Girgaum's beloved restaurant shuts down after 75 years due to family dispute

For 75 years, Girgaum's Anant Ashram served the "best crab curry ever". Not anymore. The restaurant has joined Mumbai's much-loved food joints like Cafe Naaz and Cafe Brabourne in downing shutters.

Anant Ashram, known for its non-vegetarian cuisine, shut down last month after a family dispute among its owners the Khadpe family.

Activist Nandini Sardesai said, "I have the most memorable memories of Anant Ashram. Dilip and I visited the place even before we got married.

Dilip was the one who introduced me to this place, where I could savour the yummiest crab curry and rice."

The End: Entrance of Anant Ashram wears a deserted look.

Anant Ashram was known for its homely ambience with wooden tables. "It is very sad to hear that the restaurant has shut. It was the place where we made a number of friends," added Sardesai.

Residents of Khotachi Wadi, where the restaurant was situated, recalled their fond memories. "I have been eating at the restaurant since childhood. There were no dinner parties without their food.

I tried convincing the owners, but they were adamant about shutting the restaurant," said fashion designer James Ferreira.
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The Khadpe family confirmed that they have downed shutters. But it was evident the news has not been made public.

When MiD DAY went to the restaurant yesterday, some people were waiting to be seated. But an unknown woman told them Anant Ashram had shut forever.

Lost Glory

Cafe Naaz at Hanging Garden, which opened in 1966, closed in 1999

Cafe Brabourne, Marine Lines, was opened 75 years ago, but shut shop last year