a Mumbai institution. Established in 1871 by Iranis, Zoroastrians who migrated to India in the 19th century, it started as a wholesale cooking oil store. Over time it transformed into the beloved cafe and bar you see today. Leopold Cafe is known for its high ceilings, rotating fans, and a menu that is a melting pot of Indian and European cuisines. It became particularly popular with foreign tourists, a trend further amplified by its prominence in Gregory David Roberts’ novel “Shantaram.” However, on November 26, 2008, Leopold Cafe found itself at the center of a terrifying event: the Mumbai terror attacks. Terrorists opened fire on the cafe. They killed 11 people and injured 28 others. The cafe still bears the scars of that day, with bullet holes left unrepaired as a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience. In a defiant act of spirit, Leopold Cafe reopened only four days after the attack. It remains a symbol of Mumbai’s indomitable spirit, a place where locals and tourists alike can gather. They can enjoy a meal, a drink, and the enduring energy of this remarkable city.
Arya Samaj Mandir
Did Swami Dayananda Saraswati foresee the bustling metropolis that would surround the Arya Samaj Mandir? Here in the Fort area