In 'In The Beginning There Was Bombay Duck', Pronoti Datta presents an engaging exploration of Mumbai's culinary landscape, reflecting its rich multicultural heritage. Growing up in Parel, a neighborhood filled with mill workers and traders, Datta shares nostalgic memories intertwined with the city's food culture, such as the New Persian Bakery where local Christians baked cakes during Christmas. The book spans eight chapters, covering everything from the historical significance of various communities to the evolution of local dishes. Datta's approach avoids the overly sentimental tone often found in food writing, instead incorporating humor and insightful anecdotes. However, the book struggles with organization, presenting a wealth of information that can overwhelm readers. Some sections, like the history of East Indian Christians, delve deeply into cultural backgrounds before addressing food, while others, such as the Sindhi cuisine chapter, are notably brief. Additionally, the book overlooks certain communities and their culinary contributions, failing to address the impact of political changes on Mumbai's food scene. Despite these shortcomings, Datta's work is a commendable attempt to document the city's diverse food history, leaving readers with a sense of the vibrant culinary tapestry that defines Mumbai.