A Guide: Eating out in Mumbai

kalpeshc · 6th February 2009, 11:32

There is a south indian thali joint called 'Modern Hindu Lodge' (or on similar lines) behind New Excelsior theatre. This is in a gully between SBI and New Excelsior theatre and is on the 4th floor of one of the old stone buildings there. It would be near to impossible to find it unless you are lucky. The trick is to ask the watchmen of the various buildings around that area

This place is actually a low cost lodge and they serve a regular South Indian thali in the afternoons and evenings @ Rs 40 a plate. They just serve it in two 15*12 ft rooms which they have where they've arranged a few tables. The food is served in banana leaf (they will provide you a thali if you ask them). The best thing about this place is the hygiene. Despite the modest look, the kitchen and the service is extremely hygienic. The kitchen is in the room next to it and is open for all to see - and believe me it would put many a 5 star kitchens to shame when it comes to cleanliness. The thalis/spoons/vaatis are washed in hot water.

Coming to the food, it is typically South Indian. You get a dry sabzi, 2 rotis (limited), a papadam (limited), rice, dal, sambhar, rasam and butter milk OR curd.

None of the items that you get will be lower than 'piping' hot temps! The rasams here are to die for. Rasam and sambhar will keep changing their main ingredient everyday e.g. tomato, tamarind, karela !!! It is one of the most fulfilling comfort lunch you'll ever have.

Try it to believe it.

SuperSelect · 6th February 2009, 14:16

@kalpeshc: Chief, you have made my day. Checked your post around lunch time, and felt desperately hungry. Made the 1 km trek, hunted this place out.
Let me tell you, the food is truly truly awesome. The cleanliness is impeccable ! Had a great south Indian meal after a loooong time !! Thanks a ton.
By the way the place is:
Modern Hindu Hotel. 4th floor, Apeejay chambers, 5 wallace street, fort. This is the lane behind new excelsior cinema, the building is almost at the end of the lane.
Burrrrp. I'm falling asleep now.
zzzzz.

kalpeshc · 6th February 2009, 16:51

Woah. I am so happy for you and that you've managed to find the place and also made sure that you listed the address here.

Guys believe me - this super simple place is too good to be missed. All foodies out there should have this lunch at least once. The best thing about it is the 'home food' quality that it has! No excessive oil, nothing. I've had it so many times and i miss it desperately now.

PS: The butter milk out here is the best that I've ever had (and I'm a Gujju - LOL)

(Amazing how one can go ga-ga over something as simple as food!)

kalpeshc · 9th February 2009, 16:31

Today I happened to be in Dadar and for my lunch I thought of that little small pocket of South India in our city - Matunga East. Unfortunately Rama Nayak's Thali joint was closed as it was Monday and the only option available was 'Mahabhoj' - 3 min from Matunga (central) station on the East towards Dadar side. The small eatery is on the right side of the road and around lunch time it is quite conspicuous with the queue of patrons outside. There's seating arrangement for just around 25 odd people and the coupons are sold as the seats get vacated.

It's basically a thali option - with unlimited dal/rasam. Rasam is good and the other stuff is just average (I'd definitely not call it bad as it is good food for a non-south indian like me - but I've had better). The food is not hot - just warm - which is a drawback and the service is not top notch - the refills are not quick and the 'vaatis' are so small that without a refill you're left with quite less to eat.

Recommended if there is nothing else around to eat!

pranavt · 9th February 2009, 18:42

Today, me and my gf felt like eating Malpuas. She knew this place in Kandivli called Sri Ram Sweets. It's in the same lane as Raghuleela Mall, bang opposite D-Mart. We had about 10-12 malpuas between us, 2 samosas and vada pavs and kachoris.

The food was really really amazing, especially the malpuas which literally melted in our mouths. The samosas were to die for, being one of the best I've eaten anywhere (other places include my school canteen

and MM Mithaiwala opp Malad Stn).

Anyone in/around Kandivli, please don't miss this place for anything in this world. The food is just amazing. Will remember to take my camera-phone with me next time I go there, which should be soon I think.

Bass&Trouble · 9th February 2009, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalpeshc

Recommended if there is nothing else around to eat!

True. Its nothing more than absolutely ordinary at best and nowhere close to Rama Nayaks.

mmmjgm · 11th February 2009, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by pranavt

Today, me and my gf felt like eating Malpuas. She knew this place in Kandivli called Sri Ram Sweets. It's in the same lane as Raghuleela Mall, bang opposite D-Mart. We had about 10-12 malpuas between us, 2 samosas and vada pavs and kachoris.

Hi Pranav, the best Malpuas (veg ones) by far are available at Swati Snacks - Diagonally opposite Bhatia Hospital - Tardeo, Bombay.

Awesome Malpuas. The stuffing, the syrup is all authentic.

It's a bit far, the decor is great, however a bit far into town.

Cheers
M M

Sam Kapasi · 11th February 2009, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Went to Olive - three people. A business dinner (no drinks) came up to 3,500. Thats killer, not because I don't think its worth it (lovely ambience), but simply because I find the bandra olive cheaper! Much cheaper! Is it only a gut feeling or a fact?

I believe they have the same Menu with the same prices.

pranavt · 11th February 2009, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmjgm

Hi Pranav, the best Malpuas (veg ones) by far are available at Swati Snacks - Diagonally opposite Bhatia Hospital - Tardeo, Bombay.

Awesome Malpuas. The stuffing, the syrup is all authentic.

It's a bit far, the decor is great, however a bit far into town.

Cheers
M M

Thanks! Will remember that place when I'm visiting town.

Tejas@perioimpl · 12th February 2009, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmjgm

Hi Pranav, the best Malpuas (veg ones) by far are available at Swati Snacks - Diagonally opposite Bhatia Hospital - Tardeo, Bombay.

Awesome Malpuas. The stuffing, the syrup is all authentic.

It's a bit far, the decor is great, however a bit far into town.

Cheers
M M

To add to that, best would be during ramzan time at Mohammed Ali Road.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

I believe they have the same Menu with the same prices.

Yes, same menu and prices. Although both the places changed their menu a few months back. New menu is awesome! Their clay oven pizzas are to die for!

arpandiv · 27th February 2009, 20:14

Guys a bit urgent,
Best place to have lunch in Bandra ?
Budget for 2 - 1500. (No alco)
I was thinking of Outof the blue.

Tejas@perioimpl · 27th February 2009, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpandiv

Guys a bit urgent,
Best place to have lunch in Bandra ?
Budget for 2 - 1500. (No alco)
I was thinking of Outof the blue.

Hate that place. If you want a light snacky lunch, go to The Bagel Shop. Love that place!

For indian, you can go to moti mahal

Chinese, is China Gate.

arpandiv · 27th February 2009, 20:31

Thanks for your inputs tejas.
BTW eating only veg. Would your choices still be the same ?

maddy42 · 4th March 2009, 20:43

Been to 2 places of late which i feel is worth a mention.

Trishna: Wel this happened when my roomie got this sudden urge to eat crabs. So off we wenrt to the trishna is Andheri west opp infinty mall.
Ordered for Jumbo crab in butter garlic syrup and roti and also king prawn tandoori.
The crabs were out of the world and more than suffiecient for 3 hungry souls with a decent appetite. We had to get the prawns parcelled as we could not think of eating any more.
Budget: 1500 per person if your ordering the crabs there.
Ambience: Simple as in nothing extraordinary
Service: The waiter was busy so took time to come to you. Had to speak in the little tulu i knew to get served faster:-)
Rating: 4/5 yummy.

Maharaja resto and Bar
So this same roomie again wakes up on a sunday morning and wanted to eat Aapams. Friend called all contacts he knew to find them but to no avail. Thats when i remembered this bar where i had gone to with my bil for a beer and remembered having seen aapams there. Got their number of just dial and called them up at 10 but no reply. So waited one more hour and called them at 11 and they were open for business
Asked if aapams were available heaved a sigh of relief when they said yes and off we were to this place. This is opposite cinemax petrol bunk on andheri east and almost on the corner. Will be missed very easily as the construction of the metro has covered ity entirely.
Ordered for Surmai tawa fry and pomfret deep fry. Had a pitcher with this and ordered for Aapams, Neer dosa and Mutton Pulimiri.
The mutton was awesome and aapams were nice and hot. Didnt like the neer dosa as i prefer it with fish curry.
Rating:
Food: 2.5/5. Mutton gets a 5/5 though. awesome.

Dippy · 4th March 2009, 21:26

Have heard alot about Maharaja bar and the food there. Sounds good. Will be trying it out soon. Whats the pinch on the pocket on this one maddy?

6th February 2009, 11:32	#601
kalpeshc BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 544 Thanked: 141 Times	There is a south indian thali joint called 'Modern Hindu Lodge' (or on similar lines) behind New Excelsior theatre. This is in a gully between SBI and New Excelsior theatre and is on the 4th floor of one of the old stone buildings there. It would be near to impossible to find it unless you are lucky. The trick is to ask the watchmen of the various buildings around that area This place is actually a low cost lodge and they serve a regular South Indian thali in the afternoons and evenings @ Rs 40 a plate. They just serve it in two 15*12 ft rooms which they have where they've arranged a few tables. The food is served in banana leaf (they will provide you a thali if you ask them). The best thing about this place is the hygiene. Despite the modest look, the kitchen and the service is extremely hygienic. The kitchen is in the room next to it and is open for all to see - and believe me it would put many a 5 star kitchens to shame when it comes to cleanliness. The thalis/spoons/vaatis are washed in hot water. Coming to the food, it is typically South Indian. You get a dry sabzi, 2 rotis (limited), a papadam (limited), rice, dal, sambhar, rasam and butter milk OR curd. None of the items that you get will be lower than 'piping' hot temps! The rasams here are to die for. Rasam and sambhar will keep changing their main ingredient everyday e.g. tomato, tamarind, karela !!! It is one of the most fulfilling comfort lunch you'll ever have. Try it to believe it.
	() Thanks

6th February 2009, 14:16	#602
SuperSelect Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mumbai. Posts: 1,806 Thanked: 248 Times View My Garage	@kalpeshc: Chief, you have made my day. Checked your post around lunch time, and felt desperately hungry. Made the 1 km trek, hunted this place out. Let me tell you, the food is truly truly awesome. The cleanliness is impeccable ! Had a great south Indian meal after a loooong time !! Thanks a ton. By the way the place is: Modern Hindu Hotel. 4th floor, Apeejay chambers, 5 wallace street, fort. This is the lane behind new excelsior cinema, the building is almost at the end of the lane. Burrrrp. I'm falling asleep now. zzzzz.
	() Thanks

6th February 2009, 16:51	#603
kalpeshc BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 544 Thanked: 141 Times	Woah. I am so happy for you and that you've managed to find the place and also made sure that you listed the address here. Guys believe me - this super simple place is too good to be missed. All foodies out there should have this lunch at least once. The best thing about it is the 'home food' quality that it has! No excessive oil, nothing. I've had it so many times and i miss it desperately now. PS: The butter milk out here is the best that I've ever had (and I'm a Gujju - LOL) (Amazing how one can go ga-ga over something as simple as food!)
	() Thanks

9th February 2009, 16:31	#604
kalpeshc BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 544 Thanked: 141 Times	Today I happened to be in Dadar and for my lunch I thought of that little small pocket of South India in our city - Matunga East. Unfortunately Rama Nayak's Thali joint was closed as it was Monday and the only option available was 'Mahabhoj' - 3 min from Matunga (central) station on the East towards Dadar side. The small eatery is on the right side of the road and around lunch time it is quite conspicuous with the queue of patrons outside. There's seating arrangement for just around 25 odd people and the coupons are sold as the seats get vacated. It's basically a thali option - with unlimited dal/rasam. Rasam is good and the other stuff is just average (I'd definitely not call it bad as it is good food for a non-south indian like me - but I've had better). The food is not hot - just warm - which is a drawback and the service is not top notch - the refills are not quick and the 'vaatis' are so small that without a refill you're left with quite less to eat. Recommended if there is nothing else around to eat!
	() Thanks

9th February 2009, 18:42	#605
pranavt BANNED Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,704 Thanked: 852 Times View My Garage	Today, me and my gf felt like eating Malpuas. She knew this place in Kandivli called Sri Ram Sweets. It's in the same lane as Raghuleela Mall, bang opposite D-Mart. We had about 10-12 malpuas between us, 2 samosas and vada pavs and kachoris. The food was really really amazing, especially the malpuas which literally melted in our mouths. The samosas were to die for, being one of the best I've eaten anywhere (other places include my school canteen and MM Mithaiwala opp Malad Stn). Anyone in/around Kandivli, please don't miss this place for anything in this world. The food is just amazing. Will remember to take my camera-phone with me next time I go there, which should be soon I think.
	() Thanks

27th February 2009, 20:14	#611
arpandiv BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 444 Thanked: 62 Times View My Garage	Guys a bit urgent, Best place to have lunch in Bandra ? Budget for 2 - 1500. (No alco) I was thinking of Outof the blue.
	() Thanks

27th February 2009, 20:31	#613
arpandiv BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 444 Thanked: 62 Times View My Garage	Thanks for your inputs tejas. BTW eating only veg. Would your choices still be the same ?
	() Thanks

4th March 2009, 20:43	#614
maddy42 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Coorg Posts: 2,186 Thanked: 1,648 Times View My Garage	Been to 2 places of late which i feel is worth a mention. Trishna: Wel this happened when my roomie got this sudden urge to eat crabs. So off we wenrt to the trishna is Andheri west opp infinty mall. Ordered for Jumbo crab in butter garlic syrup and roti and also king prawn tandoori. The crabs were out of the world and more than suffiecient for 3 hungry souls with a decent appetite. We had to get the prawns parcelled as we could not think of eating any more. Budget: 1500 per person if your ordering the crabs there. Ambience: Simple as in nothing extraordinary Service: The waiter was busy so took time to come to you. Had to speak in the little tulu i knew to get served faster:-) Rating: 4/5 yummy. Maharaja resto and Bar So this same roomie again wakes up on a sunday morning and wanted to eat Aapams. Friend called all contacts he knew to find them but to no avail. Thats when i remembered this bar where i had gone to with my bil for a beer and remembered having seen aapams there. Got their number of just dial and called them up at 10 but no reply. So waited one more hour and called them at 11 and they were open for business Asked if aapams were available heaved a sigh of relief when they said yes and off we were to this place. This is opposite cinemax petrol bunk on andheri east and almost on the corner. Will be missed very easily as the construction of the metro has covered ity entirely. Ordered for Surmai tawa fry and pomfret deep fry. Had a pitcher with this and ordered for Aapams, Neer dosa and Mutton Pulimiri. The mutton was awesome and aapams were nice and hot. Didnt like the neer dosa as i prefer it with fish curry. Rating: Food: 2.5/5. Mutton gets a 5/5 though. awesome.
	() Thanks

4th March 2009, 21:26	#615
Dippy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 7,750 Thanked: 4,195 Times	Have heard alot about Maharaja bar and the food there. Sounds good. Will be trying it out soon. Whats the pinch on the pocket on this one maddy?
	() Thanks