If Budget 2013 and its increased tax on air conditioned restaurants puts a slight crimp in your eating out plans, here’s a list of restaurants that won’t be affected. For the days you’re feeling a little budget conscious, check out these non-AC restaurants that serve fantastic food.
Sadiccha: A small nondescript place opposite the MIG club in Bandra East, it has the best Malvan seafood. Crisp Bombay Duck and Tisraya (clam) Masala are favorites. To get there: B-5, Gandhi Nagar, Opposite MIG Club, Near Sai-Baba Temple, Bandra (E), Mumbai.
Malvani Katta: A hole in the wall very close to the Western Express highway near Goregaon is a crowded and popular little joint with wait times that can deter the uninitiated. The Crab Masala is absolutely worth the daunting wait for a table. To get there: 1, Vijay Bhuvan, Aarey Road, Goregaon (E), Mumbai
Kerala Bhavan: Tucked away in a corner of Vashi ( Sector 31-A) is possibly Kerala’s most authentic outpost in Mumbai. A restaurant managed by KTDC, this is the place to have a Kerala thali. Thoran, Avial, kootu curry, sambar, rasam, mor curry, a tangy fish curry and fish fry. Simple honest to goodness deliciousness. To get there: S Pranavanandji Marg, Sector 30A Navi Mumbai
Spice of Kerala: A haven for Malyali food, located in Marol, you can get your fill of kappa to chicken ishtu and some delcious fish curry. To get there: Shop 3, Near Uttam Dhaba, Marol Maroshi Road, Marol, Mumbai
Prakash: A workers part-owned restaurant in Dadar has great no-fuss fare that locals swear by. Crispy, always fresh batata vada, misal, usal and the yummiest poha (oh yes, the everyday poha is elevated to serious yumminess here) you will ever have. To get there: Near Shiv Sena Bhavan, Gokhale Road, Dadar West, Mumbai
Crystal: Located opposite chowpatty, with Hemant Kumar songs playing in the background and the din of the utensils you could easily be a part of the movies in the late 70’s. Hot delicious aloo parthas, simple roti subzi and rajma chawal to die for. To get there: 19, Chowpatty Seaface, Near Wilson College, Chowpatty, Mumbai
Amritsar da dhaba: Head to this tiny place near Khar Telephone Exchange for Paya soup, a mean chicken tikka masala gravy and the best panner tikka masala gravy that you can have. Mop this up with hot buttery pav and you have the most satisfying and delicious meal. To get there: Near Khar Telephone Exchange, S.V. Road, Khar West, Mumbai
Goa Bhavan: A little taste of the beach here with delicious Goan prawn curry and chicken curry and even a vegetarian thali. This nearly 3 decade old establishment serves good, wholesome coastal food. To get there: Gulmohar Cross Road, Near Fabindia, JVPD Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai