Mid-town master chefs who are leading cloud kitchens in South Mumbai

Eclipsed by the saturated stronghold that is Lower Parel, the oft-ignored belt from Worli to Mahim has some interesting takeaway options with cloud kitchens and home chefs rustling up a treat

The Mexican Box, Worli

Started in October 2020 by foodie couple Meghna and Shaan Mehta who were inspired by their culinary adventures across the Americas, this Tex-Mex-style food delivery service based out of a central kitchen in Worli gets it right. Sent out in eye-catching, black Dia de Los Muertos artwork-bearing boxes, the generously portioned offerings by The Mexican Box menu are the perfect blend of the usual Tex-Mex suspects that have been jazzed up a bit. Take for instance the pricey, but decadent spicy lobster taco (Rs 900 for two) where lobster tails are enrobed in searing hot bhut jolokia, mayo and black beans in an all-maize (corn) soft-shell tortilla. Probably the only place that does our favourite pulled pork burrito (Rs 675), they make sure to load on the meat and a flavoursome guacamole made from premium HASS avocados. Equally scrumptious and made using a special dairy-free cheese, their vegan bean quesadilla (Rs 490) never once makes you miss the real deal.
Time: 11.30 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Log on to: @the.mexicanbox
Call: 9321890033

Home Deli, Prabhadevi

Chicken kebabs

This 27-year-old delivery kitchen is such a landmark of its New Prabhadevi Road location that it proudly talks about having “no other branches”. Launched in 1994 by Samuel (Sam) Karkada, Home Deli is known for its extensive and super-affordable menu that spans Chinese, Indian as well as tandoori offerings.

Chicken teriyaki baos

Speaking of which, the succulent chicken kebabs (Rs 290) are a must order as are the divine chicken teriyaki baos (Rs 350 for four pieces).

Among its other wholesome, fuss-free dishes, we are particularly partial to a comforting bowl of the minced chicken coriander soup (Rs 190) and to a portion of their Monday special breakfast item of masala poha with sev (Rs 60).
Time: 10.30 am to 11 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Log on to: @homedelimumbai
Call: 9029000361

Wilma’s Paradise, Dadar West

Rasmalai pudding cake

A lockdown-fuelled tea cake and pastry-making frenzy for her sweets-obsessed family made Wilma D’Souza decide to capitalise on her new-found passion and start a home baking and confectionery business. Today, almost two years later, Wilma’s Paradise has been sending out plum cake after banana bread, hot off the oven to scores of happy customers.

Putting a unique desi spin on a white tiramisu is the pillow-y soft rasmalai pudding cake (Rs 360 for 300 gm) that has layers of vanilla sponge interspersed with mascarpone cheese and rasmalai discs. Requiring a three days notice, Wilma is also happy to fashion traditional fondant and marzipan-topped cakes with decorative flowers and sugar craft models (Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,800 per kg). Also on offer is a range of tea cakes like marble, pound and lemon (Rs 1,000 onward per kg) and a few Goan savoury items such as chicken croquettes and the piquant, green chicken cafreal (price on request).
Time: 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Log on to: @edwina.dsouza.77
Call: 9819063927

Home Chef, Shivaji Park

Long before the term home chef entered our culinary lexicon, this eponymous restaurant-cum-delivery service morphed from a Mahim-based cloud kitchen in 2006 to a small, albeit perpetually packed Shivaji Park diner in 2009. Started by Jeetendra Thackeray and chef Aditi Limaye-Kamat, it has been known to serve some truly hearty comfort food classics, along with recently introduced vegan, keto and health food options as well.

Chocolate fantasy one person cake

With former Olive and Zenzi chef Aditi at the helm of food operations, one can expect to order in dishes such as the jumbo sized KFC-style (their description) juicy, crispy chicken burger (Rs 400) served in a house-made bun alongside peppered banana wafers. Also on offer are innovative creations like the dainty, eggless, one-person chocolate fantasy cake (Rs 235) and the keto-friendly vegetarian zucchini creamy Alfredo (Rs 500) with spiralised zucchini standing in for the more traditional spaghetti in a gooey, cheesy sauce.
Time: 10 am to 11 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Log on to: @homechefmumbai
Call: 9004689378

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