Mumbai Eateries Mandated to Transition to Electric Tandoors by July 2025
Mumbai’s popular tandoori delicacies, like the smoky tandoori rotis and sizzling tandoori chicken, are set to undergo a significant transformation. Following a Bombay High Court (HC) ruling from January 9, 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is enforcing a shift from traditional charcoal-based tandoors to electric models. The deadline for this transition is set for July 8, 2025, and non-compliance will result in stringent penalties, including the revocation of trade licenses.
The recent move has left many in Mumbai’s vibrant restaurant scene concerned, as charcoal tandoors are central to creating the signature smoky flavour that has become synonymous with tandoori dishes. However, the BMC is moving ahead with the order to reduce pollution and promote the use of cleaner energy sources like LPG, PNG, CNG, and electricity.
The BMC has already started issuing notices to eateries that use charcoal tandoors, with 84 restaurants and dhabas in the G South ward having received warnings as of February 10, 2025. The G South ward’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH) confirmed that notices were being served to those who had not yet switched to cleaner energy sources, urging them to transition to electric tandoors. A few restaurant owners, however, have expressed their concerns, stating that the switch to electric appliances could compromise the distinctive taste and aroma that charcoal traditionally imparts to their food. In response to the concerns, Sudhakar Shetty, President of the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), clarified that the HC order had initially only applied to bakeries, and the group was seeking legal opinions on whether it should also apply to all restaurants. He argued that this distinction could have implications for how restaurants and bakeries are treated differently under the law.
Despite these concerns, BMC officials have maintained that the order applies universally to all commercial establishments using conventional fuels, including restaurants. According to Virendra Mohite, the MOH of G South ward, the court’s directive was clear in mandating the transition to green fuels for all types of eateries, not just bakeries. The BMC has stressed that from July 8, 2025, any restaurant still using conventional fuels like charcoal will face dire consequences, including not having their trade licenses renewed. This move towards electric tandoors and cleaner fuels is part of the city’s wider effort to combat air pollution. Charcoal, wood, and other fuels contribute significantly to the pollution levels in Mumbai, affecting the health of its residents. The BMC’s push for green fuels aligns with global trends to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable food industry.
For many of Mumbai’s iconic food stalls, which often use charcoal for open-air cooking, this shift will be challenging. However, with penalties on the horizon, restaurant owners will need to find ways to adapt. It is expected that some eateries may need to invest in new kitchen equipment, while others might have to rethink their menu offerings to maintain the same flavour profile. As the deadline approaches, restaurant owners are likely to seek further clarification and guidance from the BMC. The shift to electric tandoors may not only impact how food is prepared but also how the city’s food culture evolves in the coming years. With cleaner cooking methods at the forefront, Mumbai’s food scene is on the brink of a significant transformation.
