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100 Cheap Eats Under Rs200

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Mamaji’s sandwich stall at Tardeo. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

SEE ALSO: Mumbai Food Memories

RS50 AND UNDER
1. Russian Cutlet at Al Tosha’s
The creamiest chicken cutlets we’ve had in our city are, oddly enough, called Russian cutlets at this take-away Mughlai joint in Versova. A thin, fried, farcha-like batter coats the chicken patty that melts in your mouth as quickly as a galouti. Rs12 per piece.
Ground Floor, Madersa Nabwiya Building, J. P. Road, 7 Bungalows, Versova, Andheri (West). Tel: 99202 85513.

2. Fried Dal Bhel at Gupta Bhelwala
Gupta, a third-generation bhelwala, offers plenty of variations of this popular snack. In our pick, fried masala-dusted channa dal replaces kurmura. Rs20.
On the pavement between Khyber and Fabindia, Kala Ghoda.

3. Golden Bhel at Golden Bhelpuri House
There is a reason why many of GBH’s loyal customers eat the poha-based golden bhel every day. We’d be hard-pressed to find a more complex chutney than their golden one. Sixteen spices and that face-numbing lavingya mirch make it instantly addictive. Rs20.
138 VP Road, E-Block, behind the Clock Tower, near Phadke (Fadke) Ganpati Mandir, Sikka Nagar, Girgaum. Tel: 90046 48120.

4. Naram Mysore Sada at P Raju Dosawala
P Raju’s naram Mysore sada is the best culinary expression of his beautifully fermented dosa batter. It’s slathered with butter and red powder masala, and lifted off the griddle while still soft. Have it with the hugely popular garlic chutney. Rs20.
Breach Candy parking lot (previously Scandal Point), opposite Sagar Darshan Building, Bhulabhai Desai Road. Tel: 98676 31547.

5. Omelette Pao at B. Merwan
This Irani joint outside Grant Road station on the east side probably looks exactly the way it did when it opened nearly 100 years ago, with mirrored columns, wooden furniture and signboards painted with vintage fonts. Its omelettes are equally old school, made with onions and chillies and served with three slices of pao. Rs24.
Ali Bhai Remji Road, opposite Grant Road Station, Grant Road (East). Tel: 022 2309 3321.

6. Koki at Royal Sindh
The koki is to a Sindhi household what parathas are to Punjabi ones. It’s essentially a ghee dabbed roti, but unlike the paratha, which is stuffed, in the koki, chopped onions, green chillies, cumin seeds, and salt are added to the dough at the time of rolling. Royal Sindh serves thick, ghee-greased kokis that are firm and full of flavour. Rs25 for a single koki with a bowl of curd.
Shop No.2, Ground Floor, opposite Jewel Shopping Centre, J. P. Road, Versova, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 6535 6625.

7. Chicken Patty at Parsi Amelioration Committee
Unlike the patties at Irani cafes, the ones at PAC look like little pies. The buttery pastry stuffed with a creamy chicken filling makes for a satisfying (and thrifty) snack. Rs26.
Shashtri Hall, Shop No.3, Ground Floor, opposite Adenwala Bungalow, across Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo. Tel: 022 2386 5868.

8. Chicken Sandwich at Candies

Of the 300-plus items on Candies menu, of which we’ve tried at least 50 per cent over the years, it’s the chicken sandwich that’s the stuff of happy memories. That comforting combination of white bread slathered with sweet mayo and melted butter and filled with shredded chicken that we first tried over 20 years ago at their hole-in-the-wall Pali Hill outlet is a reassuring sign that no matter how much they expand, at least some things will always taste the same. Just remember (because even regulars can forget) that all Candies outlets are closed on Mondays. Rs30 per triangle.

MacRonell’s, 5AA Pali Hill, next to Learner’s Academy School, Bandra, (West). Also at ONGC Complex, Bandra Reclamation, near Lilavati Hospital, Bandra (West). And at Union Park, near Petit School, Pali Hill, Bandra (West). Call 2642 2324, 2643 2425, 2643 0728 or 98204 26296 for home delivery.

9. Ragda Pattice at Bhelpuri House
You don’t need to read the noticeboard to know that the pattice here is “fried in pure ghee” – you can taste it in every bite. A hot potato patty is topped with ragda, spicy green chutney, sweet and tart tamarind chutney, chopped onions, sev, and pomegranate seeds. Eat it immediately, the textures are lovely, but they suffer with travel and time. Rs35.
528 Jambulwadi, Kalbadevi Road. Tel: 93223 20850.

10. Chicken Bhurji at Kyani & Co.
If you’re in the mood for a protein-heavy breakfast then consider this pungent egg bhurji tossed with pieces of chicken. Rs40.
Jer Mahal, opposite Metro Cinema, Dhobi Talao. Tel: 022 2201 1492.

Dahi Puri at the Saroj Fabrics Chaat Stall. Photo: Sheena Dabholkar.

11. Dahi Puri at the Saroj Fabrics Chaat Stall
This wonderfully balanced chaat possesses the right proportions of spicy, sweet, and salty tastes, contributed by the green chilli chutney, khajoor chutney, and crisp sev respectively. The hollowed puris are stuffed with a potato and bean sprout mash over which the chaatwalla spoons thick, chilled beaten curd right up to the brim. In the garnish of chutneys, sev, coriander, and finely chopped kairi lies much of the flavour. Rs40 for a plate.
Near Saroj Fabrics, 14th Khar Danda Road, at the signal opposite Citibank on Linking Road, Khar.

12. Kadhi Vada at Amba Bhavan
Soft bonda-like vadas are soaked in a creamy, lightly sweet and tangy yoghurt and gramflour-based kadhi. It’s true when people say that no one makes kadhi vada quite like Amba does. Rs40.
King’s Circle, next to Guruvayoorappan Temple, opposite Milap Store, Bhandarkar Road, Matunga (East).

13. Thalipeeth at Panshikar Aahar
This Girgaon institution serves superb Maharashtrian snacks. If you have to choose one, then order the thalipeeth, a stiff pancake the colour of chocolate made from a dough of ground daals and spices and flecked with pieces of onion. Rs40.
Gordhandas Building, Jagannath Shanker Sheth Road, Girgaon. Tel: 022 2386 1211.

14. Makki Ki Roti at Urban Tadka

While sarson da saag is a seasonal preparation, the accompanying makki ki roti can be enjoyed all through the year. This popular Punjabi restaurant serves crisp, charred-at-the-edges rotis with luscious white butter that has the power to brighten up an awful day. Rs42 for one roti.
Shiv Shopping Centre, Juhu Versova Link Road, 7 Bungalows, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 2632 8172.

15. Tuppa Dosa at Café Madras
The most unique feature of this heavy dosa is its pillowy texture. Have it with ghee-soaked gun powder and you’ll be in a food coma for hours. Rs45.
38/B Kamakshi Building, Bhau Daji Road, King’s Circle. Tel: 022 2401 4419.

16. Thalipeeth and Dalimbi Ussal at Kolhapuri Chivda
Start with the mildly bitter and sweet dalimbi ussal made with hyacinth bean sprouts, and then linger over hot, freshly fried onion-flecked thalipeeth, dipping it alternately in coconut chutney and a vati of cool yoghurt. Dalimbi ussal Rs40, thalipeeth Rs45.
237 JSS Road, Mangalwadi, Girgaum. Tel: 022 2389 3912.

17. Chettinad Uttapam at Shree Sunder’s
Shree Sunder’s has some excellent dosas but look no further than this astonishingly good uttapam made with a batter of rice and sabudana, which gives it a bumpy, slightly glutinous texture. Rs50.
Bhandarkar Road, near Matunga Station (Central). Tel: 022 2416 9216.

RS100 AND UNDER
18. Seekh Kabab at Sarvi

Sarvi’s legendary seekh is a tender beef kebab made by pounding the meat before cooking it in the tandoor. Have them with their large, fluffy naans. Rs52 for a plate of four.
Dimtimkar Road, Nagpada Junction, opposite Nagpada Police Station, Byculla. Tel: 022 6517 7786.

19. Batsal (Batata Wada-based Dahi Missal) at New Sardar
A mountain of hot missal (topped with onions, sev and a wedge of lime, of course) conceals a batata wada beneath. A vati of sweet, chilled yoghurt comes with it. Pour the dahi on the missal, dig in, and let the flavours and textures – sweet, spicy, tangy, salty, crunchy, starchy, creamy, soupy – have a party on your palate. Rs55.
Junction of Ambedkar Road and Dattaram Ladh Path, Lalbaug. Tel: 022 2470 1773.

Ragda Pattice at Bhelpuri House. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

20. Pav Bhaji at Manohar Pav Bhaji
Every dish at Manohar’s is a variation of pav bhaji. Even the tawa pulao, made on the same pav bhaji tawa at the entrance tastes a little like it. Get the “special” pav bhaji, made with just the right amount of butter, and have it with a side of butter onion fry and extra butter pav. Special pav bhaji, Rs80, butter onion fry Rs55.
104 Girgaum Naka, opposite St Theresa’s Church, Girgaum. Tel: 022 2361 6943.

21. Thali at Mani’s Lunch Home
This hearty, no frills thali comes with two chapatis, two bowls of rice, a sambhar, a rasam, one dry vegetable and two curried vegetables. The veggies change every day, but all of it is home-style and delicious. Rs55.
Model Co-operative Hostel Society, 384 Dadbawala Sadan, opposite Sree Bhajan Samaj, Telang Road, Matunga. Tel: 022 2402 1112.

22. Veg Cheese Pasta at Sachin’s ZBK
Probably the cheapest pasta you’ll come across in the city, this heaping plate of flat macaroni, enough for two people, is bastardised sure, with bits of baby corn, yellow corn and broccoli, but stirred in a creamy – not stodgy – cheese sauce, it’s the kind of corruption we endorse completely. Rs55.
Opposite Mafatlal Centre, Vidhan Bhavan Road, Nariman Point. Tel: 022 2282 9517.

23. Chicken Sukka at Rahmaniya
The oil floating on top might make you balk, but spoon it off and you’re left with a fiery red gravy of slit chillies, curry leaves, onion, pepper and chunks of chicken that comes with a side of salan. Throw in rice for Rs22 and you have a complete meal. Chicken sukka, Rs59, rice, Rs22.
Raghunath Dadaji Street, near Handloom House, Fort. Tel: 022 2261 3590/97737 45326.

24. Cheese Mysore Masala at Manju Dosa
There isn’t a day when this dosa stall isn’t encircled by an impatient mob clamouring for their butter-lavished dosas. The cheese Mysore masala, made up of mushed carrots, capsicum, beetroot, two knobs of butter and a heap of cheese, is a bestseller. Rs60.
16th Road, near Gujarat Education Society, Khar.

25. Goa Sausage Bun at MacCraig
A soft bun stuffed with spicy Goa sausages that have been sautéed with onions, this is one of the tastiest items sold at this small family-run shop. Rs60.
18, Gasper Enclave, St. John’s Road, Pali Naka, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2641 1985.

26. Bhee Channa at Kailash Parbat
Diagonally cut slices of spiced lotus stem are blanketed with lightly spiced channa and topped with onions and sev. Drizzle a combination of KP’s chutneys over the dish for a little adventure in every bite. Rs65.
Luis Belle Building, corner of 16th Road and 30th Road, opposite Shiv Sagar, Pali Naka, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2648 0080. For other locations, see here
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27. Mutton Frankie at Move N Pick

This bustling Shivaji Park stall has held its own right next to a Tibb’s Frankie one for over a decade, by serving juicy, home-cooked chicken and mutton masala frankies in crisp parathas. We always get the pungent mutton frankie loaded with green chillies. Rs65.
Shop No.61, Keluskar Road, near Shiv Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park, Dadar (West). Tel: 022 2445 6311.

28. Wimbledon Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream at Ice Cream Works
It isn’t quite strawberries and cream but it does combine our two favourite types of dessert – ice cream and cheesecake – for the price of one. The only thing that’s missing is the biscuity base, so order a cone instead of a cup and you’ve got a sweet treat with three varying texture components. Rs68.
Shop No.1, Shiv Kutir, near Lakme Beauty Salon and Natural Ice Cream, 278 Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park . Tel: 022 2446 2626. For other locations, see here.

29. Chilly Cheese Naan at Status
This carbohydrate motherlode, filled with grated cheese and topped with coriander and green chillies, is shaped like a boulder – and is nearly as large. Rs70.
208, Regent Chambers, Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Nariman Point. Tel: 022 4031 8728/8700.

30. Dal Pakwan at Tharu’s Mukhi Bhandar

It’s a shame that the Khar-based mithai shop only serves their exceptional ghee-laden Sindhi breakfast on Sundays. Expect a queue for their crisp-as-papad pakwans, and their chilli powder- and cumin-seasoned dal accompanied by a tangy, tamarind chutney. Rs70 for a plate.
Shops No.7 and 8, Madhuban Building, opposite Canara Bank, P. D. Hinduja Marg, Khar. Tel: 022 2646 2882.

Coriander Garlic Noodles at Nom Nom. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

31. Cheese Roll Locho at Jani Khaman and Locho House
In this innovative variation of a traditional snack, locho (essentially khaman dhokla in its batter form) is smeared with mayonnaise, folded over to make a wrap and then heaped with grated cheese, sev, and raw onions. Rs75.
Shop No.11, Star Trade Centre, Sodawala Lane, opposite Chamunda Circle,
Borivali (West). Tel: 022 2893 5653.

32. Egg Masala at Stadium
Two boiled eggs are dunked in a smooth, haldi-hued gravy that has the perfect balance of spices and is best mopped up with pao. Rs80.
Ground Floor, IMC Building, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate. Tel: 022 2204 6819.

33. Prawn Biryani at Police Canteen
Rub shoulders with cops from Azad Maidan police station, lawyers practicing at the Esplanade Court and journalists as you eat this spicy biryani with colourful rice (orange, red and white) and a portion of prawn that’s rather generous for the price. Rs80.
Esplanade Court Complex, behind Azad Maidan Police Station.

34. Cheese Palak Masala Pav at Shiv Sagar
Two butter-soaked pavs, filled with a spread-like spicy spinach and onion masala that is also smeared on top of the bread, are hidden under a generous layer of grated cheese. Rs85.
Opposite Rajasthan Restaurant, S.V. Road, Khar. Tel: 022 2600 6318. 
Also at Opposite Ramada Plaza Palm Grove Hotel, near Juhu Beach, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu. Tel: 022 2618 3585.

35. Mutton Boti Burger at Snack Shack

Though sloppy looking, the burger at this popular Parsi snack shop is packed with chunks of mutton slathered in a spicy gravy of onions spiked with vinegar. A heap of cheese is grated over the well-cooked meat before it’s enclosed in a soft, sesame seed-freckled bun. Rs85.
Lourdes Heaven, Shop No.2, Pali Junction, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2600 5010.

36. Butter Herb Idli at Café Bean Garu
This South Indian snack joint from the folks behind popular Khar restaurant Out Of The Blue offers Western variations of traditional items. To make butter herb idlis, chilli flakes and oregano are fried in butter. The idlis are then tossed into the pan and coated evenly with this spicy mix. Rs89.
Level 1, Haiko Mall, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. Tel: 022 2507 7887.

37. Bisi Bele Bath at Southside Café
This relatively new Bandra café may look like an Udupi-gone-posh but it’s just as authentic as its decades-old counterparts. Their bisi bele bath, essentially a vegetable-laden South Indian khichdi of rice and lentils cooked with powdered spices, is a steaming hot and pungent bowl garnished with crushed cashewnuts and coriander. Rs90.
Shop No.7, Silver Croft, 16th Road, near Khane Khas, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 6525 2503.

38. Hariyali Khichdi at Khichdi Samrat
This khichdi might be unnaturally green but don’t be put off. It’s a delicious toss up of rice and green veggies like palak and French beans, including lots of mint. Rs90.
44/46 V.P. Road, C.P. Tank. Tel: 022 2242 0344.

39. Mutton Sukka at Hotel Grant House
Everyone loves Grant House’s kheema, but the mutton sukka deserves attention too. A garam masala-loaded rich brown paste, which is thick with fried onions and desiccated coconut, coats the meat, which comes on the bone, but is easily pulled off with a piece of of their soft butter chapatis. Rs90.
Next to Haj House, and MRA Marg Police Station, Palton Road, Crawford Market. Tel: 022 2261 7059.

40. Prawn Pulao at New Martin Hotel
The cheapest and best prawn pulao in town has spicy shrimp gravy hidden beneath the bed of rice. Rs90.
Glamour House, Ground Floor, Strand Cinema Road, Colaba. Tel: 022 2202 9606.

Mutton Boti Burger at Snack Shack. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

41. Seekh Kebab Roll at Hilton Tandoor Corner
What started out as a roll and frankie stall more than a decade ago is now a proper kitchen serving everything from butter chicken to biryani. The best thing about their seekh kebab roll is that you know there is no scrimping going on behind the kitchen doors – the meaty fist-sized sheekh kebab roll contains mildly spiced, smoky minced chicken that gets its zing from the mint-yoghurt chutney and finely chopped onions. Rs90.
Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Tel: 022 2788 0899.

42. South Indian Chilli Chicken Roll at Leo’s Boulangerie
We don’t exactly know what makes this roll South Indian, but the chicken stuffing, tossed in a tomato, chilli and jeera-heavy gravy, is a far tastier bet than the more popular and drier chicken masala roll. Rs90.
Poornima Building, Shop No.7, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba. Tel: 022 6527 4499.

43. Veg Pizza at Badshah
The rash of fancy pizza joints that have opened in the city might have made you forget about the good old Bombay pizza. Refresh your memory with Badshah’s superb version that’s topped with onion, capsicum and oodles of processed cheese. Rs95.
Shop No.152/156, L.T. Marg, Crawford Market. Tel: 022 2342 1943.

44. Bacon Fries at Between Breads

Shards of bacon are strewn over a basket of hot fries. The final touch? A drizzling of bacon oil for added flavour. Rs99.
16th Road, near Hawaiian Shack, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2604 5577.

45. Cheese Pizza at Pishu’s

We can best describe Pishu’s pie as a “lavash” pizza. The herb and garlic-flavoured dough, slim as flatbread, is topped with a molten layer of mozzarella dusted with chilli powder. Rs99.
8, New Shantivan Building, Oberoi Complex Road, SAB TV lane, Lokhandwala, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 2633 2021.

46. Pancakes at Mocha

Select breakfast items at the Mocha chain of coffee shops are priced at Rs99 only, making it their most generous offer yet. While the offer lasts, make a dash for their stack of palm-sized pancakes drizzled with honey and crowned with a dollop of whipped cream and blueberry sauce. Mocha also throws in a cup of coffee or tea, or a tall glass of fresh juice for the price. Rs99. For locations, see here.

47. Butter Chicken Biryani at Yummies
Mildly sweet and moderately creamy butter chicken is sandwiched between two layers of fluffy, fragrant, saffron-coloured rice in this satiating dish from the busy Bandra take-away joint. Rs100 for half a plate.
36A Shirley Rajan Road, Rizvi Complex, off Carter Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2604 0040.

48. Chicken Tikka at Nice Corner
This kebab stall, which opens at 6pm, does brisk business selling piping hot mutton seekh, biryani plates, baida roti, and tikka rolls. We love their generous chicken tikka plate, which comes with ten pieces of ajwain-infused meat. Rs100.
Corner of Wellington Catholic Colony, near Yoko’s, S. V. Road, Santa Cruz (West).

49. Kheema Pao at Excelsior
For Rs100, Cafe Excelsior serves a ridiculously tiny portion of kheema and four slices of pao. But it’s so delicious you might end up ordering another helping or two. The mutton kheema is lightly cooked, with onion, garlic, spices and most importantly, lots of finely chopped coriander. Rs100.
23 A. K. Nayak Marg, opposite New Excelsior Cinema, Fort. Tel: 022 2207 4543.

50. Rawa Prawns at Goa Bhavan
Order the golden-fried semolina-coated prawns at this popular home-style canteen in Juhu that specialises in inexpensive seafood thalis. Rs100 per plate.
Gulmohar Cross Road, near Fabindia, JVPD Scheme, Juhu. Tel: 022 2620 5184.

51. Spinach and Cheese Paratha at Lassi te Parrontthe
The cinnamon-spiked spinach and cheese paratha cooked in pure ghee has just the right amount of crispness and char and is reminiscent of simply presented but flavour-packed dhaba parathas. Rs100.
Ground Floor, Gagangiri Apartments, next to Subway, off Carter Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 80972 97905.

Masala Pav at Swati Snacks. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

RS150 AND UNDER
52. Molagapudi Idli at Dakshinayan

The Molagapudi idlis at this South Indian restaurant are so good that even the spice-averse among us can’t resist them. Essentially a dozen coin-shaped idlis coated in that fiery mix of spices known simply as gunpowder, it’s an appetiser we can happily make into a meal. Rs105.
183 Teen Batti Road, Walkeshwar. Tel: 022 022 2367 6701. Also at Jai Hari CHS, Forjett Street, near Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo. Tel: 022 2381 1188. And at Hotel Anand, Gandhigram Road, near the Hare Krishna Temple, Juhu. Tel: 022 2620 8812/022 2621 0502.

53. Paneer Tava Rice at Majhi Sagar
Unlike the bright red, ulcer-inducing tava rice you get at most places, Majhi Sagar serves a mildly spiced pulao full of fat chunks of paneer. Rs105.
Rajani Mahal, opposite AC Market, Tardeo Road, Tardeo. Tel: 022 2352 9987.

54. Chicki Chicken Wrap at B Letuce
This thin-as-a-roomali-roti wrap is filled with fresh and crunchy bell peppers and onions, and tender pieces of chicken topped with a roasted pepper sauce and a creamy Caesar dressing. Rs109.
Shop No.6, Nicholas Society, Shirley Rajan Road, Rizvi Complex, near Rizvi College, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2604 7444

55. Paneer Kulcha At Oye Kake
Lighter on the belly than a stuffed paratha and just as tasty, this kulcha is a thick roti stuffed with paneer bhurji that comes with a side bowl of spicy chole. Rs109.
Cawasji Patel Street, Next to Yazdani Bakery, Fort. Tel: 022 2287 1882.

56. Kheema Paratha at Samovar
This face-sized paratha, notably non-greasy and filled with modest amounts of lightly spiced kheema, pairs well with the side of tangy tomato, onion and coriander sauce. Rs110.
Jehangir Gallery, 161 B MG Road, Kala Ghoda. Tel: 022 2284 8000/022 2204 7276.

57. Mango Milkshake at Health Juice Centre
If you spot bright red and yellow T-shirt-clad men whizzing across carrying tall glasses and chunky sandwich-laden trays, you know you are at the right place. Their silly monikers for juices – Zoom, Oops, Boom and Masti – might attract some, but we prefer their rich milkshakes. The strawberry shake is a December favourite but when in season, their Mango Supreme is most in demand. A thick, smooth mix of fresh Alphonso mango and milk (more of the former than the latter) with chopped pieces of the sweet fruit, it is one of the few things that makes May in Mumbai bearable. Rs110.
Sector 29, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Tel: 022 2788 4477.

58. Roast Chicken at Cafe Andora

You don’t need a fortune to enjoy a full meal at this beloved Bandra institution. They sell a full roast chicken, complete with a stuffing of mushy peas and chicken liver, and a bowl of gravy, for just Rs400. You can also opt for parts of the bird, like the succulent chicken breast, for Rs110 each. Rs110.
Opposite St. Andrew’s College, St. Dominic Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2643 3625.

59. Steamed Chicken Momos at Kol Rolls
Two things work in favour for these momos: their shells aren’t doughy and they’re generously stuffed with garlic and spring onion-flavoured chicken mince. Rs110.
Daulat Ram Building, Kittridge Road, the lane opposite Sassoon Dock, Colaba. Tel: 98693 34425.

60. Chicken Shawarma at Carter’s Blue

There’s a reason why this snack stall has two shawarma spits as opposed to one. Their chicken shawarma, a lightly toasted, soft pita roll generously stuffed with meat, aioli, hummus, pickled beet, and fries, retains its juices unlike many others in the city. Rs120.
Off Carter Road, opposite Café Coffee Day, Bandra (West). Tel: 91677 51212.

61. Kid Fillet Roll at Paradise
If you’re in Colaba and craving a heavy tea-time snack, get this combination of a batter-fried cutlet of tender, flaky mutton stuffed into a bread roll. Rs120.
Sindh Chambers, Colaba Causeway, Colaba. Tel: 022 2283 2874.

62. Moon and Flower Soup at Ling’s Pavillion
Squares of tofu stuffed with pork and pretty discs of carrot and zucchini swim in a clear chicken broth. This is a soup to chase away colds. Rs120.
Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Colaba. Tel: 022 2285 0023.

63. Mutton Seekh Pocket at Universal Kebab Kona

The perennially busy Tardeo street stall has found a faithful following for its “pockets” made up of lightly-spiced mutton seekh kebab, homemade herbed and garlic-y Boursin-like cheese, and caramelised onions. Rs120.
Outside Wallace Apartments, Slater Road, behind Bhatia Hospital,
Tardeo. Tel: 91676 98797.

64. Pahadi Sandwich at Mamaji’s
Sandwiches fly off the counter at this roadside stall that’s a favourite among Tardeo’s office crowd. This mammoth double-decker of a grilled sandwich is stuffed with aloo sabzi, tomatoes, onions, capsicum and a fistful of cheese. Rs120.
Near AC Market, on the pavement near ICICI Bank, Tardeo. Tel: 98201 65347.

Bacon Fries at Between Breads. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

65. Mango Tart at Le15 Patisserie
Slices of glistening Alphonso mango are artfully layered over vanilla cream that’s spooned into a brittle tart shell. Rs125 for a medium-sized tart.
For locations, see here.

66. Salli Par Edu at Jimmy Boy 

It’s hard to go wrong with eggs and potatoes, as this Parsi preparation proves. Two eggs over hard sit on a bed of crispy salli fried with tomatoes, green chillies and coriander. As with most any-time-of-the-day dishes, it’s not for the faint of heart or appetite. Rs130.
Vikas Building, 11 Bank Street, opposite State Bank of India, near Bademiya, off Horniman Circle, Fort. Tel: 022 2270 0880.

67. Tiranga Dosa at Govinda’s 

This dosa looks a lot better than it sounds. The waiters will describe it to you as a tri-coloured dosa: white, which is “normal”, green which is palak and orange, which is Schezwan sauce. Thankfully, it’s the dosa, not the masala, that represents our national flag. The green portion does have the subtle taste of palak, but the orange looks different only in colour but not in taste from the standard (that would be white) dosa. Rs130.
7 K. M. Munshi Marg, Girgaum Chowpatty. Tel: 022 2366 5566.

68. Zucchini Mushroom Masala Wrap at Juice Zone 

When this Canadian import, specialising in healthy juices such as the Cold Fighter (orange, carrot and ginger) and Liver Booster (apple, beetroot and lemon), arrived in Mumbai, it opened its “first all veg outlet in the world” here, on Warden Road. As is the norm, it also added a few local variations of its wraps and paninis, from which our pick is the zucchini mushroom masala, a lightly grilled and tightly-wrapped flatbread stuffed with shredded lettuce, creamy green chutney and mayo, and a suitably spicy mix of diced zucchini and mushrooms, and sliced onions. Rs130.
11, Tirupati Apartments, near Mahalaxmi Mandir, Bhulabhai Desai Road. Tel: 022 3093 2030 ext 342. Also at 1A, Tandon Mall, 127 Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (East). Tel: 022 2834 3366/022 2837 3366.

69. Chicken and Egg Roll at Bong Bong

The egg-coated paratha with an even char is the star ingredient of this snack filled with chunks of boneless chicken, raw onions, and a few strands of capsicum. The foot-long roll is particularly ideal for satisfying booze-induced bouts of hunger. Rs135.
Silver Croft Co-operative Housing Society, near Khane Khas, Khar. Tel: 022 6588 2574.

70. Roast Tongue at Mangoes
Run out of a garage in Orlem, this tiny restaurant run by a Mangalorean-Goan family (the eatery’s name is an amalgam of the two words), Mangoes serves up wonderful home-cooked food. This dish has tender pieces of roast buffalo tongue in a thick, peppery gravy. Rs135.
1, Almar Apartments, opposite Orlem Church, Orlem, Malad (West). Tel: 022 2801 5552.

71. Mutton Kobiraji at Bhojohori Manna
This giant kheema cutlet encased in a filigree of egg batter is nothing to look at. But it’s an incredibly tasty combination of mutton, onion, garlic and garam masala. Rs140.
Reliable Business Centre, near Om Heera Panna Mall, Oshiwara, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 3093 2030.

72. Pizza Paratha at Paratha Mantra
This house speciality stuffs the North Indian favourite with shredded cheese, tangy tomato sauce, chilli powder and chopped capsicum for a variation that’s just about as filling as the Italian original. Rs140.
6/8 Burjorji Bharucha Marg, Navbharat House, Military Square Lane, near Trishna, Kala Ghoda. Tel: 022 2270 2265.

Tandoori Chicken at Kareem’s. Photo: Sohrab Nicholson.

73. Tandoori Chicken at Kareem’s
Kareem’s tandoori masala and pepper-coated tandoori chicken has everything we look for in the dish: it’s lightly charred, and full of adequately juicy and tender pieces of meat. Rs140 for half a plate.
For locations, see here.

74. Tomato Scramble at The Pantry
A ramekin of steaming and subtly flavoured hot egg scramble, cooked with tomato, parmesan, pepper and oregano. Served with slices of country loaf toast. Rs145.
Yeshwant Chambers, Ground Floor, Military Square Lane, near Trishna, Kala Ghoda. Tel: 022 2267 8901.

75. Morning Alarm at Moshe’s
You won’t have room to eat after this luscious smoothie, a combination of banana, dates, oats and yoghurt. Rs146.
Crossword Bookstore, Kemp’s Corner. Tel: 022 2386 2799. Also at 7 Minoo Manor, Cuffe Parade. Tel: 022 2216 1226.

76. Banoffee In A Cup at BusaGo
One of the best things about Busaba’s new delivery-focused Bandra outlet is that you can get the South-East Asian eatery’s best dessert, the banoffee pie, to go. Served in one of those transparent plastic cups usually used for cold coffee, the banoffee pie is assembled thus: four alternating layers of crushed biscuits and caramel toffee are topped with chopped banana, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. The result, for lack of a better adjective, is sweet!Rs150.
11, Gasper Enclave, opposite Gold’s Gym, Pali Naka, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 6127 8898.

77. Chocolate and Walnut Brownie at 5 Spice
Each bite of this dense hunk of a brownie is packed with crunchy walnuts. Rs150.
For locations, see here.

78. Chorizo Rice at Imbiss

This meat-focused restaurant offers a twist on fried rice. In their version, bits of Goa sausage are stirred into the rice along with diced mushrooms, and then topped with rings of raw onion, and a fried duck egg. Rs150.
Ben-O-Lil Haven, 14 Varoda Road, next to Bob’s Tailoring Shop,
 off Hill Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2641 6485.

79. Idli Chilli Andhra Style at Banana Leaf
Roughly-cut chunks of steaming idli are dunked in a piquant deep-red gravy made with curry leaves, mustard seeds and fiery Andhra chillies. Rs150.

Shubham Co-operative Housing Society, opposite Vikram Petrol Pump, Juhu Versova Link Road, 7 Bungalows, Versova, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 2623 9999.

80. Meat Lovers Grilled Sandwich at Tea Pot Cafe

This neighbourhood cafe’s best-kept secret is their triple-tier Meat Lovers grilled sandwich, a variation of the club packed with different iterations of chicken: one layer of the shredded meat in sweet mayo, a middle section of fried egg and a slice of salami, and a final segment of a spicy chicken burger patty and sausage. Rs150.
Bansilal Mansion, opposite Bombay House, Homi Modi Street, Fort. Tel: 022 2265 4030.

81. Mushroom and Emmental Omelette at Suzette

Suzette’s fluffy Emmental-oozing omelette is served with two slices of crunchy, multi-grain toast and a knob of butter. Rs150.
St. John Street, opposite Gold’s Gym, Pali Hill, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2641 1431.

82. Scrambled Egg Bagel at Bagelwala

The ideal grab-and-go breakfast, this wholesome herbed bagel is smeared with mayonnaise and packed with scrambled eggs and a thick slice of cheddar. Rs150.
Crowne Palace, near Queens Market, behind Tawa Restaurant, Turner Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 3378 9960.

Rawa Prawns at Goa Bhavan.

RS200 AND UNDER
83. Chick Chock Shake at Bachelorr’s
A Chick Chock Shake is what you get when you feel like drinking rather than eating chocolate ice cream. Generously topped with pieces of milk chocolate, it’s an endorphin-inducing concoction that can help balance out the toughest (and hottest) of days. Rs155.
45, Sattar Sea View, Chowpatty Sea Face, near Charni Road Station. Tel: 022 2368 2211.

84. Chicken Neer Dosa at Apoorva 

This Fort mainstay may call itself “a seafood capital” but when you’re brunching on a budget, we recommend the chicken neer dosa. The orange-red gassi tastes almost the same as the one served with prawns, a spicy yet creamy curry made with mustard seeds, bay leaves, tomato and red chilli. Since the fluffly neer dosa is part of the dish, you don’t need to order accompaniments. Rs160.
Vasta House, Noble Chambers, S. A. Brelvi Road, Fort. Tel: 022 2287 0335/022 2288 1457.

85. Khichda at Charminar

The use of saunf imparts a distinctive flavour to this creamy mass of wheat and pulses cooked with meltingly soft mutton. The home delivery joint’s large tub is good enough for a party of five. Rs160.
Call 98339 47142 to place an order within Bandra, Khar and Santa Cruz.

86. Kolambi Bhat at Mi Maratha

You can get a prawn thali at Mi Maratha for Rs175, but it’s the balanced and filling bhat – a subtly spiced and fragrant shrimp pulao – that has us returning for more. Rs160.
Next to Peninsula Corporate Park, G. K. Marg, off Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 2493 0345.

87. Masala Pav at Swati Snacks
Two hefty slabs of buttered pav are heaped with a masala mix of onion-tomato-chilli bhaji and left to soften under its mouth-watering weight. Rs160.
Karai Estate, opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo Road. Tel: 022 6580 8405/6.

88. Quinoa Tabbouleh at The Yoga House

The Andean supergrain is dressed with olive oil and lime juice and then tossed with finely chopped tomatoes, coriander, and sundried tomatoes that add both colour and flavour to this refreshing summer salad. Rs160.
53 Chimbai Road, behind St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 6554 5001.

89. Squid Sukha at Pratap Lunch Home
This typical coastal preparation has plump rings of squid in a thick gravy of coconut flavoured with curry leaves and red Mangalorean masala. Rs160.
79 Janmabhoomi Marg, Fort. Tel: 022 2287 1101.

90. Mutton Fry at Purepur Kolhapur
If you’re new to Kolhapuri food, the mutton fry is a good introduction – even though it’s spicy it’s not as madly fiery as some of the other meaty options. The semi-dry dish is best had with hot chapatis. Rs165.
Aditya Apartment, Parleshwar Road, Parleshwar Mandir, near Vile Parle Station, Vile Parle (East). Tel 022 2613 6181.

91. Kurlya Masala Thali at Highway Gomantak
For a whole meal that includes crabmeat, Highway Gomantak’s kurlya masala thali offers super value. For under a couple of hundred bucks, you get a bowl of Goan crab masala, solkadi, rice, thecha, and a choice of chapati, wade or bhakri. You should pick bhakri, of course. Rs170.
Gandhi Nagar, Service Road, Bandra (East). Tel: 022 2640 9692.

92. Turiya Patra With Biscuit Bhakri at Soam
This near neon-green veggie mix of peas and turiya (ridge gourd) tossed with wheels of patra is a Guju staple. At Soam, it’s richly flavoured and spicy to boot, meant to be scooped up with the crisp halves of ghee-soaked bhakri. Rs170.
Sadguru Sadan, Opposite Babulnath Temple, Chowpatty. Tel: 022 2369 8080.

93. Fries Queso And Lamb Chilli at Amigos  
The grub at this Tex Mex-themed pub may be inauthentic but it’s well-portioned and flavourful. The fries queso and lamb chilli, for instance, is a snack of French fries topped with melted cheese, mutton mince and a very spicy Indo-Mexican version of kachumber. Rs175.
Amigos, Jewel Mahal Shopping Center, J. P. Road, Versova, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 4266 9249.

94. Chilli Chicken at Toto’s Garage Pub

There are as many sliced green chillies as there are pieces of batter-fried chicken in this spicy bar bite, which comes heaped with chopped garlic and sliced capsicum. The snack is best paired with a mug of chilled beer to soothe the lingering burn. Rs180.
30, Lourdes Heaven, Pali Naka, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2600 5494.

95. Coriander Garlic Noodles at Nom Nom

Garlic-y, home-style Hakka noodles are flecked with crunchy pieces of carrot and onion, and garnished with finely chopped coriander, in this simple yet fail-safe dish. Rs180.
Ground Floor, Deluxe Mahal Building, opposite Mini Punjab, 16th Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2605 7766.

96. Kombdi Vade at Malvani Kkalwan
This combination of coconut-based, spicy Malvani kombdi (chicken) curry is served with four vade-puris made from a dough of urad dal, gram flour and rice, spiced with coriander, carom seeds, red chilli and turmeric. Rs180.
Om Cottage, opposite Nana Nani Park, J. P. Road, Seven Bungalows, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 6522 0505.

97. Fries with Chicken Mince at The Daily
Crisp, slender French fries are topped with a heap of chicken mince flavoured with chives. Eat them quickly before they get soggy. Rs190.
Behind Shoppers Stop, in the same building as Suburbia, S. V. Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2641 8409.

98. Chocolate Nachos at Sancho’s
The Mexican restaurant in Khar takes about 20 minutes to assemble this decadent dessert platter that is made up of nacho chips dusted with sugar and cinnamon, cloudy tufts of whipped cream, two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and dark chocolate sauce that is drizzled over all of it. Rs195.
Ground Floor, Pinnacle House, junction of P.D. Hinduja Road and 15th Road, Khar. Tel: 022 6709 4455.

99. Murg Reshmi Kebab at Ambience Restaurant and Bar
Tender chunks of chicken reshmi tikka are slathered in a finger-licking coriander, green chilli and cream marinade. Rs195.
Opposite Mathulya Centre, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 2498 5654.

100. Chicken Burger at Gostana
Homely Bandra café Gostana just about made our list, but then again there aren’t too many places in this city where you can get a healthy burger. The bread is wholewheat, the peppery chicken breast patty is steamed not fried, and the only condiment is their tangy in-house cold mustardy sauce. Big in size and flavour, you won’t miss the chips or the cola when you order this burger. Rs200.
Shop No.4, Prabhat Kunj, behind Cafe Goa at The Den, in the lane behind Levi’s, 24th Road, off Linking Road, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 6453 3359.

SEE ALSO: Binge On A Budget 2011


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