The rains transform Mumbai into a vast wonderland of deep-fried treats. Even though Mumbai is at its prettiest in the monsoon, it doesn’t take long for a pleasant shower to turn into a torrential downpour and everyday activities to turn into mucky, rain-soaked adventures. So how do you reward yourself after a long day trudging through swimming pool-sized puddles and potholes? Deep fry everything in sight or better still, take a mini fritter tour of Mumbai, just like we did.
Start with breakfast at Dadar institution and old favourite, Prakash Shakahari Uphaar Kendra. The snack joint recently relocated from its original location on Gokhale Road (it was also briefly shut during the move) to a spacious and clean shop just a few buildings away.
There’s a good chance you will need to wait to be seated so do what we did and immediately get a plate of Batata Wadas ( Rs.32) or Sabudana Wada (Rs.40). Dunking the freshly fried orbs into the peanut chutney will be tricky while standing up but would you rather watch someone else scarf them down?
Once comfortably seated, choose between the fluffy Batata Pohe ( Rs.30) and our favourite, the fiery Misal (Rs.40). If like us, you’re used to mopping up the gravy dish with pav, remember the wait staff frown upon such requests. It’s served traditionally with a filling batata bhaji and topped with crispy chivda and onions. If you happen to drop by on a Sunday, don’t forget to try their Tikhat Shira (spicy semolina, Rs.20) and brinjal specialities: Bharli Wangi (stuffed eggplant, Rs.40) and Wangi Pohe (Rs.32). Finish with Piyush (Rs.32), think of it as the Maharashtrian version of the sweet lassi or liquid shrikhand, or pack a Puran Poli, the flaky sweet bread made with jaggery and split yellow gram, for later. On Friday 19 July, Prakash will also serve a special menu to suit the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi.
Your next pit-stop is quite close at Kirti College: Ashok Vada Pav Stall off Cadell Road has been voted the city’s best several times over by city bloggers and food critics. What makes his version of the VP (Rs.15) so special is the bonus sprinkling of those accidental mini batter bits on top of an already awesome mix spicy green and tart tamarind chutney with pungent coarse garlic powder. In fact, sales of the VP keep Ashok so busy that no other bhajiyas or snacks are on the menu.
For evening snacks or an early dinner, we highly recommend a trek to Soam opposite Babulnath Temple. Its annual Masala Monsoon menu boasts of the less popular but highly addictive fritters (all Rs.100) like the Doodhi Bhajiya (bottle gourd fritters), Moong Dal Bhajiya, Banana Fritters and Tangy Mango Bhajiya made with raw mangoes marinated in red chilli powder.
First-timers also need to get a portion of their Farsan Platter (Rs.150), which allows you to sample the restaurant’s other popular fries: Palak Cheese Patti Samosa, Makai Wadi and Ghugra (baby pastry crescents with a green pea filling). During this season, the restaurant is also the safest place to enjoy other street-side chaats (from Rs.100), Masala Corn on the Cob (Rs.100), Mini Batata Wadas (Rs.100), Dabeli (Rs.70) and sugarcane juice (Rs.90).
- Prakash Shakahari Uphaar Kendra, Horizon Building, Ground Floor, near Shiv Sena Bhavan, Gokhale Road, Shivaji Park, Dadar West (+91 22 2438 6094).
- Ashok Vada Pav Stall, Off Cadel road, Kirti College Lane, Prabhadevi (+91 22 24369003).
- Soam Satguru Sadan, near Babulnath Temple, Girgaum Chowpatty (+91 22 6730 5369).
