With every year’s budget announcement, it invariably seems that our dinner bills have only become longer, dearer and more tax-heavy. But everyone needs a break from the kitchen now and then. And eating out is one of the few weekend activities that is accessible to one and all!
But how do you dig into your favourite foods without burning a hole in your pocket? Here is our selection of the best budget restaurants in Mumbai, including Udupi eateries, Irani cafes, thali havens and much more. And there’s enough for vegetarians as well as meat fanatics. Binge on!
Kyani & Co
This is probably the most famous Irani café in Mumbai and part of the credit may go to their excellent chicken puffs, mutton kheema pav and Irani chai. For a fuller meal, choose from their sandwiches, burgers and rolls. But we’d recommend Kyani & Co most highly for breakfast or evening bites.
Where: JSS Road, Jer Mahal Estate, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines
Hotel Shree G. Bhagat Tarachand
Enjoy a scrumptious vegetarian thali consisting of three sabzis, dal fry, three special chapattis or two tandoori rotis, rice or pulao, chaas, gulab jamun and papad – all for Rs 230. Who said a full tummy requires a fat wallet?
Where: Mumbaidevi Commercial Centre, 69/75, Zaveri Bazaar, Kalbadevi
New Martin Hotel
Do we smell a Goan food lover? All ye worshippers of pork sorpotel, mutton cutlets, Goan sausages, fish curry, prawn pulao and chicken vindaloo, make a beeline for New Martin Hotel. Their food is fresh, authentic and comes in portion sizes that will warm your heart.
Where: 21, Glamour House, Strand Road, Near Strand Cinema, Colaba
Sardar Refreshments
You’re not a real foodie if you haven’t heard of Sardar pav bhaji. Take it from us, their cheese pav bhaji is totally worth the hype. And with the amount of butter that goes in, it certainly makes for a complete meal! Wash it all down with some great juices and magai pan.
Where: Tardeo Road Junction, Opposite Bus Depot, Tardeo
Aaswad
If it’s authentic Maharashtrian food you seek in a decent ambience, look no further than Aaswad. Apart from famous dishes like missal pav, kothimbir vadi and thalipeeth, they also have a selection of interesting ice-cream flavours like til gud and puran poli!
Where: 61, Mejwani, Sadanand, Gokhale Road, Opposite Amar Hind Mandal, Dadar Shivaji Park
Café Madras
Matunga is choc-a-bloc with wonderful Udupi restaurants perfect for breakfast as well as lunch. But Café Madras is among the best loved, and apart from the usual idli, vada and masala dosa, you should also try their ragi dosa, neer dosa, upma podi and mysore pak.
Where: 38 B, Circle House, King's Circle Near Maheshwari Udyan, Matunga East
Guru Kripa
Students of SIES College and their parents swear by the time-tested cuisine of Guru Kripa and for good reason. Their chole bhature, samosa chole, gulab jamun, cheese paratha and variety of pizzas and South Indian dishes will take you to fast food heaven.
Where: 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion
Arsalan Shawarma King
This outlet is fast gaining a reputation for being the best shawarma place in Mumbai and at 60 rupees each, we think it’s a real steal. The shawarmas come wrapped in a rumali roti or Middle-Eastern khaboos. Their chicken tikkas are known to be creamy and flavourful as well.
Where: Block no 5, Abdul Hamid Marg, Malvani, Malad West
For more options, just walk down the street closest to you and you might discover a thelawala of repute!
(All information correct at the time of publication)