What’s Ramzan without the customary Iftar food trails on the streets of Mumbai, right? Even thinking about haleem, kebabs, nalli nihari, malpua, firni and falooda makes your mouth water. After a lull of two years, due to the Covid-induced restrictions, Mumbai’s famous food lanes are all bustling again for its unparalleled culinary delights.
The never-ending food trails at Mohammed Ali Road
The month-long gastronomical experience in Khau Galli near Minara Masjid, Bohri Mohalla, Nagpada Junction, Dongi and Bhendi Bazaar is what food enthusiasts wait for all year. Enter the dazzling lanes and the divine aroma of smokey kebabs and the 400 variants of non-vegetarian dishes takes all over. Some of the most popular Ramzan dishes that foodies can’t stop raving about are Chicken seekh kebabs at Chinese and Grill, Sanju baba chicken and Masala kaleji at Noor Mohammadi Hotel, Mawa jalebis at JJ Jalebis, malpuas at Tawakkal Sweets, and so much more. The list is endless.
But then, Ramzan in Mumbai isn’t just about Mohammed Ali Road, it’s a lot more than that. Now that the Maharashtra government has removed all covid-related restrictions, and life is slowly getting back to normal after a long break of two years, it’s time to go beyond the obvious and explore the hidden gems in the city.
You have already explored the locales of South Mumbai enough in the past years. This time around, ditch the crowded Mohammed Ali road lanes and explore the numerous luminous lanes that are open till midnight. They serve equally delicious falooda, firni, malpua, seekh kebabs and a variety of traditional non-vegetarian dishes at various joints.
1. Galouti Kebabs at Kakori House, Mahim
This place is known for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and rightly so. Don’t miss out on their Mutton Galawati Kebab that goes best with their Sheermal, a saffron-flavoured naan. Their Mutton Kakori Kebab is equally inviting.
2. Falooda at Baba Falooda, Mahim
If Mohammed Ali Road’s faloodas are a thing, wait till you try the ones at Baba Falooda in Mahim. They serve the most flavoursome faludas like Shahi Falooda, Malai Falooda, and Kulfi Rabri Faluda.
3. Phirni at Suleman Usman Mithaiwala, Mahim
One of the most popular sweet shops of Mumbai, Suleman Usman Mithaiwala is also in Mahim, and during the Ramadan month, it gets even better. It’s known to sell some of the most palatable phirni and malpua ever. Another popular delicacy from the lanes of Mahim Khau Galli is halwa paratha that many foodies rave about.
4. Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar restaurant, Mahim
Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar restaurant is iconic for a reason, and its Mahim outlet is a must-visit during the months of Ramadan. Chicken Kepsa, Paya, Nalli Nihari, Shahi Tukda, and Firni are some of the best-selling dishes out there that you shouldn’t miss out on.
5. Persia Darbar restaurant, Jogeshwari
Do not underestimate the suburbs when it comes to Ramadan food. Make your way to the Persia Darbar restaurant in Jogeshwari for some lip-smacking Kalimiri Tangdi, Chicken Lazeez and Chicken Kalimiri.
For sweet endings, move beyond malpuas and jalebis and try their Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern pastry dunked in sugar syrup and topped with dry fruits.
Pro tip: Add Khiri kaleji from the unnamed stalls and vendors of Jogeshwari Khau Galli to your list. The aroma of it attracts one and all.
6. Changezi Chicken at Delhi Zaika, Grant Road
It’s one of the most preferred food joints in Grant Road. Murgh Malai, Lahori Chicken, Changezi Chicken, Peshawari Tikka, Tandoori Naan are just to name a few of the dishes that foodies can’t stop raving about.
7. Kebabs at Lucknowee Tunday Kebab, Kurla
If Lucknow is known for its Tunday kebabs, so is this outlet in Kurla for selling some finely-minced succulent mutton kebabs. Those who have been here vouch for their food quality and quantity. If you don’t like the taste of mutton, go for their Afghani Chicken Kebab, baida roti (fried Indian bread coated with egg and stuffed with minced chicken), and Murg Barra Tandoori.
8. Kepsa at Mao Family Restaurant, Kalbadevi
If you are done with binging on biryani and want to try a different rice dish, we insist you try Mao’s Kepsa, we bet you would go back for more of this divine dish. Great taste, good quantity and quality, this traditional rice dish of Saudi Arabia ticks all the boxes.
9. Seekh kebabs at Nawab Seekh Corner, Kurla
Interestingly, they only have four dishes on their menu, and they are clearly a master at it. They serve some slurpy Beef Seekh rolls marinated in special spices. You can also try their Chicken Seekhs that go best with paratha and are equally palatable.