Pice Hotel: A Slice of Kolkata in Mumbai

Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a Pice Hotel — Shri Ganesh Prasad Hotel at Parel, Mumbai. A Bengali haven with authentic flavours, basic seating, and ridiculously low rates. It felt like stepping back in time, where good food didn’t need fancy decor or a hefty price tag.

 

Pice Hotels are a unique and historic dining tradition that began in Kolkata, India, over a century ago. The name "Pice Hotel" comes from the old Indian currency "Pice," a small denomination that stood for affordability. These hotels were originally set up during the British colonial period to serve the working-class population — office-goers, students, and travellers. A “Pice Hotel” simply meant a place where you could enjoy a hearty meal without spending much.

 

Fish Thali

Despite their simple setup — basic seating, handwritten menus, and a focus on fresh, traditional Bengali cuisine — Pice Hotels have a charm of their own. The food is the hero here, with dishes like fish curry, dal, rice, and a variety of Bengali delicacies served on banana leaves or metal plates. It’s all about authentic flavours, made fresh and served with no fuss.

 

Chicken Thali

Over the years, modern restaurants and cafes have come up everywhere, but Pice Hotels still hold a special place. They are more than just places to eat — they are a taste of the past, a reminder of a time when dining out was about good food, not fancy decor.

 

Finding a Pice Hotel in Mumbai was like finding a piece of Kolkata far from home. It reminded me that good food doesn’t need to be expensive, and true flavours don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be real.

(All photos in this album are from Shri Ganesh Prasad Hotel, a classic Pice Hotel in Parel, Mumbai.)