A Trip to Mumbai

The capital city of India, once known as Bombay, Mumbai is the home to over 11 million people, making it the 6th largest city in the World.  It is the epicenter of the Indian film industry, economy and arts.  With a Gross Domestic Product of $205.7 billion U.S. dollars, it is also one of the profitable cities in the World as well, with numerous foreign banks and financial institions, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley to name a few, having large executive offices located within the city centre.

Mumbai lies on the west coast in India and has a deep natural harbor.

Mumbai is the entertainment capital of India, especially the film industry known as Bollywood.  Indian films often follow a specific pattern, very similar to the classical American musical with dialogue being spoken and breaking out into song during key moments of conflict.  Former Miss Universe, Lara Dutta, is currently one of Bollywood's favorite actresses, carrying on the tradition of beautiful female leads in Indian films.

The beautiful Lara Dutta

The cuisine of Mumbai consists of mostly Indian Spices, herbs, vegetables and fruit, given the large portion of vegetarians in India.  Hindu beliefs play a strong factor and influential role in Indian cuisine.  However, because of Britain's influence during the occupation of India during a large portion of their history, Indian cuisine has evolved to include some meat into some dishes.  Naan, Indian flatbread, baked in a clay oven called a Tandoori is commonly served with most meals.  the clay oven giving the bread a distinct and delicious flavor.  Gem of India, located on Battlefield Road, is a great place locally to try Naan and several other unique Indian dishes.  For the full experience, I recommend trying the Gem of India Dinner for Two, which, in addition to Naan, includes Mulligatawny Soup (A delicious blend of chicken, rice, and Indian Spices.), Vegetable Samosa (A vegetable stuffed pastry), Pakoras (Deep-fried Vegetables), Papadam (Thin, crisp flatbread), Tandoori Chicken (Chicken baked in the clay oven.), Lamb Bhuna (Lamb in a curry sauce), Chicken Tikka Masala (No description necessary, absolutely delicious), Saffron Rice, Raita (Cucmber-mint sauce) and dessert.  All of this for $35!  You will not be disappointed.

An Indian feast.

Should you wish to try fixing Indian food yourself, stop by Harter House World Flavors on Republic Road.  We have a large selection of spices, frozen Indian Meals, and other Indian items for you to select from.  The food can be as mild or as hot as you like and the flavors are wonderful and rich.