Shravan-friendly foods that fasting Mumbaikars can indulge in

Rajgira Puri Bhaji

While some fasts do not allow you to swallow even a drop of water, the rest grant you some leeway to eat. And how!

The ongoing month of Shravan is the fifth month of the year according to Hindu calendar and is considered to be the holiest. While some devotees give up a thing or two dearest to them, such as a favourite food item, salt, sweets or even alcohol, some have only one meal a day. But eat you must - something which we learnt when we stepped onto the streets and found lip-smacking, Shravan-friendly foods to devour. From Malad to Vile Parle, from Parel to Marine Lines, here are some items that you must try, even if you aren't fasting.

Malad
Jamun Chips

Cost: Rs 200 for 80 gm
The co-founder of Meghraj Sweets, Neel Sangoi, warned us that this is not a snack. "The chips can be consumed only one or two at a time." But we had to add it in the list. A recommended dietary supplement for diabetics, this serves as a taste cleanser during Shravan, when you get bored of eating fried foods.
Where: Meghraj Sweets, junction of SV Road and Marve Road, Malad West
Call: 28822291
Pics/Nimesh Dave and Emmanual Karbhari

Sabudana khakra

Cost: Rs 70 for 200 gm
Ever heard of Sabudana khakra? We came across this interesting concoction, peppered with crushed nuts that had a beautiful crunch in every bite.

Parel
Farali Masala Dosa

Cost: Rs 48
While Ladu Samrat in Parel keeps a number of fast items including Sabudana khichdi, Farali thalipith, Farali misal, Rajgira puri bhaji and more, their Farali masala dosa is something that should not be given a miss. Stuffed with boiled peanuts, aloo bhaji and sabudana khichdi, this dosa is an interesting take on the regular Masala dosa.
Where: Ladu Samrat, 1 & 2 Habib Terrace, Dr BA Road, Lalbaug, Parel
Call: 24710127

Princess Street
Prahlad Petis Centre

Cost: Rs 30 for four
In a bylane of Princess Street, popularly known as the Dava Bazaar, amid the dilapidated buildings, stands a shop called Prahlad Petis Centre. For the past 48 years, Mumbaikars throng this shop for farali pattice round the year. The outer crisp coating of this potato gives way to a soft, well-marinated mixture of coconut shavings and crushed peanuts. Best enjoyed hot!
Where: Shop No 1, 20/30 Mulchand Mansion, Princess Street, Marine Lines
Call: 9820332073

Girgaum
Rajgira Puri Bhaji

Cost: Rs 75
The shop Kolhapuri Chiwda in Girgaum has been around for almost 80-82 years, owner Pradeep Velankar tells us, and it is famous for its upvaas items. The shop stocks fasting items including Sabudana bhajiya, Sabudana wada, Batata puri, Farali thalipith and Rajgira puri bhaji, throughout the year. The outlet is known for its delicious Rajgira puri bhaji. They also have a Farali thali for Rs 110.
Where: Kolhapuri Chiwda, 237 JSS Road, Mangal Wadi, Girgaum
Call: 23893912

Vile Parle
Rajgira

Cost: Rs 25 for 100 gm
Rajgira, which is also known as Amaranth or buckwheat flour and Kuttu ka ata, has a nutty flavour. The good news is that it's gluten free and it's also rich in fibre, vitamin B and proteins. These crunchy cookies make for an ideal evening snack.
Where: Heerson, A/3, Agarwal Market, Tejpal Road, near Vile Parle East
Call: 26137700/26185432

Wari che tandul chivda

Cost: Rs 25 for 200 gm
Chivdas made with nuts and sabudana are found aplenty during Shravan. But what caught our fancy was a snack made of samo, known as wari che tandul in Marathi, also commonly called jungle rice. Deep-fried and peppered with red chilli and masala, this is a tangy treat.
Where: Heerson, A/3, Agarwal Market, Tejpal Road, near Vile Parle East Call: 26185432

Banana chakri

Cost: Rs 60 for 200 gm
While it's impossible to stop at just one banana chip, we were curious when we heard about banana chakri. Similar to soya chips that are available in the market, the otherwise savoury snack left a sweet aftertaste and left us wanting for more.
Where: Thakker and Co, 34-35, Dashrathlal Joshi Road, Vile Parle West
Call: 26155946