Farhana Madar says that vegetarians enjoy food as much as the non veg. And here are the hot spots that they frequent.
Given that we live in a multicultural city, a great majority of the masses are vegetarians. Veggie friendly outlets are on the rise and are becoming taste-provoking to even the staunchest carnivores. Today we honour such eateries, and provide to you the best of the best!
Golden Star Thali Cost for two – Approx Rs. 800
l What can I say? This place lives up to its name and serves probably the best thali in Mumbai. As you take your seat, brought to you is a sparkling clean thali that in minutes is filled with a marriage of Rajasthani and Gujarati goodies that is served adlib. The meal starts with three different kinds of chutneys with farsan and the traditional white dhokla. Followed by roti and poori indented with ghee – so delicious, you can eat them as they are! The sabzis like mushroom masala, sukhi bhaji, surti undhiyu, all boast with their individual spices and flavours that are imported from Rajasthan. The kadhi and dal bati – both sweet and delicious! And just when you think your meal is complete, Masala papad
and dahi puri come right in. They also offer brown rice. In totality, everything has a different taste, colour and texture. In sweetmeats you have, yellow jalebi, a spoonful of gajar ka halwa, gulab jamun and fruit salad that sits in a silky-smooth custard which is a lovely way to end a rich meal. The owner Rumi Ranji is a polite and friendly man who makes his customers feel at home. And here’s the perk, in the mango season, they serve unlimited aamras!
Kamat
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 450
l This little restaurant on Colaba Causeway prepares simple and humble food for the soul. Their variety of garam-garam dosas and uttapams are hands down their specialty. Light on the pocket and hygienic as well makes it a melting pot for all kinds of tourists who want a taste of India on their tongue. Other popular items on the menu include, batata vada, chaats, iddlis and South and North Indian thalis. If you happen to be in the locality and want a nice, light meal, step in to Kamat. Prompt service and tasty food. A special recommendation, the mysore dosa is something to yearn for!
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 1500
l As you head in to this brand new vegetarian Burmese restaurant you are captivated by its soothing and sophisticated wooden interior that has a bar/tea room setting. What to start with? Try the Pyaan Boo Kyaw (Sweet corn fritters) and their array of buns and soups. The young owners Ankit Gupta and Chirag Chhajer are extremely courteous, providing great hospitality to their customers. One of the promising main courses is of course, the Burmese delicacy, Khow Suey. A one by two serving of this dish is quite the satisfying quantity. Nested are noodles in a coconut curry packed with hearty flavours that are accompanied by onions, garlic, coconut, lime and crushed cashew to add a needed punch and crunch to transport you to a land of pure nirvana!
Bottle Bar
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 1500
l Good music, group friendly and tasty vegetarian food. Bottle bar is a good place to relax and unwind, or even bust some moves with friends. With the flowing alcohol and music to get you on your toes, one is bound to get famished. They serve excellent starters – hummus and pita, cheese balls, succulent tandoor specialties and rustic Indian roadside food at the comfort of a bar. In the main course you can never go wrong with pastas, pizzas and baked dishes, but they also have exotic Indian meals of paneer and various sabzis. Definitely worth it as the quantity is generous, the ambience is vibrant and the cost with alcohol is reasonable!
Quattro
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 1500
l This veggie friendly restaurant at lower Lower Parel will make even the most hardcore non-vegetarians want to devour right in their scrumptiousness! With an expansive menu, of Italian and Mexican food, it may be tough to decide what to settle on. However, their pizzas made in wood-fired ovens, are the highlight of the menu! Thin, with the right balance of cheese and toppings bedded above a beautifully crisp crust would be the best way to describe it. The sauces that come to the table before the meal are a heavenly blend when drizzled on top of the pizza! Of course, the risottos, tortillas, nachos and pastas deliver excellence in taste as well. But if you’re craving an excellent pizza, you know where to head to next!
Swati Snacks
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 600
l This gem is one of Mumbai’s older restaurants and definitely has a good share of loyal customers. Panki is their signature dish is basically pancakes made out of rice and flour, steamed, wrapped and served hot in banana leaves with chutney as a condiment. Then come snacks you can never go wrong with – sev puri, fresh chaats, dhoklas, fada ni khichdi, aloo ka pappad, to name a few. We know Swati delivers; so you may almost always find a queue of hungry customers waiting to sink their teeth into these tidbits!
Soam
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 850
l Well located right opposite Babulnath Temple, Soam is a restaurant that provides to its costumers an array of Gujarati comfort food. They don’t hold reservations as they’re well in demand, so note that this place can be crowded even on weekdays. The mango chutney brought to the table before meals is quite the little treat and a favourite to all! Standouts? Their kichdis and farsan. As are their hand churned ice-creams. And what do you know? They also have a variety of healthy food on their menu!
Café Food For Thought
Cost for two – Approx Rs. 1000
l This cosy café is tucked in the lovely bookstore Kitab Khana that is situated in the heart of Mumbai. If you’re feeling slightly peckish, this is your next place to visit! They offer an appealing and reasonably priced menu. Sit back with a book and enjoy some hot chocolate, speaking of which, is out of this world! Alongside, don’t forget to try a portion of pink penne in their flavoursome Arrabbiata sauce! The owner is usually around and is a sweet host. Other delights include generously dressed salads, wraps, jalapeno poppers, filling sandwiches and decadent desserts. A bookstore and a café – the ideal combination!
