That New Year’s resolution haze is still just about wearing off, which means the only thing you should be expending energy doing is going back to getting fat, and getting drunk, and maybe spend a little time planning what proportions to do these two activities in so you don’t feel too guilty. But with old habits like that dying hard, the lightness of your wallet is just another guilt-inducer and it’s pretty important you don’t screw yourself over by triangulating this experience. So, as always, we have a solution to make up for all the extravagant stuff we’re always shoveling your way.
If there’s one thing this city’s good at, it’s non-discrimination based on budgets. We decided to follow up our 20 cheap Mumbai bars compilation with a list of 40 amazing dishes across the city. Right from greasy and decadent bacon fries, to more experimental beer popsicles, to the classic pav bhaji from the neighbourhood corner shop, these dishes don’t discriminate. Whether they’re served on folded newspaper at popular street corner stalls, find themselves on the menus at our favourite restaurant and bar haunts, or tucked away like the cheapest, most delicious gem on a fancy, upmarket restaurant menu, we’ve made sure all these dishes have one very important thing in common—they’re all under 200 rupees. Still, we’ve left out bakery delights on purpose, because budget dessert treasures deserve their own list.
Scroll on for our guide to this city’s food that’s easy on your wallet, and chalk out your economical and scrumptious feasting route.
Street Eats
I. Chicken Shawarma at Carter’s Blue, Bandra
If you’ve spent any time in Bandra, you’ve definitely visited, or at least heard of, Carter’s Blue. Located at the buzzing curb of this promenade, this one is a classic in the city’s most popular suburb and with good reason. Freshly grilled chicken folded into a soft, light wrap with flavoursome sauces and sliced, pickled vegetables is served hot to the many patrons crowding the footpath outside this stall, and it has a tendency to demand loyalty from everyone who tastes it.
Cost: Gotta love anything this cheap and filling @ Rs. 120. If you manage to manoeuvre through the crowd, that is.
II. Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Right Place, Breach Candy
Warden Road’s famous Right Place is one of Mumbai’s truest experts on the subtle-yet-indianised art of the Grilled Cheese. Not so subtle considering it involves a heavy dose of chopped up vegetables with more than generous sprinkling of good ol’ Amul and chilli chutney, only to be sandwiched in bread and grilled, garnished with green coriander chutney and further slathered in butter for your enjoyment.
Cost: Sliced perfection never came this cheap @ Rs. 100
III. Mutton Baida Roti at Bademiya, Colaba
For all patrons of Gokul in the heart of Colaba, Bademiya--or Bade’s, as it’s popularly known--is a staple after a few drinks. Minced meat (kheema) is topped with Baida (egg) and filled in perfectly shaped, square roti, served piping hot with chutney. This late night outlet is a blessing to all non-vegetarians when pubs and restaurants are pulling down their shutters, because Bade’s will never leave you hungry.
Cost: One of Mumbai’s classic late-night munchies is just within our reach @ Rs. 190
IV. Pav Bhaji at Cannon Pav Bhaji
Mumbai’s iconic pav bhaji stall Cannon, located opposite South Mumbai’s CST, draws in daily passers-by as it emits the heavenly aroma of melting butter and fresh, perfectly spiced bhaji. Each dollop of butter is met with a chorus of approval, so prepare to indulge yourself.
Cost: Soak in that disgustingly good goodness @ Rs. 100
V. Pani Puri at Punjab Sweet House
Across Mumbai, almost every third street corner has a pani puri stand laden with inviting chutney and delicious pani, but Bandra’s Punjab Sweet House is easily one of the all-time best. Juicy, sour raw mango paani of the perfect ice-cold temperature (it’s really this that makes it so special) is poured into deliciously light and crispy puris stuffed with masala-aloo and a dollop of chutney. We don’t know what it is, all we know is it’s better than almost any other imitator out there.
Cost: Too small to be fattening @ Rs. 60, and it’s incredibly safe and hygienic too.
VI. Pizza Dosa outside NM & Mithibai College
Also known as the famous open-cheese dosa, this stall’s take on South India’s traditional dish is its own innovation altogether, and we’ll refrain from calling it a dosa lest we offend those loyal to the classic. More like a spicy pizza on a thin, crispy, savoury crepe, this dish is delicious, and unbelievably popular among students.
Cost: Perfect for a college student budget at Rs. 120
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Bakeries/ Restaurants/ Cafes in the moderately priced range
VII. 2-Minute Sandwich at Chayoos
Chayoos’ 2-Minute Sandwich is an ode to the return of Maggi. As it seems like it’s been specially crafted for the purpose of munchies, this dish is definitely not for the faint-hearted, and it takes a special palette to appreciate it. Masala Maggi cooked with onions, capsicum, and tomato with Indian masalas is spread across brown bread and then toasted to golden perfection, spiced with chaat masala.
Cost: Plain ol’ 2-minute Maggi noodles will never be good enough again @ Rs. 109
VIII. Akuri on Toast and Khari Biscuit with Chai at Kyani & Co, South Mumbai
Kyani & Co. at one of South Mumbai’s Metro junction corners is practically an institution. While its walls are lined with age-old posters depicting the very historic journey of this Irani bakery and restaurant, you can see its evolution through the years. Still, some things never change, and Kyani’s incredibly delicious extra butter-cooked akuri on toast, combined with their equally flaky, buttery khari biscuit and chai are some of them.
Cost: Rs. 45 mostly for the glorious effort of getting Kyani’s notoriously busy waiters to pay you some attention.
IX. Amul Pav Bhaji at Sardar Refreshments
If you walk up to any true-blooded Mumbaikar and whisper the name Sardar Pav Bhaji, their automatic response would be to drool while searching for the closest empty cab in the vicinity. A short walk away from Mumbai Central station, Sardar is an institution in this city, known for his finger-licking pav bhaji with one slab of Amul goodness reserved for a single plate.
Cost: Straight-from-the-streets buttered pav and thick, vegetable masala for Rs. 110
X. Apple Pie at Yazdani Bakery, Horniman Circle
With freshly baked breads and pies floating around Horniman circle’s Yazdani bakery, you can’t help but fall in love with their old-Bombay charm and simplistic table arrangements. Antique German posters decorate the walls as cups of hot tea dot each table, and don’t forget to order the steaming hot apple pie--warm, gooey and scrumptious.
Cost: Rs. 70 for all that sugary goodness
XI. Bacchuri akuri eggs at Jimmy Boy
As one of the most common Parsi dishes, every family has their own special way of making this delicious breakfast dish, producing so many equally scrumptious variations. Scrambled eggs cooked with onions, tomatoes, and raw mangoes (optional) are seasoned with red chilli powder, green chillies and fresh coriander. Some even add milk, jeera powder, curry leaves, and even a garlic-ginger paste.
Cost: Classic parsi treat @ just Rs. 160
XII. Bacon Fries at Between Breads
As one of Bandra’s beloved pit-stop joints, Between Breads is home to burgers, hot dogs, and best of all, bacon fries. Succulent strips of cured bacon are tossed with crispy fries and drizzled with bacon oil, served to you with a spoonful of decadence.
Cost: Rs. 99 will seem like a steal once you’ve had one bite of these crispy delights.
XIII. Beef Onion Potato Fry at Baghdadi
For all truly initiated Mumbaikars, Gokul bar and restaurant has catered to your drinking needs at some point or another. So if you’re looking to line your stomach before venturing into the famous watering hole, right across the street is Baghdadi with its deliciously succulent beef slices fried with golden onions and potatoes.
Cost: For beef that succulent, you shell out @ Rs. 140
XIV. Bombil Fry at Jai Hind
A steaming hot plate of lightly crumb-fried Bombay duck or bombil makes for the perfect seafood snack, topped off with a generous squeeze of lime and slices of fresh onion on the side. Wash it down with a glass of sol kadi, and you’re golden, just like your bombil.
Cost: You can feast on crispy-fried bombil fillets @ Rs. 160
XV. Chicken Hamburger with Extra Cheese at Imbiss
Step into every meat-lovers dreamboat, and revel in the true Imbiss experience as platters of pork ribs, steaks with gravy, grilled chicken and more shuffle about the place. The true [affordable] treat, however, is their chicken hamburger featuring a minced meat patty, sauteed onions and tomatoes. Top it off with some extra cheese and you’ve got yourself the perfect budget burger.
Cost: Rs. 190 is all it takes.
XVI. Chilli Cheese Fries at The J
Across from Mumbai’s HR and KC colleges, this shoestring budget-haven is every college student’s dream. Creamy cheese jalapeno and spicy garlic chilli sauce tops a stack of golden fries, served to you in a classic J cone.
Cost: You’ll be licking your fingers clean @ Rs. 100
XVII. Crystal Special Thali at Crystal, Chowpatty
For years and years, Crystal has been a home outside of home for all those without access to a regular, home-cooked meal, an institution within itself for locals who live close by. With reasonable prices and quick service, their delicious food served on wide, steel plates is everything a typical Indian kitchen has to offer. The Special Pav Bhaji that oozes melted butter and fresh, flavoursome ingredients is a must-try that everyone will tell you about but the Thali is more satisfying than most too with hefty servings of fresh dal, rice, subzi, hot buttery chapatis and a reasonable portion of their thick, sweet khir as well.
Cost: Rs. 80 for the Pav Bhaji, Rs. 40 for the khir, and Rs. 120 for an unlimited thali
XVIII. Elvis Bagel at The Bagel Shop
The Elvis Bagel is a beautiful amalgamation of different flavours that come together in perfect synergy, mimicking the funkiness of the star it’s named after. It’s crafted as an open bagel with banana, peanut butter and nutella spread across the soft, fresh bread and is literally referred to as the poor man’s bagel in the institution where good quality doesn’t come this cheap.
Cost: Worth every nutritious, delicious, chocolate-y bite @ Rs. 159
XIX. Good Ol’ Masala Dosa at Mani Lunch Home
While food experimentation is always a great gastronomical attitude to have, it doesn’t always pan out well. With schezuan chicken or fish tikka dosas being unfortunately tossed around in the name of South Indian food, sometimes a good, regular ol’ masala dosa is all you need to satisfy that craving, and if that’s what you’re after, it doesn’t get better than Mani Lunch Home.
Cost: The first one will cost you @ Rs. 42, but we’re pretty sure there’ll be a second, maybe even a third.
XX. Idli and Sambhar or a Full Sadya Meal at Hotel Ramashray
Finding a seat at the bustling Hotel Ramashray can be a task, which only points to how popular and beloved their delicious food is, and it’s budget too. One taste of that light, fluffy idli and flavoursome sambhar is enough to convert you into a hard-core Ramashray fan, but it’s their full lunch plate served on a banana leaf that will convince you that this is where you’d like your last meal to be.
Cost: A lot less than a trip to the South of India @ Rs. 40 for the idli while a meal comes @ Rs. 90
XXI. Idli Sandwich at A. Rama Nayak and Sons Udipi
For the last three decades, A. Rama Nayak has been serving expertly prepared hot plates of light, fluffy idlis, paired with spicy garlic chutney, tomato and butter, presented as perfectly triangular sandwiches. Extra points for creativity in the kitchen.
Cost: A piping hot, delicious, and creative mid-day snack @ just Rs. 70
XXII. Kheema Pav at Olympia Coffee House
Olympia’s hardy spread of breakfast dishes is not for the faint-hearted or calorie-counters. With rich flavours packed into each plate, their kheema pav is a heavy, meaty breakfast with light, soft pav on the side. It doesn’t hurt that they’ve been whipping this recipe up for a hundred odd years now.
Cost: Ideal hangover food @ Rs. 40
XXIII. Mutton Cutlets at Ashmik’s Snack Shack
One of Bandra’s best kept secrets, this little Parsi snack shop in Pali Naka has a way of satisfying every part of your hunger with a variety of low-priced meals. Their yummy dhansak and biryanis are just over our cut-off mark but there are plenty of other options for hungry readers. Their minced mutton is shaped into light cutlets and cooked to perfection here. One plate just won’t be enough, so make sure you tell them to keep ‘em coming.
Cost: Rs. 90 for your first plate, because we know there’ll be a second and a third.
XXIV. Mutton Fry at Sneha Bar & Restaurant
Yes, this local favourite is better known for it’s incredibly fresh seafood but we’re going to introduce you to an underrated gem on its Kerala-styled menu today. Succulent slices of mutton are fried with fresh, juicy vegetables and spiced perfectly to craft this beautiful, meaty dish. We recommend a side of fluffy, soft pav to go with it. You won’t regret it.
Cost: Gorgeous flavours @ Rs. 130
XXV. Omelette Bagel at The Bagel Shop
Light cream, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and flavoursome mayo dress the fresh omelette bagel, served to you on a plate as the perfect breakfast with a twist. Enough to leave you feeling fancy without breaking the bank.
Cost: Breakfast fusion @ Rs. 159
XXVI. Prawn Pulav at Highway Gomantak
As it boasts of incredible and authentic coastal seafood, Highway Gomantak is every Mumbaikar’s answer to Goan culinary cravings. Keeping up with that tradition, the wildly flavoursome pulav with fresh, juicy prawns is a seafood must-have, and it’s affordable too.
Cost: Rs. 155 is a lot cheaper than a ticket to Goa.
XXVII. Samosa chaat at Gurukripa, Sion
Dedicated patrons in Sion flock to this pocket-friendly outlet for their piping hot Chhole Samosa, Ragda Pattice, Pani Puris and Gajjar ka Halwa. While all these are top-notch chaat delights, we’re partial to the delicious Samosa Chaat complete topped with rich chutneys.
Cost: One plate @ Rs. 25 is truly a steal.
XXVIII. Steak Chilly Roll in Burger Bun at Gondola’s
As one of Bandra’s oldest beloved restaurants, Gondola’s has become an institution among the locals of this suburb, and the hottest menu order is exactly as delicious as it sounds—a spicy steak roll served piping hot in a soft burger bun, best washed down with a tall glass of coke.
Cost: All that deliciousness can be yours @ Rs. 180.
XXIX. Steak, Onion and Chips at New Martin Hotel
We have an age-old allegiance to this hole-in-the-wall that fed us when were more broke than we’ve ever been as college students, and fed us well at that. A tiny, relatively unknown place in Colaba, New Martin’s offers excellent flavours, well cooked meat, and decent portion sizes – all at an unbelievably cheap rate. And the steak. Oh, the steak. A nice juicy chunk of meat, slathered in generous dollops of a brown gravy whose ingredients you’ll never know and should never try to know, all topped off with a mighty heap of fried onions.
Cost: Rs. 150 is such a bargain for thick, juicy chopped steak
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Cheap Dishes On Fancy Plates
XXX. Aam Aadmi Eggs at Monkey Bar
Texas toast is topped with chatpata tomato and onion-seed chutney, green chilli cheese, salli and imli chutney, complete with beautifully cooked eggs.
Cost: Delicious egg-innovation @ exactly Rs. 200
XXXI. Baingan Pakoda Phulka Tacos at Monkey Bar
Served with mirch achaar, ker sangri sabzi, garlic and coriander chutney, and smoked apple raita, Monkey Bar’s mouth-watering innovative Baingain Pakoda Phulka Tacos are too good to be true.
Cost: One plate is at Rs. 200, but trust us, you won’t stop at one.
XXXII. Beer Popsicle at The White Owl
Crafted using The White Owl’s freshly brewed beer from their very own brewery, the rich golden beer is mixed with Dulce de Leche, coffee, and cream, and tehn frozen into popsicle bars, served with butter cookie crumbs.
Cost: Shadow, an English Porter or Diable, or the Irish Red Ale are the beers that form your choices at Rs. 195 a popsicle
XXXIII. Cheese Stuffed Grilled Chillies at Bombay Canteen
Hot chillies are grilled lightly until they’re golden with flavour, and stuffed with beautiful, melting cheese to cut that spice--only Bombay Canteen can pull of such a perfectly symmetrical blend of experimentation and simplicity.
Cost: You’re going to want to shell out more for this one @ Rs. 200
XXXIV. Grilled Dhokla Chaat at Bombay Canteen
Topped with date chutney and masala peanut kachumber, Bombay Canteen’s grilled dhokla chaat is a truly ingenious creation. If you’re feeling adventurous, this culinary innovation is exactly what you need, with nuanced flavours coming together in perfect synergy, and it won’t hurt your wallet either.
Cost: All that culinary experimentation @ Rs. 200
XXXV. Kheema Bao at Monkey Bar
Picture a freshly steamed bao stuffed with perfectly flavoured, spicy mince mutton, served alongside a rich mutton broth. That’s what this unbelievable dish has in store for you, and it’s easy on the wallet too.
Cost: The intoxicating aroma of fresh, spiced meat @ Rs. 200
XXXVI. Masala Chai Popsicles at Bombay Canteen
If you’re a true-blue Indian with a palette that appreciates this subcontinent’s flavours, Masala Chai is truly close to your heart. Blending that love with the nostalgia attached to icy popsicles is Bombay Canteen with their beautifully innovative dish Masala Chai Popsicles, served with biscuit crumble and gorgeous, fresh caramel sauce.
Cost: Nostalgia and the love for local flavours @ Rs. 200
XXXVII. Pain au Chocolat at Cafe Zoe
Lower Parel’s Todi Mills is blessed with the culinary expertise of Cafe Zoey, and their Pain au chocolat is truly to die for. As the perfect end to any meal, that delicious, well balanced chocolate will caress your taste buds, and it’s reasonably priced too.
Cost: All you need for this fresh, scrumptious dessert is @ Rs. 85
XXXVIII. Pancakes with Maple Syrup at Villa Vandre
Delicious fluffy pancakes with the perfect amount of sweetness are drenched in a smooth maple syrup--the answer to your breakfast cravings.
Cost: After a late night out, this is all you need the next morning @ Rs. 165
XXXIX. Pesto Cheddar Melt Sandwich at Kala Ghoda Cafe
Fresh pesto sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and juicy slices of tomato are grilled on light, fresh flatbread at this small jewel hidden within Kala Ghoda, patronised by locals and tourists alike.
Cost: The sandwich is @ Rs. 170 and we recommend you wash it down with a piping hot cup of green tea
XXXX. Simply ‘ande’ at Blue Frog
As a new take on pan-fried boiled eggs that one gets on the street, Blue Frog boils organic eggs, and then fries them till they’re golden and crispy. These delicious eggs are then sprinkled with the house special ‘Frog’ rub, served with three egg-based sauces on the side--hollandaise, mayonnaise and Spanish rouille.
Cost: This gorgeous dish comes @ Rs. 200
Words: Rhea AlmeidaResearch: Sanyukta Shetty
Feature image courtesy Tumblr