Pakoda Pe Charcha! 6 unique versions of this crispy snack you must try in Mumbai

Illustration/Uday Mohite

Egg pakoda
This version isn't your usual egg pakoda. It is made with szechuan flavoured batter with onions, ginger and jalapenos, all coating the boiled egg, fried and served with szechuan sauce.
At All British Brewing Company outlets.
Call 33126821 (Lower Parel)
Cost Rs 110

Tiger prawn tempura
The tempura style of cooking, made popular by the Japanese, makes use of a special tempura flour to keep the coating light and crisp. Try this tiger prawn tempura served with dashi (stock), spicy mayo and garlic chips.
Time 12 pm to 12 am
At Hello Guppy, Jet Airways - Godrej BKC, Bandra East.
Call 33951615
Cost Rs 549

Ice cream pakoda
With temperatures rising in the city, indulge in cool pakodas that come as a scoop of deep-fried ice cream. At this eatery, the special garam garam ice cream pakodas are to die for. Plus, they are vegetarian.
Time 11 am to 12 am
At Monika Ice Cream, Virar and Kandivali West.
Call 9824444001 (Kandivali)
Cost Rs 60

Chilli cheese bhajji
A spicy mirchi pakoda is a snack that not many street stalls get right. For a fancy version, try the chilli cheese bhajji, made with south Indian style mulaga bhajji chilli stuffed with cheese, batter-fried, and served with tamarind chutney. A glass of chilled craft beer will seal the deal.
Time 12 pm to 1 am
At Toit Brewery, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel.
Call 9324555223
Cost Rs 225

Chhotta kebab
Craving for a non-vegetarian version? Head to Mohammad Ali Road for chhotta kebab. Made of ground mutton, it's fried to perfection to go with your cup of chai.
Time 6 pm to 1 am
At Hindustan Restaurant, near Minara Masjid, Masjid Bunder. CALL 23476241
Cost Rs 20 a dozen

Prawn, tisrya and bombil pakodas
If you're a seafood lover, head to this popular Mahim restaurant to savour seafood encased in delectable pakodas. Also on the menu are chicken, egg, liver, mutton, paneer and mix pakoda, if you wish to try a bit of each.
Time 11 am to 4 pm and 7 pm to 12 am
At Saibeni Gomantak, LJ Road, Mahim.
Call 8789711607
Cost Rs 200 (prawn), Rs 160 (tisrya and bombil)