Entertainment / Sun, 19 Jul 2026 News18

The Mumbai Cafe That Saved Dozens During 26/11 Terror Attack

The Irani café has served generations of dock workers, taxi drivers, office-goers, tourists, and night owls. (Image: Instagram/@arinpaul)ADVERTISEMENT3 / 7 Olympia is one of Mumbai’s last surviving Irani cafes. At one point, the city had nearly 400 Irani cafes. (Image: Instagram/@tulikazview)4 / 7 In 2008, Olympia found itself in the middle of the 26/11 terror attacks. (Image: Instagram/@somumbai)6 / 7 Over 108 years, the café has watched the city transform around it through wars, economic booms, and terror attacks.

Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 11:30 IST

1 / 7 Founded in 1918, Olympia is located just minutes away from the Gateway Of India. The Irani café has served generations of dock workers, taxi drivers, office-goers, tourists, and night owls. (Image: Facebook)

2 / 7 The café was started by Iranian entrepreneur Syed Mohammed Merab. When he returned to Iran in 1954, his employees took over. At present, their third-generation families continue to run Olympia. (Image: Instagram/@arinpaul)

3 / 7 Olympia is one of Mumbai’s last surviving Irani cafes. At one point, the city had nearly 400 Irani cafes. Today, fewer than 40 remain, making each one a living piece of history. (Image: Instagram/@tulikazview)

4 / 7 In 2008, Olympia found itself in the middle of the 26/11 terror attacks. As gunfire erupted near Colaba, the staff initially mistook the sound for a compressor blast and then came the horrifying realisation. (Image: Instagram/@aslam_athimannil)

5 / 7 The café quickly pulled down the shutters and sheltered dozens of customers inside. Bullets struck the shutters, but everyone inside survived the terrifying night. Years later, Olympia remains a place where strangers share tables, stories, and meals. (Image: Instagram/@somumbai)

6 / 7 Over 108 years, the café has watched the city transform around it through wars, economic booms, and terror attacks. (Image: Instagram/@96foo)