Baluchi at The Lalit Mumbai is North Indian comfort done right

Classic flavours, calm vibes, and food that lets technique shine without the drama.

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Classic flavours, calm vibes, and food that lets technique shine without the drama.

Baluchi has been part of Mumbai’s dining circuit for long enough to feel familiar, especially to those who gravitate towards classic North Indian food served in a formal setting. It’s not a restaurant chasing trends or reinvention, and on a recent visit, that sense of steadiness was clear from the moment we walked in.


The space feels intentionally removed from the city outside. Low lighting, terracotta-toned walls, brass accents, and embroidered cushions nod to Rajasthani design without feeling theatrical. The mood is calm and composed, the kind of place where dinners stretch comfortably, and conversations aren’t rushed along. Soft folk music plays in the background, present enough to set the tone but easy to tune out once the table settles in


The menu stays firmly rooted in North Indian cooking, with influences from Rajasthani and Mughlai cuisines. There’s no attempt to modernise or reinterpret classics here; instead, the focus is on technique and balance. We began with the jaituni murg tikka, where the chicken was evenly grilled and well-cooked. The marinade was mild, allowing the meat's flavour to come through, with just enough smokiness from the tandoor to anchor the dish.

The subz santra shorba followed, light and warming, with a restrained citrus note that worked more as a lift than a focal point. It served its purpose as a transition course, offering comfort without adding weight early in the meal.


Among the vegetarian options, the gucchi aur safed mushroom ki galauti was a memorable dish. Soft, delicately spiced patties carried an earthy depth from the mushrooms. Rich, but not excessive, it felt thoughtfully portioned and well-paced within the larger spread.

The main course comprised a comforting dal baluchi, slow-cooked and packed with flavour. In contrast, the nalli nihari was a standout dish, with tender meat and a well-developed gravy. The spices were balanced, keeping the lamb the focus rather than letting it get lost under layers of spices.


Dessert was simple yet nostalgic, sticking to familiar flavours rather than experimentation, which felt like a sensible close after a rich meal. 


Baluchi isn’t trying to surprise its diners, and that’s very much the point. It offers a consistent, well-executed experience rooted in traditional North Indian cooking. For those looking for novelty or theatrical plating, it may feel restrained. But for diners who value dependable flavours, attentive service and a composed setting, it continues to hold its ground.

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