Slurp, bite, gulp! Eat whatever you like. College days mean you can eat whatever you want. And being a student, you want to stay updated about the newest hangouts in town. Let's admit it, in between lectures and breaks, all you can think of is the bhurji or the sandwichwala stationed down the road.
If you are a student of St Xavier's College in Mumbai, you are spoiled for choice considering there are umpteen cafes and restaurants in the vicinity. However, only a handful remains to be a favourite for old times sake. Here are 5 hangouts, which find a special mention in a Xavierite's life.
Sai Ganesh Sandichwala
When hunger strikes during a lecture, all you need to do is head to the nearest sandwichwala once the bell rings. Right outside the second entrance of the college is a stall, roughly of the same size as that of your study table or even less, selling delicious, rather unusual sandwiches for 28 years. Year after year, freshers are at first surprised and then converted by the man's innovative recipes. Not only do college students vouch for them, but also people working nearby love the noodles pasta sandwich and Mysore masala sandwich topped with his special green coriander chutney and sev. You will also find a sandwich named after the popular college fest, 'Malhar', which is prepared with a filling of noodles and potatoes. Arbi (colocasia roots) masala and Afghani masala cheese sandwich are a few unusual combos.
Specials: Malhar Sandwich, Chocolate Sandwich, Vegetable Cheese Toast
Price: Starts at Rs. 35 for a sandwich
Where: Gate No. 2 of St Xavier's College
Kyani & Co.
Of the few Irani cafes left in the city, Kyani & Co. is one that has been serving some of the best mawa cakes and omelettes for 112 years. Situated two lanes away from the iconic Metro Cinemas, it has visitors driving in swanky cars to college-goers from nearby schools. You cannot miss the Irani charm, and cannot leave without eating the chicken cheese omelette and bhurji pav, and of course, the mawa cakes! Their plum cakes, rum and chocolate cakes are all available in the form of bars. A quick sip of Irani chai after lecture at Kyani's can brighten up your day.
Specials: Bun muska-chai, khari biscuit, cheese scrambled eggs, Irani chai, kheema pav and mawa cake
Price: Rs 250 for two (approx.)
Where: 657, Jermahal Estate, JSS Road, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai
Pancham Puriwala
Be it new friendships or the 'Malhar' frenzy, Khau Galli near Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus or CST is a good place to hang out for Xavierites. Being close to CST station, it's a great hangout for an ultimate street food experience. However, among all the stalls, a two-storeyed, non-air conditioned eatery stands out. Yes, Pancham Puriwala, which has been serving five kinds of puris on a thali for more than a century now! Even though it is well-known for puris, you can get dahi vadas and sabzis (vegetable curry) typically prepared in the north Indian style. The brownie point is the low price of the food. If your pocket is empty, and you want to dig into some lip-smacking food, you should definitely check it out.
Specials: Thalis
Price: Rs. 200 for two (approx.)
Where: 8-10, Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Mumbai
Dark Temptations
Friend's birthday approaching? Don't know where to order a cake from? Xavierites have the answer. Situated near Metro cinemas is Dark Temptations, where you will find a wide range of cakes, pastries and savouries. The interesting bit is that you will find a cake for every occasion. The breads, sandwiches and cheesecakes are good options too. Be it Valentine's Day, birthdays or a simple dessert craving, you know where to head to when you want to eat cake.
Specials: Chocolate Nougat pastry, Dutch Chocolate Cake
Price: Rs. 400 for two (approx.)
Where: 24/30, 1st Marine St, Federation House, Near Metro Cinema, Mumbai
Cafe Churchill
Although a 10-minute drive from Xavier's, Cafe Churchill is a place for those who want to spend a little more from their pocket. If you are a Xavierite living in the suburbs, you must have probably been introduced to this place by your 'townie' friend. Be it a birthday or just a celebration to bring in the end of a semester, Cafe Churchill is the place. Being a small joint with only six tables, it’s packed with young and old most of the times. The American deli-style board displaying the prices, an old fridge showcasing the desserts, and the paper mats on the table with the sketch of a smiling sun licking its lips are things that have not changed since years. The Fish O Filet, Chicken D'lux, fish n' chips, lasagnas and Tiramisu are a few dishes you must try.
Specials: Fish O' Fillet, Chicken Dlux, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Gooey Chocolate Cake
Price: Rs. 1,000 for two people (approx.) *Legacy doesn’t come quite as cheap as you expected
Where: East West Court Building, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Colaba, Mumbai
Have a cute or interesting hangout near your college? Do write in if you want us to feature them.