14 October,2021 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shunashir Sen
Kebab pao
There is literally a 200m radius in Yari Road, a small stretch at the back end of Versova in Andheri West that provides a cheap, though not exactly healthy, source of sustenance for local denizens strapped for cash. The options range from humble sit-down restaurants to street stalls that have people gathering in hordes for a bite at night. Some of these places have kebabs that patrons order on such a regular basis that the eatery is able to sustain itself, thus making it a symbiotic relationship between establishment and customer. Here are four of the best options, which offer a range of kebabs that are priced below Rs 200. One, in fact, is as cheap as Rs 16.
This humble stall is bang opposite Yari Chote Miyan and serves one thing only - buff tikkis sandwiched in a pao with onions and green chutney. Watching the tikkis being fried in a pool of reused oil might give you a heart attack. But what can you expect when the dish is priced at '16, which is literally cheaper than peanuts? This is definitely not a place for people who are health-conscious But the tikkis are good enough to tingle the taste buds of those who are broke and can't afford much else.
Time 4 pm to 11 pm
At Opposite 7, Yari Road, near Vimla Hospital, Zohra Agadi Nagar, Versova, Andheri West.
Ramzan is possibly the best time to order fare from Seekh Paratha Inn, because they put up stalls in front of the shop that serve dishes outside of the menu, like khichda and mutton paya. Otherwise, their signature dish is what's on the label - seekh kebab and paratha. We get the buff version that costs Rs 100, and is non-oily, flavourful and, you probably guessed it, cheap. Their nihari is not half-bad either for the price (Rs 100 for half a portion).
Time 11 am to 1.30 pm
At Mangal Orchid, Versova, Andheri West.
Call 9167619726
Yari Chote Mian is a street-side eatery that's slap-bang in the middle of Yari Road. It opens in the evening and offers stuff like chicken and buff tawa pulao, baida roti and bhuna roll. The kebabs depend on what meat they sourced for the day, though chicken seekh and tikka kebab priced at Rs 160 each are a constant (very rarely, they even have mutton khiri, finding which is like looking for a needle in a haystack in most of Mumbai). The place is frequented by both, single folk and families out for a cheap meal together.
Time 4 pm to 11 pm
At 7, Yari Road, near Vimla Hospital, Zohra Agadi Nagar, Versova, Andheri West.
Don't order the gravy dishes from Yari Zaika, a place that has attained legendary status in the area. Having them is akin to having a bath in oil. But the kebabs they offer are the real deal. The chicken reshmi option has hefty pieces of meat that are soft and creamy. The tikka has a malai version you'd rarely find elsewhere. But we get tandoori chicken, another classic. The hallmark of a good tandoori chicken is the black charred bits that coat the meat, and the one at Yari Zaika fulfils that criteria. Sometimes, they do get it wrong though, because the dish turns out to be too dry. But at other times, you might want to write a letter to them thanking them for the succulence, and for the price it's at, which is Rs 190, it's worth taking the risk.
Time 12.30 pm to 12 am
At 242/D , Yari Road, Jeet Nagar, Versova, Andheri West.
Call 8452007030
