Matt Damon, Christopher Nolan and Tom Holland enjoying a bun maska and chai at Olympia Coffee House.
Image: Instagram
Currently, Christopher Nolan's star-studded epic fantasy, The Odyssey, is capturing headlines across the globe as promotional activities reach a fever pitch.
Beyond turning heads on the red carpet, the team is also providing plenty of travel inspiration during their worldwide tour.
Let me explain how.
The director and various cast members recently visited Mumbai, India, to attend a historic premiere at the PVR ICON IMAX, Phoenix Palladium.
Known as the City that Never Sleeps and the true heartbeat of the Bollywood film industry, Mumbai offered the perfect backdrop for Nolan, Matt Damon, and Tom Holland to experience an iconic local delicacy.
To do so, they made their way to Olympia Coffee House, a legendary Irani cafe in Mumbai with a remarkable 180-year history, to sample its celebrated bun maska and chai.
Predictably, onlookers immediately captured the moment on their phones, and the images of the stars enjoying their snacks quickly went viral.
@Unstumbled posted on Instagram: “Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland and Matt Damon were recently spotted enjoying Mumbai’s iconic bun maska and chai at the legendary Olympia Coffee House in Colaba while visiting the city for ‘The Odyssey’ premiere.
“Established over 108 years ago, Olympia Coffee House is one of Mumbai’s most iconic Irani cafés, loved for its old-world charm, affordable comfort food, and timeless flavours. If you’re exploring South Mumbai, this historic café deserves a spot on your food bucket list.”
The film's director and cast members were seen at The Taj Mahal Palace located in Colaba.
Established in 1903 by Jamsetji Tata, this luxurious 5-star property is famous for its storied heritage and spectacular waterfront setting looking out at the Gateway of India.
It provides world-class hospitality and has welcomed an array of presidents, royalty, and global celebrities since its inception.
Historically, it serves as an emblem of Indian strength and national pride after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, during which the hotel endured a three-day siege commonly known as 26/11.
Often referred to as a living museum, the property seamlessly blends Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine Gothic designs from both an architectural and artistic perspective.
The world-class dinning is another attraction, with the Sea Lounge famous for its high tea.
Aside from the previously mentioned bun maska and chai treat, if you are planning a trip to Mumbai, these four foods come highly recommended:
Masala dosa: This crispy, golden-brown South Indian crepe is prepared using a fermented rice and lentil batter. Usually filled with a spiced potato mixture, it comes accompanied by chutney and a tangy sambar on the side.
Briyani: Though its spelling varies from one region to another, the deliciousness of this rich, slow-cooked dish remains completely unchanged. It features layers of either chicken or lamb, with a vegetarian option also available. Each of these dishes is deeply infused with spices that provide a tantalising aroma.
Pani puri: This highly popular street food snack features hollow, crispy shells filled with a mixture of potatoes and chickpeas, then enhanced with flavourful, spiced tamarind water. It is a completely addictive and delicious treat.
Murgh makhani (better known as butter chicken): Loved worldwide, this popular dish has a special spot that locals cherish in every city. If you happen to be visiting, make sure to taste their version, which features tender tandoori chicken simmered beautifully in a rich, velvety tomato and cream sauce. It tastes absolutely divine when paired with fresh garlic or butter naan.