Tracing Mumbai’s Oldest Halwais and Their Timeless Charm

In a city that never pauses, where cafés are born and forgotten in the same season, there’s something beautifully grounding about a mithai shop that has survived a century — or even half of one. Mumbai’s oldest halwais are not just confectioners; they are custodians of time, memory, and taste. From the crowded lanes of Mahim to the buzzing streets of Girgaum, these legendary sweet shops have watched the city evolve — one peda, one jalebi, one laddoo at a time.

Joshi Buddhakaka Mahim Halwawala

Tucked in the heart of Mahim, Joshi Buddhakaka Mahim Halwawala is more than just a shop — it’s an institution. Established nearly a century ago, it’s known for its melt-in-the-mouth halwa and traditional Maharashtrian sweets. Step inside during Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi, and the air is thick with ghee, nostalgia, and conversations about how “nothing tastes like Buddhakaka’s sweets.” Their boondi laddoos and karanjis continue to define festive purity for countless families.

Where: Joshi Budhakaka Mahim Halwawala Shop No 5 & 6, Off SVS Marg, Kapad Bazar, Mahim.

Punjab Chandu Halwai

When Punjab Chandu Halwai first opened its doors in the 1940s, Mumbai was still Bombay. Founded by refugees who carried little more than recipes and resilience, this halwai turned adversity into artistry. From its legendary Karachi halwa to its flaky sohan papdi, every sweet carries the warmth of home and the strength of heritage. Today, it remains a household name — a bridge between the city’s cosmopolitan palate and traditional north Indian indulgence.

Where: Check your nearest outlet. 

Dhupkar Sweets

Few know that Dhupkar Sweets began as a humble neighbourhood counter in Dadar. Known for its authentic Maharashtrian offerings — modak, anarse, and besan laddoos — Dhupkar still follows age-old recipes without shortcuts. Its charm lies in its simplicity: brass utensils, slow-roasted flour, and sweets that taste of devotion, not production.

Where: Abdullah Building No.2, Opposite Damodar Hall, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel. 

Ideal Mithai

Located in the bustling lanes of Prabhadevi, Ideal Mithai has been serving Mumbaikars for generations. Their specialities — malai sandwiches, kaju katli, and dry fruit rolls — reflect a fine balance between tradition and modern preference. Over the years, they’ve managed to evolve without losing the authentic touch that keeps regulars coming back.

Where: Shop Number 209/211 Thakurdwar Road, Dr, Dr Babasaheb Jaykar Marg, Thakurdwar. 

Gaurishankar Chhitarmal Mithaiwala

Walk into Gaurishankar Chhitarmal Mithaiwala, and you step into a space where every wall whispers tales of Rajasthan. Established in the 19th century, it’s among the oldest halwais in South Mumbai. Their mohanthal and motichoor laddoos have retained the same flavour for generations, a testament to craftsmanship passed down like family heirlooms.

Where: Shyam Bhavan, Naka, Parel East, Parel. 

Panshikar

No discussion of Mumbai’s mithai legacy is complete without mentioning Panshikar Mithaiwale. Famous for their pedas, puran polis, and sabudana wadas, they’ve mastered the delicate art of balancing festive flavour with daily comfort food. Founded in Girgaum, their name has become synonymous with authentic Maharashtrian sweets and farsan.

Where: Kadamgiri Complex, 5, Hanuman Rd, Vishnu Prasad Society, Navpada, Vile Parle East, Vile Parle. 

Chandru’s Mithai

Born out of a community that brought its vibrant food culture to the city after Partition, Chandru’s Mithai in Chembur is a Sindhi favourite. From sev barfi to khoya jalebi, it’s a sweet shop that celebrates both identity and innovation. Each piece of mithai here feels like a story — of migration, of adaptation, of sweet survival.

Where: Shiv Shopping Centre, Metro Station Versova, 6, JP Rd, Gharkul Society, Seven Bungalow. 

Jhama Sweets

Ask anyone in Chembur where to go for sweets, and “Jhama Sweets” is the instant answer. Established in 1950, Jhama became famous for its rasmalai, gulab jamun, and Sindhi specialities. What began as a small post-Partition venture has grown into an enduring brand. Even today, its glass counters hold both nostalgia and novelty — a favourite stop for generations of locals.

Where: Check your nearest outlet. 

Adarsh Sweets

Adarsh Sweets may not be the oldest, but it carries an old-world sincerity that stands out. Known for its fresh samosas, jalebis, and barfis, it’s one of those corner stores that thrive purely on loyal customers and consistent quality. The kind of place where the shopkeeper remembers your favourite sweet.

Where: Ground floor, Sanchit CHS, Shop no.. 8 & 9, Sonawala Rd, Jay Prakash Nagar, Goregaon. 

Tewari Bros.

Started by migrants from Uttar Pradesh, Tewari Bros. has been part of Mumbai’s foodscape for over a century. Its specialities — kesar rasmalai, gulab jamun, and peda — are rooted in northern traditions but have adapted to the city’s cosmopolitan taste. Their branches on Charni Road and Juhu keep the same consistency that defines true legacy.

Where:  Shop No.21/22, Juhu Supreme Shopping Centre, 9, Gulmohar Cross Road, near JVPDScheme, Mora Gaon, Juhu. 

Tharu Sweets Mukhi Bhandar

Founded in 1938, Tharu Sweets in Khar stands as one of the city’s most elegant mithai destinations. Its unique blend of Sindhi and Rajasthani sweets — like pista barfi, coconut halwa, and milk cakes — offers a glimpse into culinary history. The decor, like the sweets, is timeless: gleaming counters, marble flooring, and an unhurried pace that feels rare in modern Mumbai.

Where: Shop No. 7- 8, Madhuban Building, Khar Pali Rd, opp. Dayavanti Hall & Canara Bank, Khar, Khar West. 

Murlidhar Sweets

Murlidhar Sweets brings the spirit of Gujarat into Mumbai’s melting pot. Famous for its mohanthal, ghughra, and shrikhand, this family-run establishment has always put quality before quantity. Their sweets are made in pure ghee and will leave you wanting more!

Where:  Shop No. 1,2, 3, Classic, Sai Janak, near Devidas Road, Borivali West. 

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