Shalimar, a well-known name on Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Road, has grown from a modest 500-sq-ft cold drink house into a sprawling 15,000-sq-ft restaurant over the past 56 years. The family-run establishment now features several dining halls, a fast-food section, a takeaway counter and Reserve By Shalimar, a cafe launched last year.
Founded in 1970 by Zainuddin Sheikh, the business initially became popular for its falooda and fresh fruit juices. “Back in those days, he got a chef from Bhutan to make falooda and it became an instant hit, and till today, it continues to be one of the most sought after,” said his grandson Omaer Sheikh. The restaurant sells around 600 glasses of falooda daily, rising to nearly 1,000 on weekends and during summer.
The family gradually acquired neighbouring shops in the late 1970s and early 1980s and transformed Shalimar into a Mughlai restaurant serving dishes such as Nalli Nihari, Mutton Biryani, Korma and Kadhai Gosht.
Omaer took charge at 16 after his father Shahabuddin Sheikh died in 2004. His mother Ishrat Sheikh subsequently helped run the business, while his younger brother Arquam later pursued hospitality education at IHM Aurangabad.
Today, Shalimar accommodates around 600 diners and serves nearly 450 dishes. The family has also opened outlets in Jogeshwari, Vashi, BKC-Kurla and Saki Naka.
The restaurant recently faced regulatory action after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended its FSSAI licence over compliance issues. “We were falling short on some compliances — maintaining annual medical records of staff, pest control reports among other things. They were largely paperwork related,” Omaer said.
Following improvements, the restaurant secured a stay after scoring 97 on compliance. It is also undertaking renovation work.
The family now plans to expand further, with potential outlets in Thane, Pune, South Mumbai and Dubai.
Source: The Indian Express
