Jimmy Boy Temporarily Shuts Doors Months Before 100th Anniversary—Here’s All About The Legendary Parsi Café

Famous for its keema pav, bun maska, mava cakes, and signature Irani chai, Jimmy Boy—one of Mumbai’s most iconic Irani cafés—has temporarily closed its Fort outpost for dine-in service. The timing is especially important, as the eatery was just months away from celebrating its 100th anniversary this September.

“This happening so close to our centenary is heartbreaking,” said Sherzad Irani, Director of Operations. “We’ve weathered many storms over the past century, including the pandemic, but this feels different.”

The closure stems from the deteriorating condition of the building that houses Jimmy Boy. Irani told Outlook Traveller Eats that a crack was reported on one of the walls facing Cheetah Gate on June 20, prompting alerts to the BMC and fire brigade.

“A report was hastily prepared and submitted without thorough testing,” Irani claimed. “Structural engineers are now reassessing the situation to verify the initial claim.”

Based on the preliminary report, the BMC issued a formal notice instructing all occupants of Vikas Building to vacate the premises until further notice.

Despite the shutters coming down, Irani reassured loyal patrons: “This isn’t goodbye. It’s only a temporary pause. We haven’t vanished from the market—we’ll be back.”

What Can Jimmy Boy Loyalists Expect Now? 

While dine-in services at Jimmy Boy’s iconic Fort outlet remain suspended, the café is ensuring that its flavours still reach customers. The team has expanded online delivery via Zomato and Swiggy, now servicing areas from Colaba to Andheri. 

“Orders are currently being fulfilled from our Mahim kitchen, while our signature bread, cookies, cakes, and pastries are being supplied from Olive Green near Afghan Church in Colaba,” confirmed Irani. He also shared that the owners and directors are exploring alternate plans should the situation stretch longer than expected. “We’re committed to reopening soon—either in our original premises or by renovating another space nearby,” he added.

Founded in 1925 by Jamshed Irani and his brother Boman Irani, Jimmy Boy was originally known as Café India. It was a modest eatery that served all-day breakfasts. Over the decades, it grew into a city institution, famed for its traditional Parsi fare. In 1999, Jamshed’s son Aspy Irani renamed it Jimmy Boy in tribute to his father.

Mumbai And Irani Cafés

Mumbai’s no-frills Irani cafés are more than just eateries—they’re living time capsules that echo the city’s layered past and cosmopolitan character. These establishments, known for their old-world charm, checkered tablecloths, and warm bun maska, trace their roots to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Irani Zoroastrians began migrating to Bombay and setting up cafés across South Mumbai.

While the Parsis—descendants of Persian refugees who fled to India over 1,300 years ago—were already an integral part of India’s cultural fabric, in the early 19th century, they invited their co-religionists from Iran to seek fortune on Indian shores. “Many of those who came to India were bakers by trade, and they naturally gravitated towards setting up eateries here,” explained Dr Kurush F. Dalal, archaeologist and culinary anthropologist based out of Mumbai.

These cafés quickly became part of the social fabric, welcoming patrons from all walks of life—from white-collared office-goers to local workers—offering hearty, affordable meals in a shared, democratic space. Their menus were simple but satisfying: bun maska, keema pav, Irani chai, and mava cakes—dishes that became city staples.

Some of the most iconic Irani cafés that continue to hold their ground include Britannia & Co., Paradise, and Kayani Bakery & Co., each with its storied legacy. But their numbers are dwindling. “The heyday of tea and coffee shops has passed. Today’s diners are drawn to fine dining and trendier spaces, making it difficult for these cafés to remain financially viable,” said Dr Dalal. “Times have moved on.”

FAQs

1. Why has Jimmy Boy café in Fort, Mumbai temporarily shut down?

Jimmy Boy has temporarily suspended dine-in services at its Fort outlet due to structural safety concerns in the building. A crack in the wall led to a BMC-issued evacuation notice for all occupants.

2. Is Jimmy Boy café permanently closed?

No, Jimmy Boy is not permanently closed. The closure is a temporary measure. The team is exploring options to reopen—either at the original Fort location or a new space nearby.

3. Can I still order food from Jimmy Boy during the shutdown?

Yes, Jimmy Boy continues to serve customers through online delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. Orders are being fulfilled from their Mahim kitchen, and baked goods are available from Olive Green in Colaba.

4. What is Jimmy Boy café famous for?

Jimmy Boy is celebrated for its keema pav, bun maska, mava cakes, Irani chai, and authentic Parsi cuisine. It has been a beloved part of Mumbai’s culinary landscape since 1925.

5. What are some other iconic Irani cafés in Mumbai?

Other well-known Irani cafés in Mumbai include Britannia & Co., Kayani Bakery, and Paradise. These historic cafés are known for their old-world charm and classic Irani-Parsi fare.