31 Best Places For A Budget Meal In Bandra & What To Get At Each [Neighbourhood Guide]

It doesn’t matter if you happen to live where you eat, eat where you live, or you need an affordable lunch spot where you work, a neighbourhood you spend enough quality time with must be mapped out for its every culinary offering before you really dive in. That’s the essence of the thought that was running through our mind when we decided to venture into the territory of ‘Hood Guides. Bandra got first preference because it’s what our office calls home, and as most hungry people do, we decided to serve our own stomachs first.

But it wasn’t just that. The cozy suburb exudes a certain charm quite closely linked to its fascinating history and its warmth has a way of always drawing us in. Even despite its labeling as an uber hip area though, the thing we love most about it is how many contradictions live within its narrow streets and village lanes. While the fancier delis and restaurants are always on our radar, it’s a little inconceivable to keep eating at those prices which is why we focussed this guide on more budget meals for the young working crowd that practically lives here. There are plenty of well-kept secrets in Bandra, many of which are the culinary kind.

Juicy chunks of meat on skewers fill the popular corner of Carter road with a delicious aroma, and if you venture deeper into the nooks and crannies, you will be welcomed with overflowing paani puris, freshly grilled prawns, steaming hot pan rolls and much, much more. From seafood delicacies to typical Catholic home-style meat dishes, to vegetarian street food gems and the best hole-in-the-wall bakeries in town, the culinary diversity of Bandra will keep you coming back for more. So hail a rickshaw and indulge in this gastronomical trail as we’ve picked the choicest places across the beautiful suburb, with a hint of what to eat at each one.

I. A-1 Bakery, Hill Road

You know those 5 a.m. hunger pangs after a long night of binge drinking that you know you’re going to hate yourself for tomorrow? Well, A-1 bakery’s goodies were sort of designed to deal with exactly this situation. Usually opening up the shutters to their simple, one-display-window-and-a-chalk-board-with-specials shop at 5 a.m. sharp, we’ve never seen a mountain of fresh kebabs and cutlets, biscuits and puffs disappear quite as fast to as debaucherous a crowd.

HG suggests: Cutlet pav, cutlet pav, cutlet pav. Tastes so nice, we had to say it thrice.

II. American Express Bakery

With outlets across the city, American Express Bakery is your baked goods saviour. It’s unbelievably affordable and has a great selection to boot. This is one of those places where the scent of nostalgia smacks you in the face the minute you walk through the door—and it’s not going to change any time soon, because nobody’s going to dare gentrify this.

HG suggests: Eating a lemon tart if you have a sweet tooth and the Ham & cheese sandwich if you’re in the mood for something more savoury.

III. Ashmick’s Snack Shack, Pali Naka

Ashmick’s Snack Shack sits unassumingly on the busy Pali Naka road right outside our office, sandwiched between so many other restaurants and shops, it’s easy to miss. But this place doesn’t even need to make itself seen because it’s already unfailingly popular with those who are in the know—and one meal here is enough to figure out why.

HG suggests: Try the chicken cutlets any day, their potato and cheese bake for a quick, unexpected and cheap snack, and the dhansak (only available on Thursday and Sunday)

IV. Ayaz’s The Kebab Place, Hill Road

Ayaz’s is a non-descript little stall across from St. Andrews Church. Those who know it, treasure it; while those who don’t simply breeze by, blissfully unaware of the deliciousness cooking a few feet away.

HG suggests: Mutton seekh kebab roll and the Mutton boti roll. Do it now.

V. Café Andora, Hill Road

Café Andora sits across from Hill Road’s St. Andrew’s Church and is adored for its cheap yet tasty food, especially by the kids and teenagers who seem to flock here by the dozen, largely because it doesn’t hurt the pocket.

HG suggests: Their pan rolls are positively sinful, and one of the things you should turn to immediately if you’re cheating your diet and going for the kill.

VI. Canara Lunch Home, Hill Road

Canara Lunch Home, near the Hill Road police station, is a multi-cuisine establishment that’s been a favourite with Bandra locals for years. Saddle up for some amazingly fresh coastal food and wash it down with some good ol’ sol kadi.

HG suggests: Surmai masala here is always fresh, and the Prawns Puli Munchi is to die for too.

VII. Candies, Pali Hill and Reclamation

Everybody’s favourite Bandra Café is known for its delicious food—comprising everything from snacks to full-blown meals—and its cheerful, artsy ambience that feels accessible to all. All three of its locations are usually always packed with a crowd ranging from teenagers to folks in their ‘60s, all queued up at the counter to buy a quick snack, or stock up their refrigerators at home for a week to come.

HG suggests: This is a hard one because there’s way too much variety but if we had to pick, we’d say the Mutton pan roll, Chicken lasagna, New York cheesecake.

VIII. Carter’s Blue, Carter Road

Carter’s Blue sits at the foot of Carter Road’s ‘food street’ and caters to everyone from biker boys to families out for an evening seaside stroll.

HG suggests: The chicken shawarma obviously. Pickles have never been this delicious.

IX. Cheron, Hill Road

Cheron bakery has a huge variety to choose from: veg or non-veg, savoury or sweet. Squeeze your way in and prepare to leave with a full tummy and a still reasonably full pocket too—it’s pretty easy on the wallet.

HG suggests: Can’t go wrong with a Chicken tikka croissant.

X. Elco, Hill Road

The legend of Elco is far-reaching. On any given day you’ll see tons of people (both locals and foreigners) stuffing their face here at the sidewalk counter as harried Hill Road shoppers dodge past with their oversized bags. If you don’t like eating in a hurry, head inside and pick a table. They’ve got many, sprawled across two floors though very few we know ever bother.

HG suggests: Paani puri, pav bhaji, XXL cheese dosa

XI. Gondola, Pali Market

Gondola is a charming little restaurant tucked away in Pali Market that has been a local favourite for years and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the old uncle who handles delivery calls is something of a legend in himself for his brisk style and refusal to sit around playing nice.

HG suggests: Beef chilli burger. It’s their signature dish, but don’t even try if you can’t handle spice.

XII. Good Luck Café, Bandstand

Bandra’s Good Luck Café, located across the road from Mehboob Studios is always packed by a pleasant variety of people from all backgrounds. Its old-world black-and-white checkerboard floors and bench-style seating are not what many of us are used to seeing in Bandra, where new restaurants and bars pop up every week. But that’s the thing about old-world places like these: when they stick around, they do for a reason.

HG suggests: Kheema ghotala will change your life if you haven’t already tried it. Ask for a slice of cheese to be slapped on the top too.

XIII. Hearsch Bakery, Hill Road

This yummy little shop was started by a German baker named J. Hearsch in the early 1920s. Later, he sold it to a local after World War I. That would explain why they’ve upgraded their menu to include everything from Chinese dishes to biryani over the years—even though that’s not the best thing on the menu.

HG suggests: Chicken burger, the Chilli chicken croissant, Pan rolls. There is a cheap heaven on earth.

XIV. Highway Gomantak, Gandhi Nagar, (Bandra East)

At a time where most restaurants have a shelf life of not more than five years, Highway Gomantak has managed to hold its own for over 20. Food is what it’s about at this place—and while the cooking may be simple, it’s exactly this you’ll crave when all else fails.

HG suggests: Pomfret fry and the Kurlaya Masala Thali will keep you busy for the next 15 lunches you have in mind.

XV. Hotel Nityanand, Bandra (east)

Many who seek out Hotel Nityanand give up half way—it’s notoriously difficult to find. But if you do persist, you’ll be rewarded with some culinary gold. The ambience isn’t much to rave over, but then that’s not why you’re here. You’re here for the food. 

HG suggests: The Kori roti: crisp roti with spicy chicken curry. So, so good.

XVI. Imbiss, Hill Road

Meat lovers everywhere rejoiced when Imbiss threw open its doors. And for good reason—few other places in the city offer up such a carnivore’s delight at such incredible prices. It’s a tiny, tiny place but the food is well worth the wait but if you live close enough, make sure you just order in instead.

HG suggests: Signature Sausage Platter, Hamburger with extra cheese, and Chorizo rice with a fried duck egg on top.

XVII. Jai Hind, Pali Naka

Jai Hind is located across from Bandra’s famous Janata Bar at Pali Naka. It’s a simple, clean little joint that’s known more for its food than its ambience. It serves Mangalorean, Goan and Malvani coastal cuisine and has basically been our go-to for impeccable maharashtrian seafood for years to come now.

HG suggests: Fish Thali with bomil fry, Prawn gassi with neer dosa, and tisriya (clams) masala. Go nuts.

XVIII. Jai Jawan, Linking Road

Jai Jawan is a tiny, non-descript little roadside stall opposite National College on Linking Road that lures in unassuming foodies with its delicious aroma. And it’s always full. By day, it’s got hungry college kids thronging the counter, while in the evening, Linking Road’s army of shoppers stop by for a pick-me-up. And at night, it’s a mixed bag of young and old that flock here for its delicious seafood.

HG suggests: Punjabi prawn masala and the Punjabi fish fry.

XIX. Jim-Me’s Kitchen, Off Hill Road, Near St. Peter’s Church

If you’re looking for great budget Chinese food in Bandra, it’s hard to beat Jim-Me’s. With great portions and reasonable prices, not to mention real pork spare ribs, the small space, with its six or seven-odd tables is always packed. Go early and prepare to wait.

HG suggests: Pork ribs JK style and the Malaysian noodles go incredibly well together and are all served up at a delicious price.

XX. Joseph’s Tandoori Kitchen, Pali Village

We’ll let you in on a little secret: we order in from this place a lot, since our office is pretty close by—and it’s great every single time. They pride themselves on their concept of large portions at reasonable prices and we’re not complaining.

HG suggests: Tandoori chicken, Mutton biryani, and the Chicken tikka roll.

XXI. Kakori House, Hill Road

Say ‘Kakori House’ and the first thing that comes to mind are melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and perfectly spiced chutney. And that’s the kind of fantasy we’re totally on board with.

HG suggests: Their Galawti Kebab is the proper melt-in-your-mouth genius that they always told you was real.

XXII. Lashkara by Punjab Sweet House, Pali Naka

This little eatery houses a sweet shop and chaat counter on the ground floor, while the upstairs has eight to ten small tables closely packed together. Don’t miss the eye-catching décor too.

HG suggests: Amritsari kulche chole, Rajma Chawal, Aloo & cheese paratha, and Tikki chole will make you forget you’re thousands of miles away from Punjab.

XXIII. Lucky Restaurant, SV Road

Lucky Restaurant is located on Bandra’s perpetually busy SV Road. If you plan to visit, take a cab because you’re not going to find any parking—and you also won’t be able to stay alert enough to drive after a meal here.

HG suggests: Brain masala fry, Kheema gotala, Chicken khichdi masala.

XXIV. McCraig’s, Pali Hill

This little shop is very similar to Candies. In fact, some might even say they were the original candies, varied in its offerings and never disappointing with its prices. It’s also one of those places where you go in wanting to buy one thing, but leave with an armful of food instead.

HG suggests: Goa sausage bun and the Tandoori chicken never fail at that amazing price.

XXV. Mini Punjab, Junction Of 16th & 33rd Road

Mini Punjab is a local favourite post-party grub spot, and every Friday and Saturday sees a gaggle of inebriated 20-somethings throng the counter to place their orders for some of the eatery’s delicious rolls post midnight. Luckily, you don’t have to be drunk to think the food is amazing.

HG suggests: Prawns Masala, Butter chicken roll, and the Bhuna chicken roll.

XXVI. Pal’s Fish Corner, 33rd Road

From the outside, it might seem like a shady, dingy restaurant, but Pal’s, situated in a tiny lane in Bandra behind the famous Mini Punjab, has a reputation of its own. The locals swear by it—and one trip to the restaurant will show you why.

HG suggests: Tandoori pomfret and the Prawn roll are perfectly spiced and the latter even offers up a little crunch with some fresh, raw onions doused in lemon. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.

XXVII. Saayba Hotel, SV Road

Saayba might be a little tedious to get to, but the crave-worthy malvani food it serves makes the journey worth it. Practically everything on the menu has that classic ‘home’ food touch, which in our books always wins.

HG suggests: Whole stuffed traditional pomfret and the Prawns sukha are fresh and delicious.

XXVIII. Sigdi, 29th Road, Off Water Field Road

Sigdi is another favourite with the weekend party crowd that’s in need of some carbs to soak up the revelry of the night.

HG suggests: Chicken kathi roll and the butter chicken roll. Hakuna matata.

XXIX. Soul Fry, Pali Market

Soul Fry is tucked away in Bandra’s Pali Market lane and its old-school charm and delicious seafood makes us repeat offenders here. Especially on monday nights for karaoke, but we don’t need to talk about that addiction.
HG suggests: Prawn green chilly garlic, Bombil fry, and Fish Caldin, a selected fish simmered in a mildly spiced coconut-based Goan curry.

XXX. Wanton House, Hill Road

One of Bandra’s most loved Chinese restaurants has been up and running since 1969 and hasn’t disappointed since. We’re suckers for good Chinese food (and we could do a round or two of dumplings on any given day of the week) and it toes that line between authenticity and all-out Indian Chinese rather beautifully. Best of all, it feels like you’re in a good mafia film when you sit here and eat.

HG suggests: Pork char sui, and the Pork fried rice, followed by lots and lots of cups of that Chinese tea.

XXXI. Yummies, Rizvi Complex, Off Carter Road

Yummies is a cheerful, easy-on-the-pocket establishment near Rizvi College and the menu offers up simple but tasty options, considering their primary market is college students.

HG suggests: Chicken fried rice with gravy and the Chicken chilli wrap.

—Special Mention—

Bandra Gymkhana, D’Monte Park Road

We’ve listed Bandra Gymkhana as a special mention because, like all sports clubs, you need to know a member to get you past the gate. But once you’re in, it’s all fair game. Opt for the cash option and pig out.

HG suggests: Fish curry, beef chilli, sausage pulav, and the tongue roast. Ah, the tongue roast.

Research by Sanyukta Shetty

Feature image courtesy: kelipaan.com