Mumbai food: Six budget meals in Dadar and Parel

The Surmai Thali at Mast Malwani

There are incredible stories of people who have come to Mumbai chasing a dream with little or no money with them and how they survived on vada pav and other cheap options. So, with a little more than that, we went around Parel and Dadar to find out how hospitable the city is to a person with a hundred bucks or a little more. Turns out, if you look around a bit, you don't just get a meal that is sumptuous but tasty enough to make you rethink the value of hundred bucks.

Light of Bharat near Shivaji Park. Pic/Atul Kamble

For non-vegetarians (Under Rs 200)
Light of Bharat: This Irani café near Shivaji Park retains every charm of the city's nostalgia. The Hyderabadi Dum Biryani for Rs 160 is nearly impossible to finish for a person despite its taste and incredible aroma. The special omelettes would make you keep going back.

The Surmai Thali at Mast Malwani. Pic/Hassan M Kamal

Sachin Coastal food: This nondescript eatery near Shivaji Park lets its name do the alluring and lives up to it. A meal of bombil or surmai and rice (Rs 180) for lunch will make every man crave for a bed and a pillow after it.
At: Shop No 8A, Corner View, Gokhale Road, Dadar (W).
Call:7738519651

Mast Malwani: Their Surmai Thali (Malwani style) and rice for Rs 160 is worth a try. The fish might be a bit too spicy for the uninitiated but it gets easier in the palate with time. The Vegetarian Thali is a huge spread for Rs 85.
At: Jai Mahal Building, Jeejeebhoy Lane, opposite Income Tax Building, Lal Baug, Parel.
Call: 24712067

For vegetarians (Under Rs 100)
Aashray: According to a popular online food review site, this is the kind of place to go to when there is no food at home. We agree and add a possibility - when there is little cash in the pocket. Their Masala Dosa for R55 is crunchily perfect. The sambar is a little thicker than in Chennai but there is no taste lost. To make things better, we add Lime Juice for R30.
At: Parekh Mahal, LJ Road, Hari Niwas, Shivaji Park, Dadar (W).
Call: 24360292

The Vegetarian Thali at Mast Malwani. Pic/Hassan M Kamal

Gobb'et: A cosy six-seater eatery in one of the back alleys of Lalbaug, Gobb'et serves a variety of snacks that can make up for meals. These include Pav Bhaji, Ragda Patties, Sabudana Vada and interesting farsan. The Pav Bhaji is not too spicy with a dollop of butter and is always served hot with pav. The special Pav Bhaji is for Rs 60.
At: Dr SS Rao Road, Wadia Baug, Lalbaug, Parel.
Call: 24716820

Aaswad is a popular haunt in Dadar. Pic/Datta Kumbhar

Aaswad: At Rs 58 their Misal Pav lives up to its reputation with the spicy curry and bland pav, complementing each other as and when desired. This works as a snack option or for dinner depending on your mood. With its worldwide fame, there's always a queue at the eatery.
At: LJ Road, Shivaji Park, Gadkari Chowk, Shivaji Park, Dadar (W).
Call: 24360292