Mumbai’s Maharashtrian options are becoming increasingly limited, unless we’re talking about nashta. For snacks, I find myself going back to the taste of nostalgia in places I’ve loved for decades—Ladu Samrat (Shop No. 1 Habib Terrace Lalbaug, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Ganesh Gully, Parel; call 8686002017) for kothimbir vadi and dahi misal, vada pav at VT’s octogenarian Aram Vada Pav, Mamledar Misal (opposite Zilla Parishad, Talav Pali, Naupada, Thane West; call 9594847929) for more missal and extra rassa, and a chiwda trail in Lalbaug’s Chiwda Galli.” Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi, food and travel writer
Mama Kane, Dadar
“Situated right outside Dadar station, Mama Kane (222, Smruti Kunj, Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar West; call 2224221161) is easily accessible to commuters. The upvas snacks like sabudana vada and sabudana khichdi are must-tries, as are the thalipeeth, piyush, misal pav and batata vadas. The taste here is exactly like that in a Maharashtrian household and the recipes have stayed consistent for years.” Shruti Railkar, heritage and food enthusiast
Panshikar, Girgaum
Photo: Rahulnath
“Panshikar (Gananath CHS, SB Road, Opposite Dadar Station, Dadar West; call 9322232155) is located in the heart of Mumbai in Girgaum, which has a large Maharashtrian population. It’s a favourite spot for breakfast and they serve a range of upvas items like farali misal, sabudana vada and thalipeeth. They stay true to the authenticity with longest name of the dishes and are very pocket-friendly and hygienic. During Ganesh Chaturthi, they offer a wide variety of modaks, including those made with mawa, kesar, pista, kaju and chocolate, along with the plain ukadiche modak.” Shruti Railkar, heritage and food enthusiast