From China to Bandra: Mumbai’s first Chinese eatery that is still serving legacy dishes after 75 years

Tucked away in the vibrant lanes of Bandra, Wonton House holds the proud distinction of being the Mumbai's very first Chinese restaurant.

Decades before Chinese food became a staple of fast-food culture, one family quietly brought authentic oriental flavours to Mumbai.

Tucked away in the vibrant lanes of Bandra, Wonton House holds the proud distinction of being the city’s very first Chinese restaurant — a culinary landmark that has delighted generations of diners for nearly 75 years.

Established by the Wang family, immigrants from China, in the mid-20th century, the restaurant quickly gained popularity with locals for offering a new and exotic dining experience. However, the tides of history changed its course.

The history of Wonton House

According to a report by News18, the Wangs decided to hand over the restaurant to a trusted friend, DS Chawla, who promised to preserve its legacy, after the Indo-China War of 1962. Since then, the Chawla family has been carrying forward the tradition.

Despite the rise of countless Chinese eateries across the city, Wonton House remains a nostalgic favourite.

Its enduring charm lies not just in its storied past, but in a menu that masterfully balances tradition with flavour. Diners are even invited to tailor their dishes, choosing from an impressive array of 23 unique sauces.

Wonton House’s most popular starters are Vegetable Sichuan Fingers, Kung Pao Chicken, Hot Potato, and Veg Steamed Wonton, priced between Rs 400 and Rs 525. The restaurant serves 17 varieties of appetizers in total, along with soups like American Corn and Chinese Corn.

The main course includes 13 varieties of noodles, priced between Rs 475 and Rs 625. Regulars particularly recommend the Burnt Garlic, Shanghai, Pot, Prawn Hakka, and Shantung noodles — each prepared to perfection with just the right balance of spice, texture, and flavour.

What makes Wonton House truly stand out is its knack for preserving authentic flavours while seamlessly catering to local tastes. Classics like Manchurian gravies, Lamb in Chinese style, Beef and Pork delicacies, Prawn stir-fries, and Paneer dishes all bear a distinctive flavour that has endured over the years.